Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is among the world's most prestigious technical universities. It is both a university and a major research institution. More than 60% of MIT students choose engineering. The university also has top faculties in economics, business, natural sciences, information technology, mathematics, and linguistics. Tuition fees start from $53,450 per year for a bachelor's course. Foreign students must pass a standardized English exam and two tests (in mathematics and another subject). The competition at MIT is up to 40 applicants per place.

Harvard University

Harvard University is also one of the oldest universities in the United States. It ranks second in the US News Best Colleges national ranking and third in the QS World University Rankings. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard consists of 12 autonomous faculties. The most popular areas are politics, law, and social sciences. It also houses the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. Tuition is $56,000 per year. Harvard produces the highest number of billionaires and notable personalities. Five US presidents, Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg studied here.

Stanford University

Stanford University, ranked third, is a global leader in IT and high technology. It is one of the world's most renowned research centers, located in Palo Alto, California. Stanford has over 700 buildings, 18 laboratories, and institutes with modern equipment, and 20 libraries. More than 50 of its faculty members are Nobel laureates. Stanford has seven faculties, with the medical, law, and engineering faculties being the most prestigious. The average tuition is $57,775. Stanford uses a unique quarter system (fall: 24.09–14.12; winter: 7.01–22.03; spring: 1.04–12.06; summer: 24.06–17.08), which differs it from other universities. Each student has an individual study plan.

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

The California Institute of Technology, located in Pasadena, California, is also a prestigious university in the United States. Among technical universities, it is the most advanced after MIT. Besides core faculties (exact sciences and engineering), Caltech offers departments in the humanities, social sciences, music, and arts. It is one of the most funded universities in the country. First-year students receive pass/fail grades in all courses so that they can adapt to the new environment. Foreign students need an honors diploma to apply. Tuition is $54,090 per year.

Columbia University

Columbia University, located in Manhattan, New York, completes the top 5. It is a prestigious institution, leading various rankings and being part of the Ivy League. The most popular faculties are engineering, social sciences, medical sciences, biology, linguistics, and the arts. Every student is guaranteed on-campus housing for the duration of their studies. Over 95% of graduates find prestigious, high-paying jobs within a year after graduation. Columbia has the highest student satisfaction rate in the country (99%). Tuition is $59,430 per year.