Higher education in America is fee-based regardless of the form of ownership of the university. Public universities, which are state-owned, receive funding where they are located. There are tuition benefits for local students. Visitors from other states and international students pay the same.
Private universities have the same tuition for all citizens and have higher tuition than state universities. Only selected research programs can receive partial funding from the state. Such universities exist and grow by the fees paid by students.
U.S. public universities are distinguished by their scale and solid research facilities. Private universities are more focused on achieving specific results and can excel in some areas of education. Harvard and Stanford are private universities.
University Rankings
When ranking universities the main indicator is the quality of teaching, then prestige, and then campus comfort and infrastructure, availability of clubs and extracurriculars, climate, and other details are taken into account. Among U.S. public universities many enjoy the highest standing and prestige. On the other hand, among them are many quite democratic, in which the chances of enrollment of foreign applicants are quite high.
The famous world rankings can serve as a guideline for the choice of an American university:
Times Higher Education (THE);
Quacquarelli Symonds (QS ranking);
Shanghai ranking (Academic Ranking of World Universities).
The quality of education at state universities is meticulously controlled by the state. Students who manage to express themselves on the best side can count on a grant, scholarship, or admission to a special program. Look carefully at the positions and programs of particular departments, as they may be leaders in their field regardless of the overall ranking of the university.
A department’s position in the rankings can be affected by the success of faculty research. You can expect to be involved in it as a lab technician in your senior year. The ranking is influenced by research activity, the number of awards earned, discoveries made, and famous scientists working at the university.
The Times Higher Education ranking is calculated annually. It takes into account, among other things, the number of scholarships awarded to students. In 2018, the following five U.S. universities were the leaders:
University of California at Los Angeles;
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor;
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill;
University of California at Berkeley;
Purdue University in Indiana.
University of California at Los Angeles.
UCLA offers 150 programs in economics, business, politics, biology, psychology, and at the intersection of several sciences. International students especially appreciate UCLA Extension programs, which allow them to quickly master a new profession. They are also convenient for those who already have a degree and want to continue their development in their chosen field of study.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is one of the oldest universities in America, it was opened more than 200 years ago – in 1817. However, in spite of its considerable age it is considered an acknowledged innovator in scientific research. It was here that women began to receive higher education for the first time, and a student newspaper began to be published.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Another old American university is the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It was founded in 1795 and is now part of the University of North Carolina. It offers 70 bachelor’s degree programs and 107 master’s degree programs. Those with advanced degrees can choose from 74 graduate programs.
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University of California Berkeley
UC Berkeley’s focus is scientific research. Its alumni include 94 Nobel laureates. It successfully trains directors, screenwriters, actors, athletes, and writers. But Berkeley offers many programs not only in the economic-political field or humanities, but also in the natural sciences.
Purdue University
Indiana is home to Purdue University, another top U.S. university. Purdue offers more than 200 bachelor’s degree programs. Sixty-nine areas of study are open to master’s students. The arts, engineering, medicine, economics, and IT are all on offer here. Virtually everyone can find an interesting field of study to further their education.
Getting into U.S. public universities
Getting into a U.S. university is a daunting task that professionals who have already earned an international degree can help you with. Take advice and encouragement from people who have already gone down this path. You are expected to demonstrate not only your knowledge in your chosen academic field, but also your general knowledge of English and your personal skills.