For several Indian students, the dream of quality education is often blurred by limited seats, intense competition, and outdated curriculum. With entrance exams in India becoming fiercely competitive, students are looking for opportunities beyond the country. Because of these reasons, so many students focus on the USA for their education.
With over 4,000 top universities in the USA, finding the right one for your bachelor’s may feel overwhelming. In this quick guide, we will learn about the best universities for Indian students for their bachelor’s degree. Let’s begin!
Table of Contents:
- Which Are the Top US Universities for Indian Undergraduates?
- Best Universities in the US with a Large Indian Student Community
- What Are the Admission Requirements to Study in USA?
- When Should You Apply to US Bachelor’s Programs?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Which Are the Top US Universities for Indian Undergraduates?
For Indian students planning to study for a Bachelor’s in the USA, choosing the right university is very important. Here is the list of universities in the USA offering a bachelor’s degree to Indian students:
| University Name | QS World University Ranking 2025 | Why It’s Good for Indian Students |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 1 |
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Harvard University | 4 |
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Stanford University | 6 |
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California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 10 |
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University of Pennsylvania | 11 |
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University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 12 |
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Cornell University | 16 |
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University of Chicago | 21 |
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Princeton University | 22 |
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Yale University | 23 |
|
Best Universities in the US with a Large Indian Student Community
As an Indian student, choosing a vibrant university with a supportive Indian community can be a game-changer. A strong Indian community would mean easy adjustment, activities on and off campus, and more opportunities. Here are some of the best universities in USA with a large Indian student population:
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)
UIUC is known for having one of the largest Indian students in the USA. The university’s Asian American Cultural Center (AACC) and Indian Graduate Students Association (IGSA) host events like Diwali and Holi and organize several cultural nights and events. The university is renowned for its engineering, business, computer science, and agricultural sciences programs.
New York University (NYU)
New York University consistently ranks high in terms of international students. In New York, NYU offers numerous career opportunities to Indian students. With its strong academic reputation and diverse campus community, India is ranked 2nd in countries represented by international students at NYU.
University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
University of California Berkeley attracts Indian students due to its strong academic reputation, top faculty, extensive research opportunities, and career prospects, due to its location in the Silicon Valley area. The Indian Student Association (ISA) at UC Berkeley is very active. It organizes events such as Garba, Diwali, and Holi, which allow students to make friends and network with other students.
University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas)
UT Dallas is popular among Indian students due to its strong academic programs, diverse student body, and inclusive campus environment. The university’s Indian Student Association, aka ISA, represents more than 2,500 Indian students at the university. The ISA serves students with airport pickups, temporary housing, cultural events, and settling into campus life.
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
CMU is one of the top choices for Indian students, especially those who plan to pursue degrees in computer science, robotics, and engineering. The Indian Graduate Students Association (IGSA) at CMU actively organizes events such as Diwali celebrations, Bollywood nights, and mentorship programs for Indian students.
What Are the Admission Requirements to Study in USA?
As an Indian student pursuing overseas education in USA, you must fulfill the following admission requirements:
| Admission Requirements | Details |
| Academic Transcripts | Must have completed secondary school (12th) or equivalent |
| English Language Proficiency | Must demonstrate English language proficiency in IELTS or TOEFL or DET, or PTE, etc |
| Standardized Tests (if required) | Must have required test scores in GMAT or GRE or SAT, or ACT |
| Proof of Funds | Must show that they can cover their tuition and living expenses |
| Other Requirements (if required) | Must have Essays, Letters of Recommendation (LoR), Statement of Purpose (SOP), etc |
When Should You Apply to US Bachelor’s Programs?
Here’s a quick timeline of when you should start applying for your Bachelor’s programs in the USA:
| Stage | Recommended Timeline | What You Should Do |
| Universities Research | April – June (Grade 11) | Start by researching universities based on your goals, program, location, ranking, and budget |
| Standardized Tests | June – October (Grade 12) | Prepare and appear for SAT/ACT, TOEFL/IELTS (if required) |
| Documents | August – October (Grade 12) | Start writing your SOPs/essays, collect your LoRs, and update your resume |
| Apply to Universities | October – December (Grade 12) | Submit applications to the university (before the deadline) |
| Scholarships | October – January | Apply for financial aid or scholarships |
| Track Applications | January – April | Keep track of your applications, monitor your offers, waitlist, or rejections |
| Education Loan | March – May | Start by researching lenders and applying for a student loan |
| Student Visa & Departure | May – August | Apply for a student visa with your I-20 Form and book flights for your departure |
| Start College in the USA | August – September | Most bachelor’s programs in the US start in late August |
Does all this sound too much to you? From shortlisting universities to education loans, the process can feel overwhelming to you. However, you don’t have to do it alone. We, at Nomad Credit, help Indian students simplify their study abroad journey at no cost by finding the right education loan option and offering step-by-step guidance, all in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which university is best for Indian students for a Bachelor’s in the USA?
For Indian students pursuing a bachelor’s in the USA, top choices often include MIT, Stanford, Harvard, and UC Berkeley because of their excellent education and career opportunities.
Which bachelor’s degree is best for Indian students in the USA?
STEM, MBA, Nursing, Education, and Arts are often considered the best bachelor’s degrees for Indian students to study in the USA.
Can I go to the USA to pursue a Bachelor’s after 12th from India?
Yes, if you fulfill the admission requirements and provide all the required documents, you can pursue your Bachelor’s degree in the USA after completing your 12th grade in India.
How much does studying a bachelor’s in the USA cost as an Indian student?
The cost can vary based on your program specialization and university. However, it can cost you around $20,000 to $100,000 (INR 17 lakhs – 85 lakhs) for studying a Bachelor’s in the USA as an Indian student.
Do 12th marks of an Indian student matter in admission to a Bachelor’s in the USA?
Yes, 12th-grade marks of Indian students matter for admission to bachelor’s programs in the USA. A good % or CGPA can open the door to top-ranking universities. However, they are only a part of your profile.
