Top 15 Universities for PhD in USA

Did you know that the top 100 universities known for research are located in the US? PhD Universities in America are among the most renowned universities in the world. The USA has always been a prime destination for students who wish to opt for higher education. America having a better standard of education and availability of a variety of subjects to do a PhD in are the main reasons why students wish to study in USA. Studying for a Doctorate in the USA, will not only improve your employment prospects but will also help you to gain a global perspective.

It takes around 4-6 years to complete a Doctorate in the USA. The time you spend studying for a PhD program in America will expose you to a vast number of international students from across the globe. You will get a chance to be a part of a diverse academic community. Universities in the USA have their curriculums designed in a manner that allows you to gain comprehensive training as well as get the opportunity to be engaged in independent research work.

The decision to study in USA for a PhD study is a major decision for which you need to do a lot of research regarding your choice of course and university. To streamline your selection of universities, you can seek help from various study abroad consultants. In this blog, we have also prepared a list of the leading universities in America where you can do a PhD.

1. Harvard University

The first university to be featured in our list also happens to be the oldest and is one of the Ivy League universities in the USA. Built in 1636, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard is best known for its academic excellence. It has 10 academic schools, 3 museums, and has 3 campuses in the USA. It is not just the oldest but also the wealthiest university in the world, it is valued to be around $50.7 billion. Book lovers are in for a treat here as the university comprises an academic library which is the largest in the world.  In the QS World University Rankings 2025, Harvard University stands at the 4th position. Getting into Harvard is quite challenging, as it has an acceptance rate of 3.1%. Students have to put in their best efforts to get here, starting with getting a high school GPA of 3.9, an ACT score between 34 and 36, and a SAT score between 1500 and 1580. Along with this, you also need to focus on having a well-composed essay, SOP, and a LOR, for which you must seek assistance from study abroad consultants providing the best SOP and LOR writing services. Harvard makes it easier for students to interact with their faculty, as it has a student-faculty ratio of 7:1.  The most popular PhD programs offered at the various schools of Harvard are accounting and management, architecture, urban planning, population health sciences, education, computer science, and public policy. At Harvard, you get a chance to study from a faculty out of which, some are Nobel laureates and Pulitzer Prize recipients. Since its inception, Harvard has gone on to produce the finest minds who have made significant progress in the fields of academia, arts, business, politics, public policy, science, and technology. Among all the universities and colleges, eight Harvard alumni have gone on to be the US president, which is the highest in the world.  Academic Calendar– a) Fall Term- Early September to mid-December b)Spring Term- mid-January to Early May University website– https://www.harvard.edu/

2. Princeton University

Another Ivy League university to be found in our list is Princeton University which was founded in 1746 in Princeton, New Jersey. It was known as the College of New Jersey in the beginning. It is the 4th oldest university of higher studies in America. It is ranked first in the categories of the ‘Best Value Schools’ and ‘National Universities’ in the US, as per the U.S. News and World Reports, 2025. It is difficult to get admission to Princeton as it has an acceptance rate of 4%. You must target getting a SAT score within 1500-1580 and an ACT score between 34 and 35, if you wish to be a student here.  The most famous PhD programs to study at Princeton are psychology, sociology, religious studies, architecture, economics, sociology, and astrophysical sciences. Princeton uses a residential college system and is quite popular for its eating clubs for juniors and seniors. It is popular not just in the field of academics but also for its artistic and cultural endeavors. The Princeton University Art Museum is a testimony to the university’s love for the arts. Its Lewis Center for the Arts is another premier institution that nurtures creative talent. It is the same place where two former US Presidents James Madison and Woodrow Wilson and Michelle Obama, the former First Lady of the USA, studied. Its outstanding faculty, state-of-the-art research facilities, and its interdisciplinary approach have contributed to Princeton’s enduring reputation as a top-notch educational institution. Academic Calendar– a) Fall Term- Early September to Late December b) Spring Term- Late January to Late May University Website–https://gradschool.princeton.edu/academics/degrees-requirements/fields-study?discipline=All&program=31

3. Columbia University

Yet another Ivy League university to feature in our list to pursue a Doctorate in the USA is Columbia University. Established in the year 1754 as the King’s College, Columbia University is the oldest institution of higher education in New York and the 5th oldest in America. It has 20 schools, including 4 undergraduate schools and 16 graduate schools. With an acceptance rate of a mere 4%, getting into Columbia University is not an easy task. To study here, you need to achieve a SAT score between 1490 and 1580 and an ACT score between 34-35. It has an effective student-faculty ratio of 6:1. Its academic prowess is fueled by the university’s scientific breakthroughs like the brain-computer interface, the 1st nuclear pile, nuclear magnetic resonance, and the 1st nuclear fission reaction in America. The Pulitzer Award is administered and annually awarded by Columbia University. The most sought-after PhD programs here are biomedical engineering, finance, marketing, communications, history, archaeology, nutrition, and metabolic biology. It is ranked 34th in the QS World University Rankings, 2025. America’s second oldest daily newspaper run by students is the Columbia Daily Spectator. Being a part of Columbia University gives you the chance to study from the same place where 7 founding fathers of America, 4 US Presidents, and 2 UN Secretary Generals studied. Over the years, the university has earned its place as one of the finest educational institutions in the world. Academic Calendar– a) Fall Semester- Early September to Mid-December b) Spring Semester- Mid-January to Early May University Website– https://www.gsas.columbia.edu/content/phd-programs

5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Located in Cambridge, MIT was founded in 1861. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology stands 3rd in the Forbes List of ‘Top Colleges 2025.’  Its student-faculty ratio is 3:1 and its acceptance rate is 4%. With such a low acceptance rate, it becomes imperative for students to write a distinctive SOP, essay, and LOR if they wish to be a student of MIT. To make your dream come true to study in USA from MIT, get the right guidance and support from study abroad consultants who provide the best SOP and LOR writing services. In addition to this, you also need to obtain an SAT score between 1510 and 1580 and an ACT score within 34-36, to study at MIT.

Known primarily for its STEM courses, MIT also offers academic degrees in the fields of humanities, social sciences, and interdisciplinary programs. It has 5 schools. Notable PhD courses include political science, economics, finance, accounting, information technology, Computational Science and Engineering, philosophy, Linguistics, Media art, and sciences.

It has numerous research centers and laboratories. It has facilities for a nuclear reactor, computation center, geophysical and astrophysical observatories, a linear accelerator, a space research center, wind tunnels, an AI laboratory, a center for cognitive science, and an international studies center along with several museums. Also, worth mentioning is the MIT Media Lab which is widely recognized for its design, technology, and multimedia. MIT continues to be known as a center for its brilliance in scientific and technological training and research. 

Academic Calendar–

a) Fall Semester-mid-June to late December, 

b) Spring Semester- Early February to mid-May

University website– https://oge.mit.edu/graduate-admissions/programs/doctoral-degrees/

6. University of Chicago (UChicago)

ince its foundation in 1890, the University of Chicago has driven new ways of thinking.  It is ranked as one of the top US and global research universities. It consists of the undergraduate College of the University of Chicago, 4 graduate divisions, and has 8 professional schools. With a student-faculty ratio of 5:1 and an acceptance rate of 5%.  An interesting thing about the University of Chicago is its “Dean on Call’ program. It provides students with an administrator from the University who is available on call 24✖7 for any sort of help and assistance. One of its most loved traditions is the “Scav”, which includes a 72-hour search for a variety of encrypted clues, riddles, and other items on campus, in Chicago, and across the US. Film enthusiasts can get a chance to be a part of the university’s Doc Films, which is America’s longest continuously-running student film society. It is also home to the University of Chicago Press, which is the largest university press in the US. Well-known PhD programs at the University of Chicago are History, Art History, Accounting, Behavioral Science, Econometrics and Statistics, Political Economy and Molecular Engineering, and Quantum Science and Engineering. You will be surprised to know that it has an alumni consisting of 100 Nobel laureates, the highest for any university in the world. Apart from being a world-renowned research university, the University of Chicago is also a prestigious liberal arts college, that offers a dynamic environment for education. Academic Calendar– a) Summer Term- Early June to Early September b) Autumn Term- End of September to mid-December c) Winter Term- Early January to mid-March d) Spring Term- mid-March to Early June University Website– https://grad.uchicago.edu/admissions/programs/

7. University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)

The University of Pennsylvania was built in 1740, by Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US. It is among the 9 colonial colleges that formed a part of the Ivy League universities. In the QS World University Rankings 2025, it is ranked 11th. In 1765, it established the 1st medical school in the US. It includes 4 undergraduate schools and 12 graduate and professional schools. To seek admission here, your high school GPA should be 3.9, SAT score between 1500-1570, and ACT score between 34-35. Its acceptance rate is only 6% and the student-faculty ratio is 8:1.  Its campus is filled with historical landmarks such as the Fisher Fine Arts Library, a beautiful Beaux-Arts building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a blend of various architectural styles, ranging from the historic college hall to the modern building of the Singh Center for Nanotechnology. Popular PhD courses at the University of Pennsylvania are Ancient History, African Studies, Applied Economics, Biology, Criminology, Demography, Earth and Environmental Science, Economics, Education, Culture and Society, Literacy Studies, and English. Notable UPenn alumni are the singer John Legend, poet William Carlos Williams, and former US President Donald Trump. Ever since its establishment, the University of Pennsylvania has been a center of groundbreaking research and innovation. Academic Calendar– a) Summer Term- End of May to Early August b) Fall Term- End of August to mid-December c) Spring Term- mid-January to mid-May University Website– https://catalog.upenn.edu/graduate/programs/

8. Stanford University

Established in 1885, in California, US Stanford’s areas of excellence span across 7 schools, and research institutes, along with arts and athletics. It is 4th among the ‘Best Value Schools’ in the US, according to the U.S. News and World Reports. It has a student-faculty ratio of 6:1, which facilitates easier understanding for students. Gaining admission to Stanford is quite challenging, as it has only a 4% acceptance rate. To get into Stanford, you must obtain a high school GPA of 3.9, your SAT score should be between 1510-1580, and your ACT score should be between 34 and 35.  Not only do you need to have a high academic score but also to be able to stand distinct from the rest of the crowd, your written documents like essays, SOP, and LOR need to be compelling. To come up with a good SOP and a LOR, you should check out some of the best SOP and LOR writers who can help you out. Stanford is known for offering unique Doctorate programs in the areas of Curriculum Studies and Teacher Education, Developmental and Psychological Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Interdisciplinary Policy Studies in Education. Committed to its multidisciplinary approach to academics, Stanford University encourages students to benefit from other programs. It also offers mini-courses of a duration of 3 weeks.  The Knights-Hennessy Scholars Program sponsored by Stanford funds up to the 1st or 3 years of your graduation studies. It is meant for students pursuing PhD in any of the following fields arts, engineering, medicine, education, humanities, or social sciences, or professional degrees in business, law or medicine. Scholarship Link– https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/ Among Stanford’s alumni are well-known personalities like Mukesh Ambani, Sundar Pichai, Rishi Sunak, and many more. It also has the largest number of Turing Award winners. The university is known for being a supporter of entrepreneurship. Its alma mater have been creators of major companies like Google, Nike, Hewlett Packard, Wipro, Yahoo, PayPal, etc. Since its inception, it has been known to have a thriving campus filled with faculty of the highest caliber and a community of creative individuals. Academic Calendar– a) Autumn Quarter- Late September to Early December b) Winter Quarter- Early January to mid-March c) Spring Quarter- Late March to Early June d) Summer Quarter- mid-June to mid-August University Website– https://ed.stanford.edu/academics/doctoral

11. John Hopkins University

The next university on our list was the 1st American university which was designed as per the European research institution model. Founded in 1876, John Hopkins University is located in Baltimore, Maryland. Among all universities in the US, it invests the most in research. It is also the 1st university in the USA that integrated teaching and research. Among National Universities in the US, it stands at the 6th position according to the U.S. News and World Reports. A student who wishes to be a student here needs to score a high school GPA of 3.9, SAT scores between 1530 and 1580, and ACT scores within the range of 34-35. It has a student-faculty ratio of 6:1 and the acceptance rate is 8%. 

Significant features of the university include the Peabody Institute, which was the 1st music academy in America, and the John Hopkins University’s press, which is the oldest running university press in the US. It is not just a university, but also has a hospital named the Johns Hopkins Hospital which is known globally for its exceptional facilities. The most popular PhD programs at John Hopkins University are Biological Sciences, Medicine, Public Health, Engineering, Anthropology, Classics, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Economics, Education, Mental Health and Neuroscience. 

Prominent John Hopkins faculty and alma mater are Nobel laureates, members of the US Congress, a US President, and two Prime Ministers. Over the years, John Hopkins University has emerged as the top choice among universities to study in USA which specialises in healthcare and medicine.

Academic Calendar–

a) Summer Term- mid-May to mid-August

b) Fall Term- End of August to mid-December

c) Spring Term- mid-January to Early May

University Website– https://e-catalogue.jhu.edu/programs/#filter=.filter_3

12. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

An institution primarily devoted to technical arts and applied sciences, Caltech was established in 1891 and is situated in Pasadena, California, US. As per the U.S. News and World Reports, it is ranked 6th among ‘National Universities’ in America. Also, it has one of the lowest student-faculty ratios which is just 3:1.  It has a highly selective admission process, with an acceptance rate of a mere 3%. The university’s admission committee pays special attention to an applicant’s SOP, LOR, and essay to assess your thought process and to check whether you are worthy of being a student of Caltech. To construct a well-written essay, LOR, and an SOP that shows that you are a desirable candidate, you must get it written with the help of a study abroad consultants who specialize in SOP and LOR writing services. With its primary focus being on science and engineering, the university consists of 5 NASA facilities, a seismological laboratory, and an international observatory network. It has 6 academic divisions. Students prefer Caltech for the following PhD courses: Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Geology and Earth Science, Astronomy and Astrophysics, Bioengineering, and Biomedical Engineering. Caltech alumni have gone on to be the founders of several renowned companies like Quora, Contour Energy Systems, Fulcrum, etc. With access to large-scale research facilities, Caltech is continuously driven by its pursuit of the development of pure and applied sciences. Academic Calendar– a) Fall Term- Late September to mid-December b) Winter Term- Early January to mid-March c) Summer Term- Late March/ Early April to Early June University website– https://www.caltech.edu/

13. Dartmouth College

Yet another private Ivy League university worth mentioning is Dartmouth College which was built in 1769, in Hanover, New Hampshire. It is ranked 9th among the ‘Best Value Schools’ in the US. Dartmouth’s student-faculty ratio is 6:1 and its acceptance rate is 6%. If you wish to be a student of Dartmouth, then you must achieve an SAT score between 1500 and 1570 and an ACT score between 33 and 35.  Its campus is filled with many architectural landmarks such as the Baker-Baker Library and the Bema Outdoor Amphitheatre. The Green, a sprawling 10-acre grassy area, serves as a major spot where students of Dartmouth meet. A notable feature of the university’s academic program is the D-plan which allows students to design their academic curriculum, including whether they need to be on campus during the summer or not. Some of the widely famous subjects in which Dartmouth College offers a Doctorate are Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Integrative Neuroscience, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Cognitive Neuroscience, Microbiology and Immunology, Ecology, Evolution, Environment and Society (EEES), and Psychological and Brain Sciences. Notable alumni include prominent personalities like Dr. Seuss, Robert Frost, Nelson Rockefeller, Shonda Rhimes, and Mindy Kaling, to name a few. From civil rights movements to political protests, Dartmouth College has been known for its active participation in fighting for change and progress ever since its inception. Academic Calendar– a) Summer Term- mid-June to End of August  b) Fall Term- mid-September to End of November c) Winter Term- End of March to Early June University Website– https://engineering.dartmouth.edu/graduate/phd

Essential Admission Requirements for Studying PhD in the USA

Now, that we have gone through the list of the best universities to study in USA for PhD, we shall have a look at the basic requirements when it comes to applying to a university in the USA.  There might be a slight change in what a university requires based on the course you are opting to do a PhD in, however across all universities, some of the common requirements are:

• Transcripts containing records of your marks obtained during higher secondary level, bachelor, and post-graduation levels.
• Resume– Your resume should briefly describe your academic and professional details, if any. Write about your marks, achievements, interests, skills and if you had worked previously, then write about your assigned role and duties performed.
• Essay– You might be asked to write one or two essays or even more, based on the course and university you are applying for a PhD in. It might also be needed if you wish to gain a scholarship/ fellowship from the university. Essays make the admission officials understand your perception and views regarding your choice of course and how it will benefit you in the future.
• SOP (Statement of Purpose) should be written in a manner that perfectly portrays your accomplishments as an individual, be it academically or professionally. It should focus on how your interests, skills, and reasons for pursuing PhD in a particular discipline, align with your future goals.
• LOR (Letters of Recommendation)- You can ask any of your previous teachers/professors/mentors/employers to write a letter of recommendation for you, stating your personality and credibility as an individual. This is used as a way through which the university admission authorities can get an idea about whether you are a deserving candidate or not. 

Writing documents such as a SOP, LOR, essay, or resume requires a lot of time and effort. It forms an integral part of the college application process. If you wish to seek further clarity regarding these, then do seek help from renowned study abroad consultants who specialize in essay, resume, SOP, and LOR writing services.

• Research Proposal giving an outline of your chosen field of study that you will be pursuing your PhD in, it should be written in your own words clearly stating your aim, research methods, and sources used. 
• Standardized Test Scores in exams like the GRE and GMAT are used to evaluate a student’s thinking, reasoning, and analytical skills.
• English Language Proficiency is assessed through your obtained scores in TOEFL/IELTS/PTE/ Duolingo. This is needed to check whether you will be able to study in an educational institution with the medium of instruction being in English.
• Interviews might be conducted online or in person to evaluate your speaking skills and thought process, to see whether you deserve to be a part of a particular university or not.
• Having a valid passport will help you get a student visa to the US.

PhD Scholarships in the USA for International Students

If you wish to pursue a PhD degree in the USA, then you must check out some of the popular scholarship incentives available for international students. These scholarships provide students with a monthly stipend, tuition fees, accommodation charges, health insurance, and travel insurance. Some of the well-known scholarships and fellowships are:

• The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State every year and comprises fully funded scholarships for foreign students. To be eligible for this scholarship, you must possess a first, or upper-second-class honors bachelor’s degree. In addition, to having been accepted into an accredited graduate school, displaying academic merit, passing the GRE or GMAT exam, and submitting a CV. Fulbright fellows must return to their home country for at least two years of funding.

Scholarship Link– https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org/about/foreign-student-program

• The American Association of University Women International Fellowships are given to female graduate students. To receive a scholarship amount of $25,000, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and cannot have US citizenship. You must be involved in full-time study or research, have a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, be proficient in English, and have an outstanding academic record. Upon completion of your course in the US, you must return to your native country.

Scholarship Link–

https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/current-opportunities/international-fellowships/

• The Asian Cultural Council Fellowship Program provides financial assistance to Asian graduate students who are pursuing a master’s or a PhD degree in visual arts or humanities. You must submit a professional portfolio containing at least 15 work samples.

           Scholarship Link– 

https://www.asianculturalcouncil.org/our-work/programs/fellowships-and-grants

• The Campbell Fellowships for Transformative Research offers a one six or nine-month postdoctoral fellowship to a female scholar whose research work is based on the conditions of women in developing countries and effective strategies for ensuring their well-being. Mostly female students pursuing a Doctorate in subjects like Anthropology, Geography, Political Science, Law, History, Economics, Sociology, and Psychology are preferred. A recipient gets a $4,500/month stipend, housing, and office space on the SAR (School for Advanced Research) campus.

Scholarship Link– https://sarweb.org/media/files/campbell_fellowship_flier.pdf

• The Franklin Mosher Baldwin Memorial Fellowship sponsored by the Leakey Foundation awards $15,000 annually to students coming from developing countries. Eligible students for the fellowship must have been accepted into a recognized Master’s or PhD program in the US. Students’ course of study should be in any one of the following disciplines that are Prehistory, Paleoanthropology, Primatology, and related majors. Upon completion of graduation, students must return to their home country.

Scholarship Link– https://leakeyfoundation.org/grant/baldwin/

• The National Council on International Trade Development (NCITD) Scholarships are awarded to a few students who want to pursue a career in international trade. It consists of a scholarship amount of $1000 along with a one-year NCITD membership. An applicant must have scored a minimum GPA of 3.0, attend a US university, submit 2 LORs, and a 2500-word SOP. Only students enrolled in PhD programs in the following subjects can apply: International Trade, Political Science, International Affairs, Law, Economics, International Business, and International Relations.

Scholarship Link–

https://www.ncitd.org/scholarships#:~:text=Begun%20in%202010%2C%20the%20NCITD,or%20any%20other%20extracurricular%20activities

Conclusion

Many students from across all corners of the world, wish to study in USA, especially when it comes to attaining a PhD degree in a subject. Pursuing a PhD from an accredited academic institution in the USA provides a unique educational experience. You get access to research opportunities, cutting-edge technology, develop necessary skills, and gain a prestigious degree. Depending on your field of study, you could take around 4-6 years to complete your PhD in the US. Pursuing a Doctorate degree from US opens the doors to having a career in diverse fields. It provides you with an edge over the other candidates who wish to apply for a job. 

While there are several universities in the US which offer PhD programs, some of them are the most prestigious ones known for offering the best in terms of curriculum, faculty, research, student programs and other facilities. From their inception till now, these top-ranking universities in the US for PhD, have continued to maintain their academic excellence. With the availability of several departmental and other institutional scholarship schemes, the dream to study PhD from a university in US, no longer seems distant.

Since these institutions of higher learning have a very selective admission process, a low acceptance rate and a very high competition level, it becomes essential that a student who wishes to study in USA prepares a well-written SOP, Essay, LOR and a resume. To create a lasting impression on the admission authorities, seek assistance from the best study abroad consultants specializing in education writing services. We, at Contentholic, over the years have been recognized by several media houses for our exceptional essay, resume, SOP and LOR writing services. Feel free to contact us and we promise to deliver our best.