Universities with Great Science Programs in the USA

The United States is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, many of which offer exceptional science programs. These hallmarks of education offer excellent opportunities for students interested in pursuing a career in STEM programs.

Students who attend these universities will have the opportunity to learn from some of the best minds in their field and gain the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a wide range of careers.

So continue reading as we’ll look at some of the best universities with great science programs in the US.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Since its inception in 1861, MIT has grown to become one of the best universities in the world for science, engineering, and technology programs. This university which has produced over 50 MacArthur fellows and National Medal of Science winners offers any aspiring student a wide range of undergraduate and graduate STEM programs to choose from. 

In line with its aim to train students to tackle the world’s most intractable problems, MIT offers students access to state-of-the-art facilities and research opportunities. The university stays committed to providing world-class education by continuously innovating educational tools and methods. In 2023 it was ranked as the best university in the world by QS in its annual World University Rankings.

A building at the MIT campus
MIT is often ranked as the best university in the world.

Looking to study here? Check out our range of MIT off-campus housing.

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

Caltech, a renowned and prestigious university, is another top-ranked institution known for its great science programs and world-class researchers. This is a hands-on university that instils the spirit of research and practicality in students as early as the first year of study.

Caltech has strong connections with industry and government research institutions (such as NASA), providing students excellent internships and research collaboration opportunities. This research-focused college ensures students are trained to find and solve complex world problems in world-class research laboratories.

A courtyard at Caltech
The Caltech campus has some beautiful buildings and courtyards (photo credit: Canon.vs.nikon – Wikipedia)

Harvard University

Harvard is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United States, with a strong reputation for scientific excellence. This educational behemoth is ranked among the top five universities in the world.

The Ivy League college offers undergraduate and graduate programs in most fields, making it one of the best to study in any STEM program. Also, Harvard has world-class research facilities and a large and diverse faculty, providing students with a wide range of research opportunities. 

A view of the Harvard University campus
The beautiful campus of Harvard University.

Like the sound of this university? Browse our selection of Harvard off-campus housing.

Stanford University

Stanford is a leading private research university in Silicon Valley, known for its strong engineering, computer science, and biology programs. The university has a large and diverse faculty, and students have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment. 

Stanford University is also known for its focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, with many graduates going on to launch successful startups in the tech industry. So, if you are a budding entrepreneur, Stanford University is a great option.

A view of the Stanford University campus at dusk
Stanford University has one of the largest campuses in the United States.

Stanford is a small town in the San Francisco Bay Area. We currently don’t list housing in Stanford itself, but we do list student housing in San Francisco.

Princeton University

Princeton is a small, Ivy League university known for its great programs in the sciences. The university offers undergraduate and graduate physics, chemistry, and molecular biology programs.

Princeton strongly focuses on undergraduate research, with many opportunities for students to work with faculty members on cutting-edge research projects. This university offers numerous initiatives to help students gain valuable experience covering their STEM programs.

The Princeton University campus
Princeton University is located on the east coast of the United States, in the state of New Jersey.

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins is a top-ranked research university located in Baltimore, Maryland, with a strong reputation for excellence in the sciences. The university offers undergraduate and graduate biology, chemistry, and biomedical engineering programs. 

Johns Hopkins is also known for its world-renowned medical school, providing students with excellent research and clinical experience opportunities.

The Peabody Library of Johns Hopkins University
The stunning Peabody Library of Johns Hopkins University.

Heading here for your studies? Explore our JHU off-campus housing.

University of California, Berkeley

UC Berkeley is a large public university in the San Francisco Bay Area with a strong reputation for excellence in the sciences. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in physics, chemistry, and biology programs. It’s also one of the top public universities in the USA.

UC Berkeley is particularly renowned for its environmental science and sustainability programs, and students have access to various research facilities and resources. Berkeley is also home to an excellent geography program, ranked best in the United States in the 2023 QS World University Rankings by Subject.

The Sather Tower, or Campanile, at the University of California, Berkeley campus
A view of the Sather Tower, or Campanile, with the San Francisco Bay in the background (photo credit: Tristan Harward – Wikipedia)

Keen to study at this university? Discover our UCB off-campus housing.

Duke University

Duke is a private university in Durham, North Carolina, known for its world-class programs in the sciences. The university offers undergraduate and graduate biology, chemistry, and physics programs. 

Duke strongly focuses on interdisciplinary research, and students can work with faculty members from various departments and programs. If you’ll be studying at Duke, you can book private accommodation near Duke University right here on our website.

The Duke University Medical Center
The Duke University Medical Center is hosted in a beautiful, historic building.

If you’ll be studying here, you can book Duke University off-campus housing right here on our website.

University of Michigan

The University of Michigan is a large, public university in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with a strong reputation for excellence in the sciences. The university offers undergraduate and graduate biology, chemistry, and physics programs.

The University of Michigan is particularly renowned for its neuroscience and biomedical engineering programs, and students have access to world-class facilities where cutting-edge research can be conducted. In the 2023 QS World University Rankings, the University of Michigan was ranked as the 25th best university in the world, and the best public university in the United States.

The University of Michigan campus
The University of Michigan has been ranked as the best public university in the United States.

Applying to this university? Start browsing our UMich off-campus housing.

University of California, San Diego 

UC San Diego offers undergraduate and graduate science, engineering, and health sciences programs. The university is known for its strong research programs in fields such as neuroscience, bioengineering, and oceanography. 

San Diego is a beautiful coastal city with a diverse and dynamic student body. This city has greatly influenced the student population, and any student looking to live here would find the place warm and nice.

The San Diego skyline
San Diego is a beautiful city with a great climate.

Moving to San Diego? You can book UCSD off-campus housing here on Student.com.

The University of Texas at Austin

UT Austin is a public university offering undergraduate and graduate science, engineering, and technology programs. The university is known for its strong research programs in fields such as energy, materials science, and computer science. 

University of Texas at Austin is considered a top institution in the STEM fields because it offers student-tailored STEM education by giving students the chance to choose from hundreds of programs, each with a highly specialised major.

Skyscrapers in Austin
In addition to the university, Austin is also home to many tech companies (photo credit: Michael Barera – Wikipedia)

Heading here? We have dozens of options for UT Austin off-campus housing.

Conclusion

Located in beautiful cities nationwide, many excellent universities in the US offer exceptional science programs. These universities provide students access to world-class facilities, cutting-edge research opportunities, and knowledgeable faculty members. 

So, whether you’re interested in studying biology, chemistry, physics, or engineering, there are quite a handful of prestigious universities in lovely cities to study.

If you’re interested in studying outside the United States, check out our articles on universities with great STEM programs in the United Kingdomuniversities with great science programs in Europe, and universities with great science programs in Australia.