Top 15 Best Graduate Schools USA

Best Graduate Schools

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Many of the best graduate schools in the USA are traditional residential graduate programs that foster community and prepare students for bright careers. Furthermore, it’s common for higher education experts to say that today’s bachelor’s degree is yesterday’s high school diploma. Many individuals attend grad school to get a professional job, higher positions of authority, responsibility, and income. In most fields today, the only way for a worker to enter management and administration is with a master’s degree.

With the professional job market increasingly competitive, more working adults than ever are returning to school to earn their master’s degrees. More traditional-aged students are working straight through their bachelor’s and going into a master’s program, sometimes with the 4+1 programs. Many universities now offer this course of learning in which students earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree together in only 5 years.

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For most students, traditional residential graduate degree programs are the most effective way to gain the knowledge and expertise to advance their careers. A completed degree can lead to a satisfying career with the connections and partnerships that the best research universities provide. To help both traditional-aged students and working adult professionals navigate the maze of graduate schools, Value Colleges has compiled its ranking of the very best values in graduate education.



Methodology

Value Colleges recommends only accredited reputable colleges and universities. VC recommends graduate schools that provide their students with an ideal balance of educational quality, diversity, affordability, and career opportunity. We start with grad school information from the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs IPEDS Database, setting parameters for institutions with high graduation rates, high Carnegie Foundation classifications (meaning the most productive research universities that provide students with high-quality, hands-on research opportunities), and a high number of graduate programs. We then rank the qualified institutions on the following:

  • REPUTATION — Featured on US News and the Princeton Review Graduate Subject Rankings
  • COST — Annual average tuition and fees for Graduate Students
  • ROI — Payscale’s salary data (mid-career pay)

Our formula determines which colleges and universities will offer graduates the most opportunity and return for their tuition, creating the Best Value Grad School ranking. Additionally, applicants can find resources on financial aid and scholarships on each school’s website. So, if you plan to attend grad school, read on to find out the best grad schools and graduate degree programs!


1. University of Maryland College Park

Value College’s #1 Best Value Graduate School USA, the University of Maryland College Park, is the leading public research institution in Maryland, and the broader Washington, DC metropolitan region. As a land-grant institution, UMD’s mission is to provide the best possible education for most students, especially in practical and professional fields. UMD has done this job more than admirably. A US News & World Report and the Princeton Review top 15 university, UMD’s close proximity and relationship with the nation’s capital has made it one of the most competitive public universities in the country.

UMD’s Graduate School is also a leader, with top 25-ranked colleges and many academic programs recognized in the top 5, top 10, and top 20 nationally, such as criminology, higher education administration, and information technology. Additionally, the school is recognized for the high number of graduate degrees awarded to African-American students, and its diverse student body and faculty. Many graduate students are awarded assistantships from their college or department. And even those without formal department assistantships participate in cutting-edge research. With UMD’s low tuition rate and exceptional quality, the school is a premium value.

Best Graduate School USA: visit the school website to view all graduate degrees and admissions information!

Cost: $7524 per year

2. University of California Berkley

As the flagship university of the University of California system, this school is one of the most prestigious public university systems in the US, if not the world. UC Berkeley is an original Public Ivy university with the name recognition and quality of the Ivy League. It is a model of excellence in public higher education. Berkeley’s eminent scholars and faculty members are research leaders in every field, from literature to chemistry. In fact, Berkeley researchers discovered 16 unique chemical elements.

With the reputation and excellence Berkeley exhibits, graduate students can trust that a master’s or doctoral degree from UC Berkeley will vault them to the top of any field. Many of Berkeley’s graduate degree programs are ranked at the top nationally, from urban design to public health, rhetoric to sociology. Students benefit from an intensely intellectual environment in one of the US’s most politically active and culturally advanced cities. UC’s tuition keeps it within the realm of affordability, but its academic brilliance keeps it elite.

Best Graduate School USA: visit the school website to view all graduate degrees and admissions information!

Cost: $11,220 per year

3. University of Texas at Austin

Another of the original Public Ivies is the University of Texas at Austin. The campus is in the established cultural and artistic mecca of the state of Texas. With more than 200 dedicated research centers and facilities, UT conducts world-changing research in many fields and disciplines. UT’s computing and technology research has also been a key component of Austin’s tech boom, a growing industry rivaling Silicon Valley and the Pacific Northwest.

UT Austin’s grad school has some of the best academic programs in the nation. And their deep connections to the business, industry, and tech firms of Austin and beyond mean superior access to the job market for graduates. In addition to its advanced degrees, Austin’s graduate school has a well-developed community for career and professional services. UT also offers effective outreach programs, including an outstanding effort in which graduate students present their work to 12-year-old schoolchildren to interest them in higher education and research. With public university prices and a hand in developing the whole region, UT is valuable in all sorts of ways!

Best Graduate School USA: visit the school website to view all graduate degrees and admissions information!

Cost: $9564 per year

4. Bringham Young University

Brigham Young University has long been considered one of the best values in private research universities, thanks to its excellent quality and affordable tuition. As a Church of Latter-Day Saint’s institution, BYU’s student body is almost entirely Mormon. As the leading choice for Mormon students, BYU has grown to the largest religious university and the third largest private university in the US. Students are drawn to the BYU community for its educational excellence and spiritual guidance. Many of their programs rank at the top of their fields.

BYU’s medical, law, and business programs are highly respected and a graduate school’s top choice. The engineering department and computing department are also major draws. And BYU’s combination of technology and entrepreneurship makes it one of the best universities in the nation to start a business, with a high proportion of graduates producing start-ups from their graduate research. For Latter-Day Saints members, BYU is an incredible value, one of the lowest-priced graduate schools in the world, and one that promises students significant returns.

Best Graduate School USA: visit the school website to view all graduate degrees and admissions information!

Cost: $6500 per year

5. Iowa State University

A Carnegie Foundation top-tier research university (the highest level of research productivity recognized), Iowa State University is the model of what a land-grant institution is built to do. It was, in fact, the first land-grant university of all. And that means excellence in applied sciences, agriculture, and other practical fields. Iowa State is also recognized for its journalism department, nursing, teacher education, and computing department. Iowa State was instrumental in the invention of the first electronic digital computer and one of the first universities offering extension and distance education.

Today Ames, IA, is a Midwest research and education center. Iowa State offers a wealth of graduate degree programs in almost every field imaginable, with solid research areas in energy, chemistry, and engineering. Ames has been named one of the best places to live in the US. Additionally, Iowa State scores high on student and faculty happiness polls which is an essential quality, considering the hard work and stress of graduate school. Iowa State fulfills its mission of making education accessible with low tuition. Any college student interested in learning more about masters degrees for in-demand fields, should check out this school.

Graduate School: visit the school website to view all graduate degrees!

Cost: $8130 per year

6. University of Colorado Boulder

This school is a US News & World Report and the Princeton Review top 50 global institution. The University of Colorado Boulder is the flagship of the CU system and one of the dominant institutions in the west. Boulder is the most culturally, economically, and politically vibrant city in the Rocky Mountain region. CU Boulder exhibits excellence in all fields, whether the humanities, business, or STEM. Boulder is especially recognized for its top-tier engineering. Its long association with NASA and space technology has made it one of the most important universities for space exploration and research.

CU Boulder’s world-class graduate school pairs students with top-notch researchers, giving students ample access to some of the most critical, leading-edge work in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities. The Leeds School of Business and the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences are two of the strongest divisions. While Boulder’s law school is also highly regarded and exceptionally competitive. Graduate students enjoy both strong faculty support and a wealth of innovative, interdisciplinary options for advanced degrees, all for a considerably affordable tuition rate. Any college student interested in learning more about masters degrees for in-demand fields, should check out this school.

Graduate School: visit the school website to view all graduate degrees

Cost: $10,530 per year

7. George Mason University

Founded as an extension campus for the renowned University of Virginia, George Mason University’s critical closeness to Washington DC has been key to helping it grow into the largest public research university in Virginia. From the suburb of Fairfax, VA, GMU is perfectly placed to attract students from across Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic: close enough to Washington to develop deep ties with federal agencies and the non-profit sector, win competitive federal grants, and build the largest student body in Virginia.

Graduate students receive many advantages from the GMU edge. They have access to research not available anywhere else, strong connections to government and industry partners, and top name recognition on the job market. George Mason offers master and doctoral degree students an excellent return on investment. Students can choose from hundreds of master’s degrees, doctorates, and graduate certificates, with one of the lowest tuition rates possible from a school of GMU’s stature. It’s no wonder George Mason University is considered one of the smartest investments in higher education. Any college student interested in learning more about masters degrees for in-demand fields, should check out this school.

Graduate School: visit the school website to view all graduate degrees and admissions information!

Cost: $6120 per year

8. University of Florida

One of the most respected universities in the south, and a U.S. News & World Report top 20 public institution, the University of Florida is also home to one of the largest student bodies in the nation. UF is one of the leaders for the region in professional graduate programs, from medicine and veterinary science to business and law. Because of NASA’s prominence in Florida, UF’s many engineering programs are considered top-tier.

Health and medicine are UF’s most significant attractions for graduate students. The school boasts state-of-the-art research campuses in Gainesville and Jacksonville and a number of teaching hospitals dedicated to children’s health, rehabilitation, psychiatric treatment, and cancer. Other students come to UF for engineering, business, and food science, some of UF’s most innovative research areas. The University of Florida is one of the nation’s top party schools, but that’s only because UF students have a lot to celebrate. Any college student interested in learning more about masters degrees for in-demand fields, should check out this school.

Graduate School: visit the school website for grad schools for a master’s degree or doctorate!

Cost: $8082 per year

9. University of Virginia

When people talk about a Public Ivy, they’re talking about institutions like the University of Virginia, one of the most elite, dominant public universities in the US. UVA has all the history and pedigree of an Ivy League university, has maintained a place at the head of research and education for nearly two centuries, and continues to innovate and drive fields as diverse as philosophy, business, and medicine.

Health and medicine dominate UVA’s research. Almost half of UVA’s budget derives from its medical patents and over $1 billion annually from its many medical breakthroughs in health sciences. In addition, UVA students and faculty have contributed to an entrepreneurial boom in the Charlottesville region, with successful business startups beginning to resemble Silicon Valley. UVA remains one of the most prestigious institutions for the humanities in the US as well, making UVA one of the leaders in history, English, and the arts.

Graduate School: visit the school website to enroll in a master’s degree or doctoral degree from the UVA grad school!

Cost: $14,856 per year

10. University of Pennsylvania

Just as Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virginia to represent the best education possible in the arts and sciences, Benjamin Franklin designed the University of Pennsylvania as a shining example of higher education in the applied sciences and professional education. An Ivy League university, Penn pioneered education in fields like engineering, medicine, and business, creating the first schools in those areas and introducing the modern university to the US.

Students come to the University of Pennsylvania for the excellence and connections that have made it the alma mater of Supreme Court Justices, Nobel Prize winners, and billionaire industrialists and entrepreneurs alike. Penn’s business, medicine, nursing, and law schools all dominate rankings in their fields, and an alumni network spread across the world ensures that graduates will always find a place after Penn. Additionally, Penn’s tuition is low for the Ivy League. But, the school has robust financial aid programs and an all-grant policy. So, few students need to take out loans, making it one of the best values in the world.

Graduate School: visit the school website to enroll in a master’s degree or doctoral degree from the Penn grad school!

Cost: $23,000 to $70,000 per year

11. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California, a major, private research university, is one of the west coast’s answers to the Ivy League – an extraordinarily elite university with an endowment of over $5 billion and half a billion dollars in research funding. USC is highly selective, and its wealth makes it possible for them to be one of the most generous schools for financial aid. Because of its policy of accepting only the best candidates and meeting students’ financial needs, USC has become one of the most diverse elite universities in the nation.

Because of its location in Los Angeles, USC has the world’s largest, oldest, and most respected film school. The School of Cinematic Arts has deep roots and strong connections to the Hollywood film industry. USC’s School of Architecture is also an industry leader, while the Thornton School of Music is similarly renowned. Beyond the humanities, USC’s graduate education is top-notch. Its engineering, health, medicine, and business schools have had tremendous success, especially as USC’s business relationships have spread across the Pacific Rim.

Graduate School: visit the school website to take the first step to enroll in a graduate study program!

Cost: $29,988 per year

12. Texas A & M University

As a land, sea, and space-grant institution, Texas A&M University is one of the largest universities in the US and one of the most reputed. The “Agricultural and Mechanical” part of the name is a nod to its beginnings. Still, while Texas A&M’s excellence in education and research has roots in the practical education that the land grant requires, it has grown well beyond those bounds into engineering, medicine, business, and technology.

With one of the largest endowments in the US and one of the highest rates of research productivity, Texas A&M offers graduate students access to some of the most exciting, forward-looking research in the world. TAMU has been at the forefront of graduate education in bioengineering, petroleum engineering, and space technology, led by an entrepreneurial spirit. Regularly ranked as a best value school, Texas A&M has also been acclaimed by the Wall Street Journal as one of the best colleges for getting a competitive, lucrative job. Any college student interested in learning more about masters degrees for in-demand fields, should check out this school.

Graduate School: visit the school website for grad schools to enroll in a master’s degree or doctorate!

Cost: $15,667 per year

13. University of California Davis

The University of California, Davis, stands alongside other UC system universities as a Public Ivy. It consistently falls in the top dozen public universities in the US for graduate education. As the third-largest institution in the UC system, Davis is a destination for California students. It is known for its educational excellence. But it is also known for the culture and community of its beloved college town. Davis is the city people come to for college and never want to leave.

This school started as UC’s rural agricultural campus. Because of its roots, UC Davis is still among the best choices for students interested in agriculture, especially the wine business, with the Department of Viticulture and Enology. Other leading programs include veterinary science, earth science, and environmental science. So, it’s no surprise that UC Davis is known as one of the greenest schools in the nation. It’s also a proven value, with the UC reputation and strong connections throughout California. Any college student interested in learning more about masters degrees for in-demand fields, should check out this school.

Graduate School: visit the school website to take the first step to finding a graduate study program!

Cost: $13,165 per year

14. University of Michigan

One of the dominant public research institutions in the Midwest is the University of Michigan. It is the state’s flagship, with its main campus in lovely Ann Arbor, regularly ranked as one of the most loved college towns and best places to live. With one of the largest endowments of any public university, UM has been steadily increasing its already strong reputation as the best value for graduate education. It has increased financial aid and reduced student debt over recent years.

UM offers a wide range of professional and STEM graduate programs, as well as humanities and social science. UM’s Rackham Graduate School offers hundreds of master’s, doctoral, and graduate certificate programs and a number of other programs directly administrated by their schools. With its superior regional reputation, UM promises its graduates a solid, rewarding place in the job market. Additionally, international students find they are a staple of UM’s graduate programs, with over 2,400 international students from 90 countries learning on the campus.

Graduate School: visit the school website to take the first step to finding a graduate study program!

Cost: $21,040 per year

15. Arizona State University

Arizona State University’s 21st-century boom is a success story that other universities look at in envy and work to emulate. In a short period, this school transformed from a regional public university to one of the US’s largest and most admired institutions. ASU’s innovation, entrepreneurship, and accessibility have redefined American undergraduate, graduate, and online higher education. In just the last two decades, ASU leaped into the top tier of research universities, and students have found ASU’s success translates into their own.

ASU offers well over 100 graduate programs and a model 4+1 program that allows students to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years. Many ASU schools are ranked at the top of their respective fields. For example, journalism is in the top 10, and many more are in the top 20, including Public Affairs, Nursing, and Teaching. ASU’s business and law schools are highly respected for their quality and connections. Additionally, graduates can trust that their reasonably-priced tuition will be well spent on their graduate education. Any college student interested in learning more about masters degrees for in-demand fields, should check out this school.

Graduate School: visit the school website to take the first step to finding a graduate study program!

Cost: $10,610 per year


Best Graduate Schools USA

How Do International Students Find a Graduate School in the USA? 

Can international students attend grad school in the USA?  Yes. International students find there are many opportunities to pursue graduate studies. The majority of international students are from countries like China and India. But, international students from almost every country study in the United States. Many international students find graduate education in a wide range of professions, from health sciences to social sciences. Medical schools and nursing programs are some grad school programs international students find appealing.


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Aya Andrews

Editor-in-Chief

Aya Andrews is a passionate educator and mother of two, with a diverse background that has shaped her approach to teaching and learning. Born in Metro Manila, she now calls San Diego home and is proud to be a Filipino-American. Aya earned her Masters degree in Education from San Diego State University, where she focused on developing innovative teaching methods to engage and inspire students.

Prior to her work in education, Aya spent several years as a continuing education consultant for KPMG, where she honed her skills in project management and client relations. She brings this same level of professionalism and expertise to her work as an educator, where she is committed to helping each of her students achieve their full potential.

In addition to her work as an educator, Aya is a devoted mother who is passionate about creating a nurturing and supportive home environment for her children. She is an active member of her community, volunteering her time and resources to support local schools and organizations. Aya is also an avid traveler, and loves to explore new cultures and cuisines with her family.

With a deep commitment to education and a passion for helping others succeed, Aya is a true inspiration to those around her. Her dedication to her craft, her community, and her family is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence in all aspects of her life.

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ValueColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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