Business education in the U.S. paves the road to excellent job opportunities. With over 5,000 schools to choose from, international students face a difficult decision. This guide lists five of the most highly rated business schools in the U.S., and introduces you to the cities where they are located.
University of Pennsylvania
Also known as the Wharton School, the University of Pennsylvania is an Ivy League university. Both undergraduate and master’s programs are available here. An impressive fact about Wharton is that it offers not only business courses, but courses in liberal arts and sciences as well. Essentially, you will be able to tailor the program to your exact needs.
About The City
Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania. Being one of the oldest municipalities of the U.S., this city is bursting with colonial history.
Weather
Philadelphia experiences a climate with four distinct seasons. Summers can be very hot, and winters are cold and bring a lot of snow. Precipitation persists throughout the year, so make sure you’re prepared for that.
Top Attractions
The Independence National Historical Park houses historical landmarks like the Liberty Bell, and is a popular tourist destination. Students can also keep themselves occupied with the many museums, opera houses, and theatres in the city.
Cost of Living
The cost-of-living index is 101, which is only slightly above the national average of 100. Students’ housing plans make this city a more affordable place for students to live.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is one of the world’s leading research institutions. This university offers hands-on learning for both undergraduate and master’s students, and allows students to collaborate with experts from across the globe. There are also ‘Visiting Fellow’ programs that give mid-career professionals the opportunity to go back to school.
About The City
Cambridge is situated across the Charles River, north of Boston. Located here is Kendall Square, which is known as the most innovative square mile in the world due to the number of startup companies founded here.
Weather
MIT is located in New England, which experiences weather that changes with the seasons. Summers can be warm but rarely too hot, whereas winters can be extremely cold and snowy. Fall and spring are generally pleasant, but can be on the cool side for those used to warmer climates.
Top Attractions
Cambridge is a hub for arts and culture, with numerous museums and historic buildings. The city lies between many parks and wildlife reservations that make for pleasant day trips.
Cost of Living
Cambridge is a fairly expensive place to live, with a cost-of-living index of 181. Fortunately, with students’ discounts on everything from food to bus travel, and a proper health insurance plan, international students are able to live here comfortably.
New York University
The Stern School of Business at New York University offers both full-time and part-time MBA programs, as well as undergrad and Ph.D. programs. The school was founded in 1900, making it one of the oldest business schools in the world.
About The City
One of the busiest cities in the world, New York is full of excitement. There are famous attractions all around, cuisine from all over the world, and residents of nearly every culture and background.
Weather
Winters in New York City are chilly and damp, while summers are hot and humid. The city receives regular rainfall throughout the year. Since walking is the best mode of transport in the city, make sure that you have proper rain gear.
Top Attractions
NYC is a sea of famous buildings that receive thousands of visitors every day. Its Broadway shows and shopping are reasons why many tourists visit. However, Central Park is popular destination among students, offering the perfect getaway from the skyscrapers.
Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living index is 187, against a national average of 100. Safe housing and utility costs are very high. But luckily, students have the option of staying in dorms, making living in the city more affordable. Many international students also choose to live outside the city to reduce costs. Regular commuter trains make it possible to live in more affordable areas and travel to school each day.
Carnegie Mellon University
The Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University offers a future-focused program that is very helpful for students. The Tepper Quad is located at the heart of the campus, and is an innovation hub that allows business students to have access to top-ranked experts across many fields. The undergraduate program at this university was ranked #7 by U.S. News and World Report.
About The City
Pittsburgh is known as the ‘steel city,’ due to the 300+ steel-related businesses located here. The city is also known for its involvement in the healthcare, education, and technology industries.
Weather
Pittsburgh experiences cold winters and warm and humid summers. Rainfall is mostly concentrated to the month of May.
Top Attractions
This city has a rich history of arts and culture, with many famous performance centers. Pittsburgh has many museums that are a must-visit, as well as sports stadiums and attractive parks and greenspaces.
Cost of Living
Pittsburgh has a cost of living index of 87.5. This indicates that it is very affordable to live in, with reasonable housing and healthcare costs.
Stanford University
The Stanford Graduate School of Business offers MBA, Ph.D., and certification programs. Students at Stanford have access to world experts in business. The courses are taught with the global economy in mind, making it possible to secure a job anywhere in the world. This is especially useful for international students who may wish to travel back to their home country.
About The City
Stanford is in Santa Clara, California. Home to Silicon Valley, it is a hub for technology and innovation.
Weather
Stanford experiences warm and dry summers, but has a relatively pleasant climate throughout the year. Being a beach city, it can be humid.
Top Attractions
Santa Clara has many natural reserves and parks with beautiful flora and fauna. The city has several park systems that are popular among students.
Cost of Living
Santa Clara has an extremely high cost of living. The index is 241.5 and because of this, many students choose to live outside the city and either drive or take a train to school.
For international students, the cost of living is very important to consider when choosing a school. Make sure you keep that in mind before making your decision. Other factors like the city and proximity to the transport system are also important points to consider.
