Compare prices and save on cheap textbooks at CheapestTextbooks.com

Schools Worldwide: Top 11 Colleges and Universities in the World

schools worldwide

Roughly 20 million American students enroll in an undergraduate or graduate program each year. There is a lot of competition during application season, especially to get into the best schools worldwide.

There’s a lot to consider when getting ready for higher education, from choosing a school to buying your textbooks.

Are you tired of scouring the internet to figure out which universities and colleges are the best in the world? You’ve come to the right place!

Read on to learn more about the top eleven schools worldwide.

11. University Of Toronto

Our first stop is Canada! The classes at the University of Toronto, located in Ontario, Toronto, are taught by renowned researchers and writers. They are well known for their math and science programs, though they boast a high ranking in the arts and humanities, as well.

10. Swiss Federal Institute Of Technology  

Located in Zurich, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology is all about science, math, tech, and engineering. It is one of the crown jewels of the Swedish government, founded in 1854 to serve as a hub for Swiss scientists and engineers.

9. University Of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania, located in Philadelphia, is older than America, itself! It was founded in 1740 and in, more recent years, provided notable figures such as John Legend and Elon Musk with their education. It is well known for its business program and, taking a unique turn, its veterinary school.

8. University Of Chicago

The University of Chicago is a great school for students who want to live in a big city and fill big shoes! A remarkable number of Nobel Prize winners attended the University of Chicago, going on to win prizes for everything from chemistry to literature.

7. Yale University 

Yale University is located in New Haven, Connecticut and was founded in 1701. It is known for its not-so-secret (but still mysterious) societies just as much as its rigorous programs. If you are looking for a topnotch political science or international relations degree, Yale may be for you.

6. University Of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge, located in England, is rich with history, having opened its doors in the 13th century. It is the fourth-oldest university to still function as a school today. It is known for its programs in philosophy, archaeology, and linguistics as well as the beautiful gardens located all over campus.

The university’s publishing arm, called the Cambridge University Press, is the oldest publisher in the world. As a result, the University of Cambridge attracts some of the brightest minds internationally. 

5. Princeton University

Almost 300 years ago, Princeton University was known as the University of New Jersey. It was founded only a few years after the University of Pennsylvania and has remained one of the most desirable schools worldwide ever since.

Social sciences, engineering, and computer science make up some of Princeton’s most popular programs. 

4. Columbia University

Similar to the University of Chicago, Columbia University is a great school for students seeking life in a big city. Located in New York City and established in 1754, Columbia University is primarily known for its science programs. This includes engineering and biomedical sciences as well as the social sciences and psychology.

However, Columbia University also has a fantastic English department and was home to the likes of J.D. Salinger and Allen Ginsburg!

3. University of Oxford

There is no clear founding date for the English school, University of Oxford, though researchers have discovered evidence of teaching dating back to 1096. Unlike most of the schools on this list, the University of Oxford isn’t known for its science programs. (Although, they do have great science programs.)

Instead, Oxford is known for the older humanities. This includes theology, philosophy, modern languages and linguistics, and more. If you want to attend a school that emphasizes it’s humanities programs more than anything else, Oxford may be a great choice for you.

2. Stanford University

Stanford University is located in Stanford, California. Because of its superb reputation, it is often mistaken for an Ivy League school though it does not make that list.

Stanford University is a great school for anyone interested in technology, business, and the intersection of the two. Not only does it offer phenomenal programs in both of these fields but it is located near Silicon Valley. While attending Stanford University, you may just meet your future business partner!

1. Harvard University 

Not to be confused with Cambridge, Harvard University is an American Ivy League university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard is the oldest college in America and was established in 1636. Two years later, it acquired the first printing press in North America.

Harvard University is ideal for social scientists and physical scientists. Among those schools, history, and biology are some of the more popular majors. Although it is an expensive private university, Harvard offers a generous financial aid and scholarship package. 

Amazing Schools Worldwide

If you want to go to a university most known for your area of study, don’t limit yourself to your own state or even your own country. There are amazing schools worldwide to choose from! While every school on our list has a competitive acceptance rate, they also add a competitive edge to the resume you’ll be sending out long after school is over.

Have you already been accepted and need to start gathering your supplies? Let us help you with your books.

We make it easy not only to buy books but to rent books, too. If you’re done with the ones you own and want to make some money back, you’re in luck! Check out our website and find out how you can sell your books.

About the Author

Christopher Manns

I was born in the UK, grew up in Canada and have lived in the USA since the 90s. I love my family, water sports, ice hockey, skiing and soccer. When I'm not helping people save money on textbooks, I'm travelling with my wonderful family and playing sports.