A higher education degree is an academic degree awarded by a college, university, or other higher education institution upon completing a program of study at the undergraduate or graduate level. Higher education degrees are typically categorized by their level of academic achievement and the subject area of study.
At the undergraduate level, some common types of higher education degrees include:
- Associate’s Degree: This is a two-year degree typically earned at a community college or technical school.
- Bachelor’s Degree: This is a four-year degree typically earned at a college or university and is awarded upon completing a significant course of study.
At the graduate level, some common types of higher education degrees include:
- Master’s Degree: This is typically a one- to two-year degree earned at a college or university and awarded upon the completion of a program of study that builds on an undergraduate degree.
- Doctoral Degree: This is typically a three- to six-year degree earned at a college or university and awarded upon the completion of a program of study that focuses on original research in a specific field of study.
Higher education degrees are essential for various reasons, including career advancement, personal growth, and lifelong learning.
Best Higher Education Degree Colleges in the US
Numerous colleges and universities in the U.S. offer excellent higher education degrees. Here are some of the top-ranking universities in the U.S., according to the U.S. News & World Report 2022 rankings:
Princeton University For International Students
Princeton University is a private Ivy League research university in Princeton, New Jersey, United States. It was founded in 1746 as the College of New Jersey and was renamed Princeton University in 1896.
Princeton is known for its rigorous academic programs, particularly in engineering, mathematics, and the natural sciences. It is also known for its vital humanities programs, including philosophy, history, and literature. The university is firmly committed to undergraduate education, and its undergraduate program is consistently ranked among the top in the country.
Princeton’s campus is spread over 500 acres and includes a variety of architectural styles, including Gothic and modernist buildings. Notable alumni of Princeton University include two U.S. Presidents, James Madison, and Woodrow Wilson, as well as numerous Nobel laureates, MacArthur “Genius” Grant recipients, and Pulitzer Prize winners.
Harvard University – Harvard Business School
Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. It was founded in 1636 and is considered one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United States.
Harvard has a diverse student body and offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in various academic fields, including the arts, sciences, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. Its faculty includes Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and MacArthur “Genius” grant recipients.
Some notable Harvard alumni include eight U.S. presidents, numerous foreign heads of state, 158 Nobel laureates, and 14 Turing Award winners. The university has a global alum network and maintains strong ties to the business, government, and nonprofit sectors.
Harvard is also known for its endowment, one of the largest in the world, and its role in shaping higher education in the United States through its innovations in teaching and research.
Columbia University in the City of New York
Columbia University is a private Ivy League research university in New York City, United States. It was founded in 1754 as King’s College by the royal charter of King George II of England and renamed Columbia College in 1784. The university comprises 20 schools and affiliates, including undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as professional schools such as the Columbia Law School, Columbia Business School, and the Mailman School of Public Health.
Columbia University is known for its rigorous academic programs, particularly in journalism, business, law, and the arts. It has produced numerous Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and MacArthur Genius Grant recipients, among other notable alumni. The university is also recognized for its commitment to research and scholarship, with over 200 research centers and institutes.
Columbia University has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 150 countries. The university is located in the heart of New York City, providing students with many cultural, social, and professional opportunities.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States. It was founded in 1861 as a response to the increasing industrialization of the United States and the need for a skilled workforce in science and engineering.
MIT is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious universities in the world, with a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and research. The university is organized into five schools: the School of Architecture and Planning, the School of Engineering, the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, the Sloan School of Management, and the School of Science.
MIT has produced numerous Nobel laureates, Rhodes Scholars, MacArthur Fellows, and Turing Award winners, among other distinctions. The university is also known for its contributions to modern computing, the internet, and biotechnology development. Notable alumni include astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Sally Ride, physicist Richard Feynman, and former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, among many others.
Yale University – Graduate & Professional Study
Yale University is a private Ivy League research university in New Haven, Connecticut, United States. It was founded in 1701 and is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities.
Yale is organized into 14 constituent schools: the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences; the School of Architecture; the Divinity School; the School of Drama; the School of Engineering and Applied Science; the School of Forestry & Environmental Studies; the Law School; the School of Management; the School of Medicine; the School of Music; the School of Nursing; the School of Public Health; the School of Art; and the Jackson Institute for Global Affairs.
Yale has a diverse student body and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various academic disciplines. Its faculty includes Nobel laureates, MacArthur fellows, and other distinguished scholars.
Notable Yale alumni include five U.S. Presidents, numerous foreign heads of state, 19 Supreme Court justices, and many prominent business leaders, scientists, and artists.
Stanford University – Free Online Courses
Stanford University is a private research university located in Stanford, California. It was founded in 1885 by Leland and Jane Stanford in memory of their only child, Leland Stanford Jr. The university is known for its academic excellence, with top-ranked programs in computer science, engineering, and business.
Stanford is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, consistently ranking among the top universities in various global rankings. Its diverse student body has students from all 50 states and over 90 countries. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in various fields, including humanities, sciences, engineering, business, law, and medicine.
Some notable alumni of Stanford University include business magnate Elon Musk, former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, and Nobel laureate K. Barry Sharpless.
University of Chicago – Graduate Admissions
The University of Chicago is a private research university in Chicago, Illinois, United States. It was founded in 1890 by John D. Rockefeller and the American Baptist Education Society.
The university strongly focuses on research and is known for its academic rigor, intellectual inquiry, and interdisciplinary approach to education. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts, humanities, social sciences, physical sciences, and biological sciences.
Some notable alumni of the University of Chicago include Nobel laureates in physics, economics, and literature, as well as prominent scholars, business leaders, and politicians. The university is also home to several world-renowned research institutions, such as the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, the Argonne National Laboratory, and the Oriental Institute.
The University of Chicago is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the world by various organizations, including U.S. News & World Report, Q.S. World University Rankings, and Times Higher Education.
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
The California Institute of Technology, called Caltech, is a private research university located in Pasadena, California, United States. It was founded in 1891 as Throop University and later renamed Caltech in 1920.
Caltech is known for its strong focus on science and engineering and is ranked among the top universities in the world in these fields. The institution has produced numerous Nobel laureates, including Richard Feynman, Kip Thorne, and Linus Pauling.
Caltech offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including astronomy, biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics, and physics. It also operates several research centers and institutes, such as the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which is managed in collaboration with NASA.
Caltech has a small student body with a high faculty-to-student ratio, which allows for a personalized educational experience. Its academic programs are highly selective, and admission is competitive. The campus is also known for its distinctive architecture, including buildings designed by notable architects such as Frank Gehry and Richard Neutra.
Duke University – Programs and Degrees
Duke University is a private research university in Durham, North Carolina, United States. It was founded in 1838 as Trinity College and later became known as Duke University in 1924, when James B. Duke, a wealthy toba-cco industrialist, substantially donated to the school.
Duke University offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in various fields, including the arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, law, business, and medicine. Some of its most well-known programs include the Duke-NUS Medical School, the Fuqua School of Business, and the Duke University School of Law.
The university has a strong research focus and is known for its interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving. Duke researchers have made significant contributions to various fields, including medicine, environmental science, and public policy.
Duke University is also known for its competitive athletic programs, particularly basketball. The Duke Blue Devils have won five NCAA championships in men’s basketball, and the women’s basketball team has also had significant success. The university has a strong tradition of school spirit and is known for its enthusiastic fan base.
University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania is a private Ivy League research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. It was founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin and is one of the nine colonial colleges founded before the Declaration of Independence.
Penn offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in various fields such as business, law, medicine, education, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. The university is known for its highly selective admissions process, academic rigor, and commitment to interdisciplinary research and community engagement.
Penn’s campus has many notable landmarks and institutions, including the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, the Institute of Contemporary Art, the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, and the Morris Arboretum. The university is also a member of the Ivy League athletic conference and fields 33 varsity sports teams.
It’s worth noting that many other excellent universities in the U.S. offer top-tier higher education degrees, and the rankings may vary depending on the source. It’s essential to research and find a university that aligns with your academic interests and career goals.
The Right of Access to Higher Education
The right of access to higher education refers to the principle that everyone should be able to pursue post-secondary education, regardless of their background, economic status, or other personal characteristics. Many countries and international organizations, including the United Nations, recognize this fundamental human right.
Access to Higher Education Degree can be influenced by various factors such as financial resources, geographic location, cultural and social background, and academic qualifications. Many countries have implemented policies and programs promoting equal access to higher education, such as scholarships, grants, and affirmative action policies.
The benefits of Higher Education Degree are well documented, including increased job opportunities, higher earnings, and better social mobility. Ensuring access to higher education for all individuals can contribute to more significant economic growth, social cohesion, and overall well-being.
