The 10 universities whose graduates earn the most

This ranking draws on salary data from more than 3 million graduates who earned a bachelor's degree. Universities were assessed by their alumni's average pay early in their careers (the first five years) and at mid-career (a decade later).

The top spot went, unexpectedly, not to Harvard, Stanford or Princeton. The leader was the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which edged out the traditional Ivy League favorites. MIT's numbers are striking: its graduates start out on an average salary of $110,220, and by mid-career their earnings reach $196,900.

The top 10 universities for salary prospects

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

• Early career: $110,220
• Mid-career: $196,900

2. Princeton University

• Early career: $95,600
• Mid-career: $194,100

3. United States Naval Academy

• Early career: $96,700
• Mid-career: $187,800

4. Harvey Mudd College

• Early career: $115,800
• Mid-career: $185,900

5. Babson College

• Early career: $90,600
• Mid-career: $181,400

6. Stanford University

• Early career: $102,300
• Mid-career: $181,200

7. Santa Clara University

• Early career: $91,000
• Mid-career: $179,500

8. Dartmouth College

• Early career: $92,300
• Mid-career: $178,700

9. University of Pennsylvania

• Early career: $92,500
• Mid-career: $178,300

10. Harvard University

• Early career: $95,600
• Mid-career: $177,400

Lately, colleges with a strong focus on STEM disciplines - science, technology, engineering and mathematics - have been drawing ever more attention, as they open up substantial career prospects for their students.

What these universities cost in 2025/26

Tuition at the top ten universities is around $60,000-$70,000 a year. With housing, food, insurance and study costs, the full budget comes to about $90,000 a year, or over $350,000 for a four-year bachelor's degree. International students pay the same price as Americans: private universities have no separate rate by citizenship.

The Naval Academy is a special case. For Americans tuition is free, but graduates must serve in the Navy or Marine Corps. Foreign students are admitted only when nominated by their own government.

Financial aid for international students

A high sticker price does not mean every family pays it. Harvard, MIT, Princeton and Dartmouth assess international applicants without regard to ability to pay and meet full demonstrated need. From 2025/26 Harvard charges no tuition to families earning up to $200,000 a year and also covers housing and food below $100,000. Princeton waives tuition for most families earning up to $250,000 a year.

Stanford and the University of Pennsylvania consider international applicants' finances in admission, so asking for aid there may affect the decision. If your family can pay the full cost, factor this into your list of schools.

The student visa: what you need

1. Get admitted and receive the university form confirming your programme and budget for the whole period.
2. Pay the student tracking system (SEVIS) fee of $350.
3. Complete the visa application and pay the $185 visa fee.
4. Attend an interview at a US consulate and show funds for study and living costs.

In 2026 the US government planned to limit students' stay to four years and cut the grace period after studies from 60 to 30 days. The rule was due to take effect on 15 September 2026, but a federal court has put it on hold, so the previous rules still apply. Students with programmes longer than four years should follow the case. Details in our article on the new US visa rules.

Working after graduation

After graduation an international student can work in the US under practical training for up to 12 months, and STEM graduates for up to 24 more months, up to three years in total. After that a work visa or a green card is needed. The best-known work visa, the H-1B, is allocated by lottery and guarantees nothing.

That is why graduates of top schools increasingly take routes without a lottery: the O-1 visa for people with extraordinary achievements, and the EB-1A green card and EB-2 NIW green card, which need no employer. More in our article on talent-based green cards.

How Murblz helps students and families

We help families choose a country and programme of study with the post-diploma picture in mind: visa, work, residence. For graduates and professionals we prepare O-1 and talent green card petitions, and for parents we offer investment programmes that let the whole family live in the country, such as the EB-5 green card from $800,000. The first consultation is free, with an instant answer in the chat.

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