Best universities in

The US is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world, attracting thousands of international and domestic students every year. But putting high-quality teaching and cutting edge research aside, US universities are also among some of the most beautiful. Selected by Times Higher Education Student, each of the universities featured on this list displays examples of eye-catching architecture including rolling green spaces, flowing water features and impressive natural backdrops which attract students and tourists alike. 

Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are a unique feature of the higher education landscape in the US. They are found mostly in the Southern States.

HBCUs were established before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to provide higher education for the African American community. This was because, before 1964, African Americans were not permitted to study in the majority of schools. 

Texas is the second largest state in the USA. Known as the "Lone Star State", Texas covers a huge area in the deep south of the United States.

The state has a wide range of landscapes and environments, from the seaside towns on the gulf coast to the plains of the panhandle in the North, including swamps, rolling prairies, forests. The western mountains and the deserts form the backdrop to the cowboy films that give Texas its "Wild West" image.

Houston is the city with the highest population and home to many of the most prestigious universities in Texas. 

New York, New York, the state that never sleeps. What better place to spend your student years? Four years won’t be nearly enough time to exhaust all there is to see and do in New York but if you’re up to the challenge, it’s definitely worth a try.

Just exploring the museums is an education in itself, from the Metropolitan Museum of Art to the Guggenheim. Each of the  neighbourhoods has its own individual character and you’re bound to find your favourite spot. 

The West Coast of the US might only be made up of three states, but that doesn’t mean it is lacking in excellent universities. Home to some of the best universities in the country, the West Coast is a good place to head to if you are looking for beautiful nature and bustling cities and towns.

Country music, BBQ food, a river (and its matching state) that no one can spell, cowboys...these are some of the things that have long defined the Southern states of the US. 

However, in reality, each of the 16 states in the south of the country has a unique identity and culture that can appeal to a diverse range of students. From the sunny beaches of Florida to the thriving music scene in Tennessee and delicious Creole food in Louisiana, there is so much going on that it might be tricky for you to pick which state to go to.