Best US universities for internships and career-building programs revealed

The top 6 remain unchanged from last year, comprising Northeastern University, Drexel University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Berea College, the University of Cincinnati, and the Rochester Institute of Technology, according to the ranking published last week by the U.S. News & World Report, known for its news, consumer advice, rankings, and analysis.

Purdue University moved up two spots from last year, tying for 7th place with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Carnegie Mellon University also climbed from 12th to 9th place, tying with Elon University.

Berea College stands out as the only liberal arts school in the top 10, offering free tuition to all students. For international students at other institutions, tuition fees range from $29,000 to $66,000 per year.

U.S. News & World Report ranked programs at universities and colleges that offer highly regarded study programs abroad, service learning, and other special programs linked to student success and positive learning outcomes. It identified eight such programs with the help of education experts, including staff members of the American Association of Colleges and Universities.

In the spring and summer of 2024, over 1,500 schools were invited to participate. College presidents, chief academic officers, deans of students, and admissions deans nominated up to 15 institutions with the best programs in eight areas: First-Year Experiences, Co-ops/Internships, Learning Communities, Senior Capstone, Service Learning, Study Abroad, Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects, and Writing in the Disciplines.

The colleges and universities receiving 10 or more nominations were ranked in the list.