QS World University Rankings: East Coast vs. West Coast in the U.S.

You’ve already decided to study in the United States - congratulations! But if you still can’t decide which side of the country is best for you, you’re definitely not alone. With 201 institutions featured in the 2023 QS World University Rankings, the choice can feel endless when it comes to deciding where to study in the U.S.

So, to make life a little easier, we’ve covered the different aspects of studying on each coast, including affordability, the local job market, and the subject areas in which universities on each coast excel.

World Rankings

You’ll be pleased to know that both sides of the country are home to some of the world’s best universities. Thanks to Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology - ranked the best universities in the world - Cambridge, Massachusetts is known as America’s academic capital. Fierce competition nationwide includes the University of California system, which dominates the top universities on the West Coast.

Here are the top 10 universities on each coast:

Top 10 universities in the US: East coast

Top 10 universities in the US: West coast

Subject Strengths

As you might expect, MIT tops the rankings in engineering and technology, according to the 2022 QS World University Subject Rankings. That said, the West Coast is by no means a weak player when it comes to STEM degrees. Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley (UCB) rank fifth and ninth, respectively, in engineering and technology, which means you can count on a high-quality education on either coast.

The same is true in other subjects. The East Coast is often seen as having a stronger reputation for liberal arts education, with Harvard, Yale, and Columbia all in the top 10 for arts and humanities. Even so, UCB and Stanford rank fourth and fifth, highlighting how highly universities on both coasts perform across multiple subject areas.

If we look at individual subject rankings, West Coast universities outperform some of their East Coast rivals. For example, the University of California has the second-best veterinary medicine program, just behind the Royal Veterinary College in the UK. In addition, the University of Southern California and Stanford University rank second and sixth, respectively, in communications and media studies, ahead of universities on the East Coast.

Job Market

As a global center for technology and innovation, Silicon Valley offers abundant opportunities, with tech giants such as Apple and Google headquartered on the West Coast. Areas beyond Silicon Valley also offer promising career prospects. According to a CNBC article published in January 2022, Seattle was ranked the number one city for young professionals, while San Francisco came in third.

Across the country, New York City offers lucrative careers in fashion, banking, and finance, while Boston is gaining increasing recognition as a center for biotechnology and life sciences. According to the 2023 QS Best Student Cities rankings, Boston ranked third for employer activity, reflecting its strong reputation as a career hub.

Affordability

Unfortunately, living on either coast can be expensive, especially in major cities like Los Angeles or New York. That said, data from the Best Student Cities rankings shows that San Diego and Pittsburgh are among the least expensive U.S. cities to live in. According to RentCafe.com, the average rent for an apartment in Pittsburgh is $1,378.

When it comes to tuition, in-state and out-of-state students are often charged the same base fee. However, if you’re considering studying in California, it’s worth noting that non-California residents face an additional nonresident supplemental tuition charge.

Tuition at top East Coast universities is usually higher - $57,590 at MIT and $54,768 at Harvard for the 2022-2023 academic year - but don’t worry: thanks to a wide range of scholarships and financial aid, many students end up paying much less.

Climate

While weather may not be the most important factor, the Atlantic and Pacific create very different climates on each coast, and that is worth mentioning. If you like experiencing all four seasons, the East Coast may suit you better, where long, snowy winters stand in sharp contrast to hot summers.

By contrast, if you dislike cold weather and prefer sunshine, you’ll probably enjoy living on the West Coast, where the climate is generally milder year-round.

Culture and Lifestyle

Taking time out from your studies to travel around a country as large as the United States is a must - and there is certainly no shortage of places to visit on either coast. Studying at a university on the East Coast means easy access to cities like New York or Philadelphia, where you can catch a Broadway show one weekend and eat an authentic Philadelphia cheesesteak the next.

As home to Hollywood and many of the world’s biggest record labels, a visit to Los Angeles might mean touring famous film locations or heading to some of the city’s best-known music venues for live performances. Popular attractions include Venice Beach, Rodeo Drive, or a drive to Malibu for coastal views. For hikers and nature lovers, there are plenty of options, including Yosemite and the Pacific Crest Trail.

Beyond travel, you may have heard about the major lifestyle differences. If you thrive in a busy environment, the East Coast’s fast-paced, “go-go-go” rhythm may appeal to you. On the other hand, if that pace isn’t for you, the West Coast is known for a more laid-back lifestyle. Whether it’s the California sun or the famously heavy traffic in Los Angeles, people there are less likely to be in such a hurry.