Finding the right university is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your college career.
Whether you’re looking for a large or small school, public or private, American universities have something for everyone.
If you’re considering studying abroad in Switzerland or you find yourself in Switzerland for example, American universities in Switzerland are great options if you prefer to learn courses in English.
They offer a wide range of degrees and excellent facilities to help students succeed in their academic endeavors.
What are American Universities?
American universities are institutions of higher learning located in the US, but also in other countries. They have a reputation for being some of the best institutions for research, education, and training.
American universities are known for their student-centered approach to education. The curriculum is designed around the needs and interests of students so that they can get a good job after college graduation with ease without actually traveling to the U.S.
So, American Universities basically, are American higher institutions that exist in multiple other countries, bringing their education approach to those countries, so that students can receive an American education without actually having to travel to the United States.
Are There American Universities in Switzerland?
Yes! There are American universities in Switzerland as well as European, Swiss, and international universities. In fact, there are even French and German university options for those who don’t want to study at English-speaking schools.
Though the majority of these schools operate out of Geneva or Lausanne along Lake Geneva (Lac Léman), they’re all fairly easy to get to by train or bus from Zurich and other cities throughout central Europe.
Benefits of Studying in American Universities in Switzerland
American universities are known for their high quality of education, and they provide a wide range of courses and disciplines to major in.
- In addition, American universities offer innovative programs that allow students to learn both theoretical and practical skills in various fields, helping them to develop new areas of knowledge while gaining an advantage over other workers in the market.
- They also have career placement programs, which is great if you are looking for a job after graduation.
- Furthermore, top American universities have state-of-the-art facilities that are well maintained so as not only to provide you with comfortable surroundings but also to keep your health safe while studying there.
- American universities are also known for their research facilities. Many of them have labs that are equipped with the latest technology and equipment, allowing students to conduct in-depth research on various topics.
This means that you will be able to gain valuable knowledge while studying at an American university, which can help you in the future when applying for jobs or going into business.
- America is an English-speaking country. So, if you prefer studying for a major in English Language rather than the Swiss languages spoken in Switzerland (like German and Romansh), you can study at American Universities in Switzerland.
And the best part is that you don’t have to travel all the way to the United States to study.
Thus, studying at American universities in Switzerland can give you the advantage to communicate clearly in a globally understood language like English.
Methodology of Determining Best American Universities in Switzerland
The methodology used to determine the best American universities in Switzerland is based on data gathered across the internet, as well as information about tuition rates for study abroad programs at each school.
List of American Universities in Switzerland
American universities in Switzerland welcome students from all over the world. Here are a few of the best:
Franklin University Switzerland
Franklin University Switzerland is a four-year, private, non-profit, non-sectarian university. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in business, education, and healthcare.
The main campus of Franklin University Switzerland is located on the shores of Lake Lugano near Monte Carasso in Ticino.
The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in business, education, and healthcare. The main campus of Franklin University Switzerland is located on the shores of Lake Lugano near Monte Carasso in Ticino.
The university’s business school is located in Lugano and offers an MBA program with concentrations in finance, marketing, international business, management information systems, and entrepreneurship.
The program has been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
| School | Tuition (excluding living and study-related expenses) | Undergraduate Program Highlights |
| Franklin University Switzerland | US & Canadian Students – $45,700 annually Swiss Resident Students – CHF 25,800 International Students – CHF 49,900 Graduate programs – CHF 25,000 | Art majors like Psychology, Social Justice & Sustainability, Marketing, History, Finance, Political Science, Fashion Studies, International Economics, etc. Learn more |
Franklin University Switzerland is an American private university originally located in Columbus, Ohio. The school is a top school in the U.S., with multiple campuses all over Europe – including Switzerland.
FUS is one of the best American universities in Switzerland of all the bunch; and the best part is that its tuition fee is quite affordable, especially for resident students – so, there is no need to travel to the United States to study.
American University in Switzerland
As the name suggests, AUS is a private university located in La Tour-de-Peilz, Switzerland. The school offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of fields including business administration and computer science.
American University is originally located in Washington D.C. in the United States, with multiple branches all over the world. Aside from Switzerland, the university can be found in mega locations like Dubai and Nigeria, to name a few.
They have been the flagbearers of bringing the American education style to many countries in the world. In addition to an already lush school, AUS’s campus is located just outside Lugano and has its own sports facilities like an ice rink and squash courts.
The school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), which means that you can transfer credits earned at AUS to other universities in the US or abroad if you choose to pursue your degree there after completing your studies at this institution.
Among other accreditations that it holds are AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business; EQUIS – European Quality Improvement System; AMBA – Association of MBAs; EFMD – European Foundation for Management Development; AUC –Association Universitaire Européene d’Expansion – European University Association of Universities.
| School | Tuition (excluding living and study-related expenses) | Undergraduate Program Highlights |
| American University Switzerland | CHF 20,000 – 22,000 (Swiss Francs) | Business, Accounting, Marketing, Sports Management, Sports Marketing, Human Resource Management, Masters in International Business Administration, MIBA Aviation, etc. Learn more |
One of the advantages that AUS has over FUS is that it is a cheaper option (in terms of tuition fees), and most of its undergraduate degrees are 3-year programs, instead of four.
Webster University Geneva
Webster University is a private university located in the canton of Geneva, Switzerland. It was founded in 1915 by the United Church of Christ, and today is affiliated with eleven denominations and operates under their respective faith statements.
In 1979, Webster University opened its campus in Bellevue, Switzerland.
Today, Webster University Geneva has been recognized as an institution with high research activity since 2012 by the Swiss government; it offers undergraduate degrees in business administration, communications and media studies, education/teaching studies, finance/accounting/marketing management, hospitality management information systems (MIS), international relations/diplomacy political science psychology visual arts design communication (DVC).
| School | Tuition (excluding only living and personal expenses) | Undergraduate Program Highlights |
| Webster University Geneva | CHF 17,140 (Swiss Francs) for undergraduate programs. | Economics, International Relations, Psychology, Management, Media Studies, Photography, etc. Master’s programs are also available. Learn more |
Webster University is a private university operating out of Missouri, United States. The school, like many other American universities in Switzerland, has multiple other campuses all over the globe including Ghana, The Netherlands, Austria, etc.
This spread has caused Webster University to help students all over the world to receive traditional American education.
The Graduate Institute Geneva (IHIED)
If you are interested in studying at a university that is privately run and non-profit, the Graduate Institute Geneva may be right for you. The Graduate Institute is a bilingual institution located in Geneva, Switzerland.
The Graduate Institute maintains strong links with the United Nations, and many alumni have gone on to work at UN agencies. The school boasts a strong alumni network like Kofi Anan, who jointly won the Nobel Peace prize.
The school offers degree programs that are divided into five schools: Economics, Finance, and Management; Humanities and Social Sciences; International Affairs; Law and Political Science; Language Studies (French or English).
The Graduate Institute is also one of 12 members of the International Association of Universities (IAU), an association whose mission is to promote international cooperation between universities through various activities such as conferences, congresses, symposia among others.
| School | Tuition (excluding living and study-related expenses) | Undergraduate Program Highlights |
| The Graduate Institute Geneva | CHF 23,000 – 26,000 | Master of Arts in International Affairs (MIA), Master of Arts in Development Studies (MDEV), Disciplinary Master’s degree (MA/MPhil/LLM Res equivalent), Doctorate (Ph.D.), Executive Masters, etc. Learn more |
The Graduate Institute is a great option for students looking to study an International Relations degree, and possibly work for global organizations like the United Nations.
Why Select American Universities Over Local Universities in Switzerland?
In the US, education is taken very seriously. While this means that you’ll have to spend a lot of time studying, it also means that the learning environment is much more open and accommodating than in other countries.
American universities are internationally recognized by employers and universities all over the world. This can be a great advantage for job seekers who decide to stay on in Switzerland after graduation or for students who choose to continue their studies abroad at another university.
American universities offer flexibility when it comes to educational requirements and program structure—something that might seem impossible in Swiss schools where everyone has a similar schedule and curriculum every year throughout their entire life as students in Switzerland.
FAQs
What is The Best School in Switzerland?
In general, the most prestigious schools in Switzerland are private institutions.
However, this does not mean that they are necessarily better than public schools. It simply means that they have a higher cost of attendance and a more selective admissions process.
If you do not want to pay double or triple what you would pay for an equivalent education at a public university, then it is probably best to consider one of these schools.
They will provide an excellent education if they accept you and will provide connections that can help get your foot in the door with employers after graduation.
If you are interested in a career in one of the STEM fields, then it is probably best to choose a public university. Switzerland has a very high standard of living, so many employers will expect their employees to have earned degrees from these institutions.
Are There English-Speaking Schools in Switzerland?
There are many English-speaking schools in Switzerland. Most Swiss schools have a multilingual curriculum (e.g., English and French), but if you’re interested in a school that offers an English-language education, you can find one.
To find the right school for you:
- Research what type of school is best suited to your needs: There are many different types of international boarding schools around the world, so it’s important to know what kind of boarding school would be best suited for your child’s personality and needs before making a decision on where they should attend high school or college abroad.
- Do some research on what qualifications the staff at the school holds; this will help ensure that their teachers have been properly trained by accredited universities and colleges in their specific profession.
- Search online for reviews from past students who have attended this institution; these reviews will give insight into how well-rounded the program really is.
- Find out what financial aid options are available at each university so that it doesn’t negatively impact your budget.
And if you are looking to study in any of the top American universities in Switzerland based on cost, then Webster University Geneva is the cheapest option for you.
Are There American Universities in Switzerland That Offer Professional Programs Like Medicine or Engineering?
Currently, there are no American universities in Switzerland offering these courses. If you have plans to study Medicine or venture into the healthcare industry, there are still plenty of options that Switzerland offers.
While these are not exactly American universities, they still do a good job in offering their education in English, French, and German languages; a few of them offers programs in Romansh, which makes up the lingua franca of Switzerland.
However, if you are more inclined to study a Management, Business, History, Accounting & Finance, or International Relations program, then American universities in Switzerland can easily make your wish list, as they are known to be top schools – even in Switzerland.
Final Thoughts
If you’re an American student who wants to study abroad, there’s no need to leave Switzerland. The country is home to a number of excellent American universities. These schools offer classes in English and often have exchange agreements with other universities around the world.
If you’re interested in attending one of these schools, consider these reasons why;
- International students will feel right at home since most classes are taught in English.
- Students can enjoy the culture and language of Switzerland while still getting a high-quality education.
- Swiss universities enroll students from all over the world.
So, are you ready to take the plunge and apply to one of these top American universities in Switzerland?
If you’re a student looking for high-quality education at an affordable price, an American university in Switzerland is an excellent choice.
- You will find that most American universities in Switzerland offer accredited degrees with the same type of rigor and standards as their counterparts in the United States.
- Your degree will be recognized by employers around the world and will open doors whether you return home or stay abroad.
- The beautiful surroundings of the small country of Switzerland make it easy to imagine yourself living there as well—and whether you choose to spend your days studying at Geneva or traveling around Europe on weekends, they’ll be filled with excitement as you explore this beautiful European country.
Wrapping It Up
When deciding on a university in Switzerland, it’s important to remember that there are many American universities in the country. Students should start their search by looking at the type of degree they want and then narrowing down their list based on location and other factors.
Remember: American universities offer students an outstanding education without leaving home!