The United States has long been a popular choice for international students seeking higher education and employment opportunities. With more than 5,000 US colleges and universities to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow down which schools might be best for you and which are equipped to meet the specific challenges and needs of international students.
Although choosing a university or college is a personal decision, there are common questions that any international student can consider before proceeding with a degree. Does this school offer my desired subject or program? Will I feel comfortable on campus? How much will my program cost and what will my career options be after I graduate?
To help with your search, we've compiled a list of some of the top-rated US schools for international students, based on program availability, student diversity, and more:
1. Northeastern University
Northeastern University, in Boston, Massachusetts, is a popular choice for international students interested in a variety of programs and career paths. The number of current international students enrolled in a school is usually a strong indicator of the resources available to those students, and Northeastern is no exception. 20.5% of Northeastern's student body consists of international students, and in 2021, the university welcomed students from 148 different countries.
Located in a historic New England town, Northeastern is known for setting up graduates for success. The university has abundant internship opportunities, a strong postgraduate network and renowned programs in business, marketing and engineering. International students also receive personalized support from Northeastern faculty;when it comes to academic advising, career development, financial services and more.
2. New York University (NYU)
One of the country's most emblematic universities, New York University (NYU) located in the heart of New York. In addition to being located in a large metropolitan area, NYU has a lot to offer international students seeking a top-rated education. NYU hosts the largest number of international students in the US, and the faculty regularly hosts programs and events to help international students acclimate to life in the US and build a strong community on campus and beyond. To further ease the transition, NYU offers immigration assistance for those seeking student visas, and some immigrants may also be eligible for grants and financial aid.
In a city full of art, culture and business, NYU also has an extensive list of more than 400 academic programs for students to choose from.
3. Arizona State University (ASU)
Arizona State University (ASU) is a public university that has one of the highest numbers of international students in the US, ASU is known for its highly rated research facility and has even been recognized by US News & World Report as the nation's most innovative school.
ASU fosters a welcoming environment for students from diverse backgrounds and offers a high acceptance rate of 88.4% for international prospective students interested in one of their 85 academic programs. Prospective international students can find admissions information, immigration support and community services on the ASU website here.
4. University of Illinois
Last year, the University of Illinois welcomed over 10,000 international students to its various campuses across the state. The school's Chicago (UIC) campus is ranked among the top universities in the US and can offer international students more than 80 undergraduate and 100 graduate degree programs to choose from. UIC engineering program it is well-known throughout the US and is a popular choice for international students who want to gain invaluable work experience, even before entering the workforce. The program offers students a guaranteed paid internship and provides a strong foundation for those looking to start their careers in the US after graduation.
5. Rice University
Rice University is a private research institution in Houston, Texas, that can offer international students a more “hands-on” approach to education. Rice's student-to-faculty ratio is 6:1, which ensures that international students will receive the personalized support and guidance they need. Rice prides itself on maintaining a diverse campus, and as of 2021, international students made up about a quarter of the school's student population. Renowned for its applied science programs, Rice is a strong choice for any international student looking for a smaller university environment for their studies.
6. Ivy League Schools
Without limits it would be remiss not to mention prestige Ivy League and its eight world-renowned institutions that attract tens of thousands of students from around the world every year. Many of the Ivy League schools provide specific programs to help their foreign students adjust to life in the US and actively strengthen their alumni networks.
Princeton, Yale, and Harvard are also some of the only universities in the country to offer financial aid policies for blind or complete need for international students. This can help ease the financial burden of expensive programs, as tuition assistance is often difficult to secure for international students.
7. University of California (UC) Schools.
California boasts many of the top rated public schools in the US, and the state's diverse campuses and well-funded programs make it a popular choice for many international students each year. UC Los Angeles, UC San Diego, and UC Berkeley have some of the largest international student populations in the country, with coveted academic opportunities and diverse communities where international students can flourish. UC, San Diego has strong medical and engineering programs for students interested in these fields, while UC, Berkeley offers some of the best humanities and liberal arts programs the US has to offer.