Students looking to study abroad in the United States stand a higher chance of getting admission when they apply to universities with high acceptance rates. Over 20 of such schools are in the United States. In this guide, we introduce you to some of these institutions and give an idea of what the acceptance percentage is like.
What is the University Acceptance Rate?
This is a percentage-based calculation of the number of applicants who later got admitted to proceed with their preferred courses of study. The acceptance rate varies by school, with the average between 42% and 50%.
In addition to the universal percentage of international students accepted; these schools may also create a different variant. Applicants to specific programs may be required to meet the basic requirements to be part of the few students to get admitted, based on the predefined ratio.
Best Universities with the Best Acceptance Rates
Let’s now talk about some of the best universities that accept international students looking to study in the United States,
1. University of Texas at Dallas
This university is located in Richardson, Texas. It is one of the schools that has enough “room” for international students. At the time of writing, the international student population is over 5,000 with over 100 countries represented.
To give the needed diversity, it also offers up to 140 degree programs, with an equal distribution between the undergraduate and graduate programs.
Whether you are coming from Nigeria, Africa or any other country; rest assured that this is the school that’ll expose you to academic excellence.
2. University of Massachusetts Boston
University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass Boston) is a public research university located in Boston, Massachusetts. It is considered the “third most diverse university in the United States,” evidenced by the high acceptance rate for international students.
It is worth noting that the percentage of accepted applicants varies by year and may either be on the increase or decrease. For example, in the Fall of 2013, UMass Boston had a 71.4% admit rate for freshman students, but this would drop to 68.5% in 2016. However, the admission rate soared in the Fall of 2022, with up to 80.8% of the applicants admitted.
UMass Boston also has program-specific admit rates, with up to 66.7% for Sociology (PhD) and 100% for Critical Ethnic Community Studies.
3. Marshall University
With an undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1; Marshall University is no doubt, one of the best U.S. universities with a high acceptance rate. As of Fall of 2022, the school has a total of 10,835 students with a good number of that population drawn from 47 states and 56 countries.
Marshall University offers a plethora of programs, including 6 professional doctoral degree programs, 3 associate degree programs and 32 graduate certificate programs.
The school is also among the top choices for international students because of other reasons, including a welcoming campus community and excellent learning environment. The student body boasts of up to 500 international students drawn from over 60 countries.
4. The University of Maine
Established in 1865, The University of Maine located in Orono, Maine is a top destination for international students looking to engage in research-intensive programs. As a public, land-grant research university, it makes inclusive education available to both indigenous and foreign learners.
International students find placements in undergraduate and graduate study programs at this school. You have over 100 undergraduate Master’s and Doctoral programs to choose from.
In terms of the acceptance rate, it varies by the academic year. For instance, in the Fall of 2022, up to 50% of the received applications were considered for admission. Furthermore, the percentage of accepted applicants varies by department, college and academic program. For example, an acceptance rate of 91% was recorded in the Fall of 2022 for Other Liberal Arts & Science Programs, while 87% was recorded within the same time for the College of Engineering.
5. University of Colorado Boulder
This school is located in Boulder, Colorado. It is a public research university boasting of over 150 fields of study. Although it doesn’t publish information regarding the acceptance rate, one can deduce that it favours international students due to the thousands of first-year, transfer and graduate students drawn from different countries.
The University of Colorado Boulder also offers a wide range of academic programs, including Majors, Certificates, Minors and Graduate Programs. Areas of study include Applied Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Dance, Communication and Ethnic Studies. Over other 100 programs are also available for international students.
6. Kansas State University
This university was established in 1863 and was the first land-grant university in the United States. As one of the leading public research institutions in the nation, it is a hotbed for international students looking to study in the U.S.
Kansas State University is located in Manhattan. It also has a decent demographic of international students with over 2,000 students drawn from more than 100 countries. These learners have access to over 250 undergraduate majors and programs. In terms of graduate studies, up to 53 graduate certificates, 40 doctoral programs, 78 Master’s programs and 4 educational doctoral programs are offered here.
The acceptance rate for Kansas State University is between 94% and 96%.
7. Iowa State University of Science and Technology
Some educational institutions in the U.S. do not allocate all the quotas to international students. Iowa State University of Science and Technology is one of such. The acceptance rate here is between 76% and 83%. Foreign learners from over 70 countries are well-represented at the school.
Although Iowa State University of Science and Technology doesn’t publicize its acceptance rate as much as expected; research shows that the percentage is quite commendable.
8. Princeton University
Some schools in the United States prefer not to go public with an idea of the students they accept per term. Princeton University, a private Ivy League research university located in Princeton, New Jersey, is one of such.
Established in 1746, it is one of the best institutions for international students who want to get faster admission to study in the U.S. Princeton University is said to have about 49% to 54% as the admit rate.
The university has since stopped promoting the admission rate, citing factors like letting prospective students make independent study decisions as one of the reasons. Moving forward, the institution will focus on promoting class-based enrollment statistics, starting with the Class of 2026.
9. The University of Edinburgh
Established in 1852 and opened in 1853; The University of Edinburgh is one institution that grants admission to as many international students. In the last decade, the acceptance rate has steadily grown. It was at 10% in 2016 but the UCAS admission cycles between 2019 and 2023 show a positive growth. The acceptance rate went as high as 53% in 2020.
Note that the offer rate may also be lower or higher, depending on the program of study. As the university stated, “application figures can seem very high in some areas, but applicants can only ever accept one offer.”
The University of Edinburgh offers a wide range of study options for international applications. These include:
- Undergraduate study
- Summer school
- Postgraduate study
- Online learning
- Study abroad programmes and;
- Foundation programmes.
10. East Carolina University
This school is located in Greenville, North Carolina. It is home to students from 100 counties in North Carolina, all the 50 states in the U.S. and international students from over 40 countries.
Admission is not so stressful here, as the institution is committed to creating a “vibrant intellectual student community where innovative research and creative expression is encouraged.”
The acceptance rate is up to 91.7%, depending on the program of study.
11. Long Island University
Established in 1926, Long Island University (LIU) is one school that has a higher acceptance rate of up to 93%. In line with the commitment to helping students “realize their full potential as ethically grounded, intellectually vigorous, and socially responsible global citizens;” the university offers over 200 degree programs.
Long Island University (LIU) has a 93% acceptance rate.
12. Kent State University
This is a public research university located in Kent, Ohio, United States. As one of Ohio’s leading educational institutions, it is lightly selective when it comes to offering admissions. As of 2021, the acceptance rate for international students ranged between 87.3% and 88%. Applicants who meet the expected requirements, including having the minimum GPA and SAT/ACT scores will have a higher chance of receiving an offer of admission.
At Kent State University, students are drawn from over 100 countries, with up to 1,000 applicants granted a place to study at any of the university’s 7 regional campuses.
Seven (7) degrees, including Associate, Non-Degree, Bachelor’s, Minor, Certificate and Master’s are offered here. International students can choose from different delivery options, including in-person, fully online or a mix of in-person and online learning.
13. Indiana University Bloomington
This is a public research university located in Bloomington, Indiana. It is home to over 40,000 students and doubles as the flagship campus of Indiana University.
The acceptance rate here is between 82% and 85%. With an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a 72% 4-year graduation rate; it is one of the best universities for foreign students.
Rest assured that the institution has a broad range of academic programs, designed to make you a “world-changer” and “difference-maker.” Popular program types are:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Associate degree
- Post-Master’s/Specialist degrees
- Certificates: Undergraduate
- Certificates: Graduate
- Master’s degrees
- Diplomas: Artist and Performer
14. Pace University
This is a New York-based private university that offers a distinct collegiate experience to international students. The acceptance rate is up to 88%, meaning that 88 out of every 100 foreign applicants is likely to receive an offer of admission.
It ranks as one of the top 10% of private US colleges that “provide the best return on tuition investment.”
Over 13,000 students school here, with about 18% of the population being international students drawn from 49 states and 120 countries.
In terms of academics, Pace University has six (6) schools and colleges that offer relevant courses across the arts, healthcare, law and business.
15. Berlin International University of Applied Sciences
If you have an interest in the sciences and looking to study at a university that prioritizes that; Berlin International University of Applied Sciences is the one to apply to.
Established in 2014 and located in Berlin, it is the 31st private university in Germany and operates as a non-profit higher institution.
International students are welcome to explore the university’s diverse opportunities, including the perks of pursuing an international study experience.
Berlin International University of Applied Sciences is an averagely selective institution, with its acceptance rate starting at 55%.
Why Study at a University with Higher Acceptance Rates?
Being an international student comes with a lot of troubles. Besides sorting out your finances, you also need to qualify for the quota or the percentage of applicants that will be granted an offer of admission for international studies.
To make it easier, you are advised to apply only to the universities with higher acceptance rates. That way, you are more likely to get admitted, as compared to one that has a lower admit rate.
Conclusion
Applying to a high acceptance rate university is one surefire way to determine your probability of joining a higher education institution.
Keep in mind, however, that not all universities are willing to make this kind of offer. Also, the higher admit rate may be influenced by other factors, such as the institution’s (poor) reputation over the years, and having just a few applicants each academic year.
In addition to checking out the universities listed in this article; we also encourage independent research. By evaluating the admit rate of individual universities over the last couple of years, you’ll be able to determine whether it is worth applying to.
Finally, applying to a university with a high acceptance rate for international students is a major boost. Yet, you also need to meet the different minimum requirements, including previous academic background and language proficiency to stand a better chance of getting an offer of admission.