The United States is one of the top destinations for abroad studies. Students drawn from hundreds of countries of the world seek admission at prestigious institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of California and Cornell University. Those are among some of the best universities in the country, including getting ranked in the top 20 best universities in the world.
Top 17 Universities in the US for International Students
If the United States is your first choice of country to study abroad, we will be glad to help you choose the best school. Read this article to the end to discover the top 17 universities for international students.
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Besides being one of the highest-ranking universities in the US, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is the overall best in the world. This is as per the 20th edition of the QS World University Rankings (2024).
It is a technology-focused university with up to 42% of its population being graduate students drawn from other countries.
The international student population runs into 10s of thousands, with the diverse community of learners drawn from 50 states and 132 countries.
Whether you are looking to enter a post-secondary institution or to further your studies as a graduate; MIT is the place to be. The university also offers Professional and executive Education for professionals looking to “return to the classroom” without fully committing to a traditional degree program.
2. New York University
If you are a dreamer and have the mindset of making big moves later in life, what could be a better way to start than being “in the city where dreams are made?” The city of New York is known for many things, including entertainment, but at the centre of it all is education. The New York University (NYU) leads in this aspect.
But don’t be misled to believe that you wouldn’t be able to study at this school if you were not in NYC. In line with the commitment to make education borderless, NYU has opened limitless opportunities with its “Campus Without Walls” mantra.
Today, it is one of the best universities for students looking to “study away.” With study centres scattered in Shanghai (China), Abu Dhabi (UAE), New York City (US) and 11 other global cities; one can say that studying at NYU has never been this easier.
NYU for International Students
International students applying to New York University are expected to meet some requirements, one of which is completing the home country’s pre-university education.
3. Harvard University
Harvard is one of the most prestigious universities in the United States. Located in Cambridge, it currently holds the 4th position as the best university in the world, as per the QS World University Rankings.
Through Harvard College, the university maintains a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio. With the commitment to creating a diversified learning environment, the college has not only helped aid the students’ intellectual and personal transformation but also helped position them for employment opportunities. Currently, the graduation rate of the students is pegged at 98%.
4. Stanford University
Coming closely behind is Stanford University, which is located in Stanford, in the United States. It ranks as the 5th best university in the world, thanks to the excellent mix of academics and social life.
For International Students
Foreign students coming to Stanford University have access to some of the best instructors the world can offer. This is your chance to learn not just about the program of study, but other vital lessons that help prepare you to make meaningful contributions to society.
International applications get to pursue graduate and undergraduate studies abroad across seven schools: Business, Education, Law, Sustainability, Engineering, Humanities & Sciences, and Medicine.
5. Princeton University
You don’t need to be a Prince to school here, neither do you need to have a lot of money to fund your education. With a tuition fee of $59,710, the university will be willing to accept more international applicants into its fold.
With a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio, it is one of the best for foreign students, owing to the 685 undergraduate international students admitted yearly. Princeton University goes on to offer up to 400 international internship opportunities.
Academics
The school also excels in academics, by making the 45 doctoral departments and programs, and the 10 Master’s degree programs accessible across 200 campus buildings.
Degrees awarded include Undergraduate Degree, Graduate Certificate, Undergraduate Certificate, Graduate Degree, and Undergraduate Minor.
Popular programs are Anthropology, Asian American Studies, Biophysics, Climate Science, Chemistry, Dance, Creative Writing and Environmental Studies.
6. University of Chicago
Located in the State of Chicago, this university is the 11th best in the world, according to the QS World University Rankings. The University of Chicago is continually on the lookout for “academically talented, intellectually curious international students.”
In testimony to open reception granted to foreign students, the university has up to 13% of its students drawn from over 100 countries. About 24% of its community also comes from countries outside the US.
Academics
The University of Chicago also does impressively well in the field of academics; offering up to 100 degree and academic programs across the four divisions, the undergraduate College and seven professional schools.
7. University of California
Next on our list of US universities for international students is the University of California, located in Berkeley.
Established in 1868, UC Berkeley has waxed strong over the decades to become one of the best schools in the US. It does not just hold the #10 spot as the best university in the world (by QS World University Rankings) but also has a 19.4 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio.
In terms of academics, it dusts up the books with 13.8 million book volumes stacked in the libraries to boost reading interests.
What had initially started as a university with just 10 faculty members and 40 students has now blossomed into an institution boasting over 35,000 students, 14 colleges/schools and over 130 academic departments.
8. University of Pennsylvania
Located in Philadephia, the University of Pennsylvania i one leading institution of higher learning in the US that offers international students an opportunity to study abroad.
With a huge international student population drawn from over 100 countries; the school is committed to preparing its graduates to excel in a complex 21st century world.
The 12 schools offer a wide range of top-rated undergraduate and graduate programs to help prepare the students for what the future holds. The School of Dental Medicine, arguably one of the oldest (dating back to 1878) has helped the medical industry. At the last count, over 20,000 residents have benefitted from the community dental care services rendered by the students.
9. Yale University
Located in New Haven, Connecticut, Yale University ranks as one of the best US universities. As one of the leading private research universities in the country; it is home to a good number of interdisciplinary scientific research institutes that have made big knowledge expansion across different fields, including autism.
If there is any university in the US that has been receptive towards international students, it has to be Yale University. The first set of foreign scholars goes back to the 1800s. Today, the university is host to over 2,841 international students drawn from 121 countries. The percentage of international scholars stands at 22%.
Yale University offers hundreds of programs, including American Studies, Biomedical Engineering, Cognitive Science, Earth and Planetary Sciences, and Health Care Management.
10. Cornell University
This school is located in New York. It is the 13th-best university in the world, according to the QS World University Rankings.
Founded by Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White in 1865, it has risen to become a university where students from different parts of the world can study without discrimination.
With the upholding principle of inclusion, the university accepts international students to undergo graduate and undergraduate programs, spanning 80 majors and 100 fields of study.
11. California Institute of Technology
International students who are interested in technology and how it contributes to societal development would like to enrol in any of the programs in this school.
The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is a private research university in Pasadena, California. In addition to facilitating modern scientific advancements; it also ranks as the 15th best university in the United States.
12. John Hopkins University
This is the first research university in the United States. Here’s the opportunity to study in an institution that has a firm belief that “teaching and research are independent, and that a modern university must do both well.”
To buttress this point, John Hopkins University offers a plethora of programs of study across different levels — Certificate, Bachelor’s, Doctoral, Master’s, Non-degree Program, Minors and Post-Master’s Certificate (Graduate Certificate).
Popular programs at the university include:
- Adult-Gerontological Critical Care
- Accounting and Financial Management
- Anthropology
- Applied and Computational Mathematics
- Applied Mathematics and Statistics
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Graduate Training Programs in Clinical Investigation
With more than 21,000 undergraduate and graduate students across the nine world-class academic divisions — this is one of the best universities for international students. Financial aid is also readily available to help you fund your education.
13. Boston University
Located in Boston, Massachusetts, Boston University is a private research university that allows indigenous and international students to come to learn different important courses.
International students who meet the requirements, such as teacher evaluation, secondary/high school records, documentation of financial support counsellor recommendation and school report form will stand a chance of getting admitted.
Merit scholarships are available too for first-year international students who are eligible, based on the shortlisted requirements.
Why Boston University?
Boston University makes the list for a couple of reasons, including the inclusion of Majors for every interest/topic in the list of programs, and creating a wide range of experiences for the students. From a statistical point of view, the university ranks 10th for employability (of the graduates) in the United States, as well as being the 7th in terms of campuses with the most concentration of international students.
14. Arizona State University
This is a public research university in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Arizon State University was established in 1885 and has over the years, become one of the largest public universities in the United States, in terms of enrollment.
With customizable degree programs, international students can now finish their programs, as per their schedules. Moreso, the school has up to 16 colleges and schools, all in place to help learners explore their academic future in the best way possible.
International students applying to the university have to meet the minimum requirements, as well as do so before the stipulated deadline.
Besides the perks of studying in one of the most prestigious universities in the States, it is also an avenue to graduate with one of the best grades. It is on record that the university has a 3.97 average weighted GPA for the first-year, on-campus cohort.
15. University of Washington
Located in the United States’ most popular location, the University of Washington is the ideal school for international students looking to undergo programs that will help them make positive changes in society.
With three thriving campuses strategically located in Tacoma, Seattle and Bothell, you now have options on where’s best to study.
What’s more? The University of Washington has up to 20 colleges and schools, notable among which are:
- School of Nursing
- Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering
- College of Education
- College of Arts and Sciences
- The Information School
- Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies
Get started on the journey to becoming a Husky by meeting the requirements. Whether you’re looking to start undergraduate programs or professional programs; rest assured that the University of Washington got you covered. Distant studies are also offered as online programs, with up to 50 certificate programs and 20 degrees and courses readily available.
16. University of Southern California
Founded in 1880 and located in Los Angeles, the University of Southern California stands tall as one of the best private research universities in the country.
Also doubling as one of the oldest in California, it welcomes international students who meet the English Language and supplementary tests, have proof of ability to pay tuition and who have academic qualifications equivalent to the standards of the U.S. applicants.
International students are exposed to graduate and professional studies that prepare them for leadership positions in professional, research, and education practice.
From over 20 professional schools and distinguished liberal arts colleges, students can choose any of the Master’s, Graduate Certificate, PhD or dual-degree programs.
17. Florida International University
Established by the Florida Legislature in 1965, this school is now one of the leading public research universities in the United States. The main campus is located in University Park of the unincorporated Miami-Dade County in the State of Florida.
Florida International University is noted for its excellence in driving talent and innovation in not just Miami, but also all over the world. This is all thanks to the wide range of Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees.
International students who may not be so close to the school can opt for any of the 130 FIU online degrees and programs.
Popular degree programs include:
- African and African Diaspora Studies
- Communication Arts
- Hospitality Management
- Nursing — Advanced Child Nurse Practitioner
- Reading Education
- Public Policy and Service
- Public Health — Health Systems Research
- Urban Education
- Real Estate
- Urban Design
Applicants need to meet the requirements, including taking an English proficiency test.
Conclusion
Studying abroad in any of the choicest universities exposes students to not just the best academic programs, but also an array of post-graduate work and professional opportunities. Your choice of an international university in the United States should be based on the quality of degree programs offered, the employability rate of the graduates and the affordability of the school.
In all, the universities reviewed in this article meet most of those criteria and are worth checking out.