Best American Universities for International Students

The number of international students studying at U.S. colleges and universities took a hit during the pandemic but institutions across the country reported an uptick in admissions for the 2022-2023 school year. It might be surprising to learn that even during COVID, almost 1 million students from foreign countries studied in the U.S. 

A degree from an American college has always been highly regarded around the globe and foreign degree-seekers have navigated the water to find the best universities for international students. Why are these young people so eager to study in America and how do they find the best school for them?

Why Study in the US?

There are many quantifiable reasons to study in the U.S. From high-quality education to unique social freedoms to diverse and transferable experiences, the best universities for international students offer a great deal more than can be found in other countries. Here are some of the highlights!

Quality Education 

American schools have earned a reputation for providing students with a high-quality education. The rigorous standards that accredited schools must meet together with excellent academic expectations guarantee that students are offered a solid education. In the list of the top 10 schools in the world, the United States has a strong showing with 8 colleges.

Transferable Experience

The credits that international students earn at accredited American colleges are widely recognized at other schools around the world and transferring those credits rarely presents a challenge. Transferable experiences are a hallmark of the best universities for international students in the USA!

Diversity

One of the strengths of the United States is its diversity. America is a melting pot of cultures and languages and colleges for international students have formed diverse communities on campuses where students learn from other cultures. Most employers value workers who have been exposed to other cultures.

Post-Grad Opportunities

A degree from a college or university in the United States tells future employers here and abroad that you have not only received a quality education but that you have been immersed in the kind of cultural experiences that global corporations seek in prospective employees. Your degree will put you ahead of your competitors and open doors that may otherwise have remained closed.

Flexible Education Options

Students in American colleges have the opportunity to choose from an impressive variety of courses. Undergrads can use their freshman and sophomore years to take classes that provide a well-rounded education before narrowing their focus and declaring a major at the end of that second year. Graduate studies also offer an impressive latitude for choosing your dissertation. 

Unique Experiences 

International students find that they don’t have much time to be homesick because campus life in the U.S. is busy! Colleges have clubs and other resources designed to support foreign students and all are welcome to participate in other campus activities from sports to arts to politics!

Best Universities for International Students in the USA

There are so many schools to research when looking for the best universities for international students so let’s get you off to a good start with this list!

1. University of the People 

The University of the People remains among the best colleges for international students. UoPeople is the world’s first tuition-free, online university that has removed many of the traditional barriers to a college education. Students need only be at least 16 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and have proof of English language proficiency. 

UoPeople offers:

• Associate’s degrees in business administration, computer science,  and health science.
• Bachelor’s degrees in business administration, computer science, and health science.   
• Master’s degrees in business administration, information technology, and education.
• Non-degree programs in business administration, computer science,  health science, and ESL.

2. New York University

NYU has students from almost every State and 133 countries and almost one-third of the student population is foreign! While it’s widely known for its liberal arts, economics, business, and nursing programs, NYU also offers over 400 programs.

It is truly a city college and is located right in the heart of Manhattan’s Greenwich Village which has cemented itself as a vibrant, cultural community. 

3. University of Southern California

USC is located in Los Angeles, which is considered one of the most diverse cities in the U.S. Because it is a research university, it’s considered to be among the best universities for international students in the USA, giving unique opportunities to students they won’t find elsewhere. 

A third of their student body is composed of international students and their robust scholarship and grants program enables students to pursue degrees they might not otherwise be able to afford. 

4. University of California San Diego (UCSD)

UCSD is well-known for its highly regarded School of Medicine and its Jacob School of Engineering. International students make up almost 40% of the student body and acceptance to UCSD is prized. 

Research is the focus of most of the school’s programs, resulting in well-educated graduates. It also doesn’t hurt that the campus is near some of the most beautiful beaches California has to offer!

5. Yale University

Yale University, located in New Haven, Connecticut, was founded in 1701 which makes it the third-oldest school of higher education in the world. Yale’s student body is composed of more than 6,000 international students and scholars representing 120 countries. 

Yale has a low acceptance rate and is challenging to get into. It is most noted for its exceptional economics, history, science, music, and drama programs. 

6. UMass Boston

UMB is the only public research university in Boston and is part of the sprawling network of the University of Massachusetts system. Its highly diverse student population is enrolled in one of the 65 undergraduate and 6 graduate programs. 

New England is known for its prestigious higher education facilities and international students can experience some remarkable opportunities including being involved in modern cancer research or working in the up-to-date network information systems laboratory.

7. University of Central Florida

UCF, located in Orlando, is the second-largest university in the U.S. and is home to over 3,400 international students from 150 countries. They are noted for their engineering, computer engineering, and hospitality programs and are a solid choice for those seeking the best universities for international students. 

Orlando is a hub for tourism in particular and qualified international students will find that they have employment and intern opportunities they might not get elsewhere. 

8. University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is located in downtown Chicago, the 3rd largest city in the U.S. Engineering, business, architecture, health sciences, public health, and public affairs are the most popular programs. UIC offers over 80 undergraduate and 100 graduate programs. 

The top-ranked STEM programs at UIC attract students from all parts of the globe and their engineering program offers unique guaranteed paid intern opportunities not found anywhere else in the United States. 

Final Words 

A degree from an American college or university is valuable on so many levels. There’s the pride, of course, of completing the higher education journey. But more than that, an education at one of the best universities for international students has a way of opening doors and creating opportunities for you. 

Now is the perfect time to research information about colleges for international students and to begin the application process. Bear in mind that studying in the U.S. will require visas and that there are deadlines for applications. There is no time like the present to begin your journey!