The US remains one of the most popular countries for international college students. More than 5,000 colleges and universities are available, so it is not always easy to find what’s right for you. They have their challenges such as visas, campus life, and paying for their education overseas. The good news is that there are plenty of U.S. universities that can assist students: They have strong programs, a variety of student populations, and support services.
We’ll explore some of the best U.S. universities for international students based on factors such as program options, student body, and international student services in this article.
1. Northeastern University – Boston, Massachusetts
Northeastern University in Boston is the best option for international students looking for several academic programs and good career opportunities. Some 20.5% of Northeastern’s student population is international and there are students from more than 148 countries at Northeastern. This is why it is an excellent venue to connect with people from all over the world and receive individualized care.
Because Northeastern is famous for internships and co-ops, it allows students to do practical work before graduating. The school also has solid programs in business, engineering, and marketing and its large alumni network offers useful job connections.
2. New York University (NYU) – New York City, New York.
New York University (NYU) is among the best universities in the United States and has one of the largest international student populations. NYU is situated in the center of New York City, offering you a range of degrees in arts, business, technology, and more.
NYU faculty have events and activities that are just for international students to get settled in the U.S. and develop strong relationships with fellow students. There is also assistance from the university for visa applications of students and some students can be given financial aid or scholarships. International students at NYU have access to 400+ academic programs so you’ll never be short of something to explore.
3. Arizona State University (ASU) – Tempe, Arizona.
ASU is a public university, a top-ranked innovator and research institution year in and year out. ASU is one of the most internationalized campuses in America, and the atmosphere is welcoming to all students. The school boasts advanced research centers and a commitment to sustainability, technology, and business.
International admission is an 88.4% rate at ASU, and there are more than 85 majors and areas of study. It’s also a great option for foreign students interested in engineering, business, and environmental science degrees.
4. University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign, Illinois.
University of Illinois is a large research university that offers campuses in the state but its Chicago campus (UIC) is a popular spot for international students. UIC boasts more than 80 undergraduate majors and 100 graduate degrees, so the school is a great fit for students who want to take their academic interests in several directions.
The most well-known program at the university is the engineering program, which is very prestigious in the US and tends to draw international students who want to enter the tech and engineering field. There are also guaranteed paid internships for engineering students at UIC that will also allow international students to gain professional experience as part of their education.
5. Rice University – Houston, Texas
Rice University is a private research university in Houston, Texas. Rice is one of the few universities with a very small student-to-faculty ratio (6:1), which makes it highly individualized for foreign students. As of 2021, Rice’s student body – about one in five (or as many as) students) are from outside the U.S., and the school is dedicated to diversity.
Rice is famous for applied science courses which is ideal for international students looking to major in computer science, engineering, or biosciences. Because of the smaller university, a small community exists where foreign students have the best possible support to excel both academically and socially.
6. Ivy League Universities – World Class Colleges for Global Students.
The Ivy League is a collection of the best universities in the world, and international students apply to the Ivy League because of their scholarships, high programs, and international reputation. It’s not just quality education at Ivy League universities such as Harvard, Princeton, and Yale, but also specialized services for foreign students trying to navigate their way in the U.S.
They also provide some of the best financial aid for international students, and universities such as Harvard and Princeton have need-blind admissions and all-aid packages for applicants. Many Ivy League universities also offer swarms of alumni groups that can assist foreigners in forming connections and entering career fields.
7. Colleges at the University of California (UC) – California.
In California, you will find some of the best-ranked public universities in the US and the University of California system (UC) is one of the top institutions among international students. There are UCs at Berkeley, Los Angeles, and San Diego that have attracted students from across the globe with their academics, student body composition, and being in one of the most exciting parts of the country.
There is something academic about each UC campus. UC San Diego, for instance, has medical and engineering research programs, and UC Berkeley has humanities and social sciences departments. In addition to being multicultural and offering top faculty, UC schools offer international students a diverse education and a great community.
What University to Attend If You’re An International Student
Finding the right university is a very important choice that every international student has to make and you need to take many factors into consideration. These are your preferred courses, the tuition and living charges, as well as support services for international students.
Whether you are a business, engineering, arts, or sciences major, there are American universities where you can go to get your academic and professional degree. The above-mentioned seven universities have robust support, multicultural societies, and pathways for international students to thrive in college and beyond. Relax, do your homework, and decide on the school that is best suited for you and your goals.
