As U.S. News & World Report issues its Best Colleges list for 2025, one theme sets in how the number of international students is growing on US campuses. In this post, we discuss the effect these rankings and the influx of student visa holders are having on US higher education.
How U.S. News Rankings Reflect International Student Influence
The 2025 U.S. News rankings are all about outcomes (more than half a school’s score) such as graduation rates, social mobility, and post-graduate attainment. And there’s evidence that international students make up a significant portion of these numbers:
Higher Graduation Rates for International Students Boost Rankings
A 2019 National Foundation for American Policy study found that international students often have higher graduation rates than the general student population, by as much as 20 percentage points at public universities.
STEM Focus: Connection Between Rankings and F-1 Visa Holder Preferences
Law and Visas report that STEM fields, especially Computer Science, are the top choices among F-1 visa holders. This trend aligns with U.S. News’ emphasis on STEM programs, where institutions like MIT, Stanford, and Caltech rank highly.
Post-Graduation Success: OPT and University Rankings
According to the Institute of International Education, over 80% of international students who studied STEM and stayed in the U.S. through Optional Practical Training (OPT) are employed in STEM jobs, boosting post-graduation success metrics.
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Recent Policy Changes and Opportunities for International Graduates
In June 2024, the Biden Administration streamlined the work visa process for college graduates, including DACA recipients, enhancing the pathway for those with job offers related to their degrees. Key policy elements include:
- Simplifying the employment visa process for U.S. graduates.
- Potentially prioritizing visa applications from U.S. institution graduates.
- Providing additional clarity on the waiver process for those with prior unlawful presence.
- Expanding “high-skilled job” definitions beyond traditional STEM roles.
These policy changes benefit students and potentially enhance university rankings by improving employment metrics and attracting more international applicants. This shift reflects a recognition of the economic and educational value of international students.
Top-Ranked Schools and International Enrollment
A look at the top U.S. universities shows a strong correlation with international student enrollment.
Ivy League and International Enrollment
Institutions like Princeton University (ranked #1) have a high international student presence, with 23% of undergraduates from abroad (Fall 2022 data). Harvard University (ranked #3) has 13.6% international undergraduates.
Public Universities and Global Appeal
Top public universities also have significant international enrollment. For instance, UC Berkeley, consistently ranked among the top public schools, has a large international student body. Nationally, international students make up about 6% of U.S. higher education enrollment, according to Law and Visas.
Top 10 U.S. Institutions for F-1 Visa Holders (2023)
| Institution | International Student Population |
| New York University | 24,921 |
| Northeastern University | 23,711 |
| Columbia University | 22,982 |
| University of Southern California | 19,985 |
| Arizona State University | 17,953 |
| University of Illinois | 16,418 |
| Boston University | 15,930 |
| University of North Texas | 13,082 |
| Purdue University | 13,033 |
| University of Michigan | 12,952 |
Economic Impact of International Students on University Rankings
International students contribute financially to universities, indirectly boosting rankings.
Financial Contributions to University Resources
NAFSA reports that international students contributed $38.7 billion to the U.S. economy in 2019-2020, which can strengthen university resources and affect rankings.
Local Job Creation
International students support nearly 416,000 U.S. jobs. Universities contributing to local economies may see improved reputational scores in rankings. Law and Visas offers corporate immigration services for businesses looking to attract international talent.
Research Contributions and Innovation
U.S. News considers research activity, where international students play a significant role:
- Patent Applications: Research shows that increased foreign graduate enrollment leads to more patent activity.
- STEM Degree Completion: International students make up 54% of master’s and 44% of doctoral graduates in STEM.
Social Mobility and Diversity: The Impact of International Students
The rankings now emphasize social mobility, which international students enhance by bringing diverse perspectives and economic backgrounds.
International students, discover how a U.S. education can become a pathway to permanent residency through Law and Visas services.
The relationship between U.S. News rankings and international enrollment is mutually beneficial. Top schools attract global talent, which, in turn, contributes to factors that boost rankings. As universities aim to improve their standings, supporting international student mobility is likely to become even more critical.
