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The 11 Best Universities in the US for International Students
06/15/2023•27 minute read
Each year, thousands of international students attend some of the best universities across the US. As more students turn to the US to pursue higher education, the competition for these coveted spots will increase. Some US universities enroll more international students than others, so your chances of getting into them could be much higher. Find out which universities are best for international students and why these schools should make your application shortlist!
International students flock to US institutions to experience some of the country’s best academic possibilities. According to PIE News, new immigration data reveals that in 2022, the number of international students in the US reached 1,362,157, representing a 10% increase from the previous year, although still lower than the pre-pandemic levels of 2019.
China remained the top sending country with 324,196 students (-24,796 from 2021), followed by India, which had 64,300 more students than the previous year, South Korea, Canada, and Brazil. Nigeria sent the highest number of African students to the US.
What Are The Benefits of Studying in the US?
Many international students choose to study in the US because top colleges offer benefits in and out of the classroom. From world-class facilities to networking and growth opportunities, there’s something for every student.
The top benefits of studying in the US as an international student include:
- Renowned Academics
- Quality of Education
- Transferrable Work Experience & Career Opportunities
- Post-Grad Opportunities
- Diversity
Although the cost of college, especially for international students, can be high, college is worth it in the long run. Studying in the US has a tremendous return on investment for international students.
Top 10 Universities with the Highest International Student Enrollment
International students can apply to more than 5,000 universities across the US, including liberal arts, public, private, and Ivy League institutions. Here are the top 10 universities with the highest international student enrollment.
Universities with Highest International Student Enrollments
| University | % of International Students |
|---|---|
| University of Rochester | 25% |
| New York University | 24% |
| Boston University | 22% |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 22% |
| Cardinal Stritch University | 21% |
| Brandeis University | 20% |
| Florida Institute of Technology | 19% |
| Andrews University | 18% |
| Emory University | 17% |
| University of California San Diego (UCSD) | 16% |
| University of Chicago | 16% |
Top US Universities with Large International Student Numbers
1. New York University
New York City, New York
NYU Admissions Overview
| US News National Rankings | International Students | Total Students | Median GPA | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 21,081 | 61,724 | 3.7 | 8% |
NYU enrolls more than 50,000 students from virtually every state and 133 countries. International students make up 24% of NYU’s student body. While NYU has an extensive list of over 400 academic programs for students to explore, some of their most popular programs are liberal arts and humanities, economics, business, and nursing.
Located in the heart of Manhattan’s Greenwich Village, a New York City cultural center, NYU students can explore the city and immerse themselves in its abundance of art, culture, and food. Check out our university profiles to learn more about NYU.
2. Northeastern University
Boston, Massachusetts
Northeastern Admissions Overview
| US News National Rankings | International Students | Total Students | Median GPA | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44 | 10,653 | 19,528 | 4.0 | 18% |
Northeastern University enrolled students from 148 countries in 2021. More than 15% of Northeastern’s student body consists of International Students. International students can also experience Northeastern University’s academic opportunities at the main campus and online campuses. Although most of Northeastern’s campuses are located in the US, they also have two satellite campuses in Toronto and Vancouver, Canada. These campuses offer Master of Science programs.
Popular majors at Northeastern include Business, Marketing, Engineering, and Management.
A Day in the Life: Northeastern University Computer Science Student
3. Columbia University
New York City, New York
Columbia Admissions Overview
| US News National Rankings | International Students | Total Students | Median GPA | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | 16,956 | 31,455 | 4.1 | 3.9% |
Regarded as one of the most prestigious universities in the world, Columbia University is also one of the eight Ivy League institutions. Columbia’s diverse programs, world-class facilities, and renowned medical school draw students from over 100 countries worldwide.
Similar to NYU, Columbia’s location offers students vast opportunities and resources while supporting the academic advancement of its students. Learn more about what Columbia has to offer on our university profiles.
4. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California
USC Admissions Overview
| US News National Rankings | International Students | Total Students | Median GPA | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | 14,992 | 49,500 | 3.75-4.0 | 12% |
USC resides in the heart of one of the most diverse and vibrant cities in the US. The university’s objective is to make higher education more affordable to families by providing more than $640 million in scholarships and grants. International students at USC experience incredible opportunities in innovation and research.
In the most recent application cycle, 16% of admitted students were international students from countries like Canada, China, and India. 30% of USC’s total student body consists of international students.
Interested in hearing from a Crimson student and his journey from Mexico to Canada and finally, to USC for Business? Read Alfonso’s story!
5. Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona
Arizona State University Admissions Overview
| US News National Rankings | International Students | Total Students | Median GPA | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 117 | 13,015 | 119,951 | 3.5 | 88.40% |
Recognized as one of the most innovative universities in the US, Arizona State University (ASU) has robust online and in-person learning opportunities. ASU has one of the largest student populations, with international students from over 136 countries. The university upholds its recognition for having a highly ranked research facility and is a NASA-certified national space grant institute. ASU’s faculty also includes five Nobel laureates and seven Pulitzer Prize winners.
6. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, Illinois
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign Admissions Overview
| US News National Rankings | International Students | Total Students | Median GPA | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 47 | 12,838 | 56,257 | 3.78 | 63% |
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign seeks to create a transformative educational experience for its students. The campus is full of cultural richness and diversity, with more than 51,000 international students. UIUC offers resources like the “Illinois International” program. This unique program supports international students, collaborates with global partners, fosters an institutionally inclusive culture, and awards scholarships to international students.
7. University of California, San Diego
San Diego, California
University of California, San Diego Admissions Overview
| US News National Rankings | International Students | Total Students | Median GPA | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34 | 10,824 | 42,875 | 4.1 | 38% |
University of California, San Diego is another highly sought-after University of California campus with many international students. Students around the world recognize UCSD’s highly-regarded School of Medicine and Jacobs School of Engineering. 38% of UCSD’s student body consists of international students.
UCSD’s challenging, research-focused academic programs allow students to deepen their passions and understanding of their academic field. The university is also home to the most breathtaking beaches in California (another perk of studying in the US).
Calculate your chances of admission to the University of California, San Diego with our College Admissions Calculator!
8. Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston University Admissions Overview
| US News National Rankings | International Students | Total Students | Median GPA | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34 | 10,824 | 42,875 | 4.1 | 38% |
Boston University, located in Boston, Massachusetts, has more than 30,000 students and 4,000 faculty members. More than 3,900 undergraduates from more than 50 countries. International students make up 20% of the student body at Boston University.
Even through Boston University is a larger school, many classes are still smaller in size, allowing students to dig deeper in their studies and create a tight-knit community. Boston’s founding principles are access to affordable higher education, scholarship possibilities, professional practice, and artistic creation.
A Day in the Life: Boston University Student
9. Purdue University
West Lafayette, Indiana
Purdue University Admissions Overview
| US News National Rankings | International Students | Total Students | Median GPA | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49 | 10,500 | 49,693 | 3.7 | 67.2% |
Purdue University, located in Indiana, is nationally known for its renowned engineering and technology programs, modern facilities, and competitive sports programs.
Purdue University is also famous for its School of Aviation and Transportation Technology. Purdue alumni include 25 astronauts, including Neil Armstrong and Eugene Cernan, the first and last astronauts to land on the moon.
International students make up 21.13% of Purdue’s student body. If you’re an international student interested in pursuing science, engineering, or aviation, Purdue is the university for you!
10. University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California
UCLA Admissions Overview
| US News National Rankings | International Students | Total Students | Median GPA | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 10,273 | 45,742 | 4.34-4.68 | 9% |
As a public research university, UCLA’s principal goal is to promote academic freedom, innovation, discovery, and creativity for its students. UCLA was ranked the top public university out of approximately 1,625 universities in the US. UCLA is a popular destination for international students who make up 22.5% of the student body.
Beyond the classroom, UCLA has more than 1,200 clubs and student organizations. These clubs give international students opportunities to explore current passions and build friendships.
A Day in the Life: UCLA Student
How International Students can get into a Top US University
Students applying to top US universities often face a demanding and competitive application process. Applying to these universities as an international applicant requires dedication to academics, extracurriculars, essays, letters of recommendation, and other critical components of the application.
Top universities are not looking for the perfect candidate. They are looking for well-rounded students who will be an excellent fit for their institution.
Ivy League Admissions Statistics
| Ivies | Class of 2025 Undergraduate Enrollment | Class of 2025 Acceptance Rate | Class of 2025 International Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | 1,962 | 3.43% | 14.8% |
| Princeton University | 1,345 | 3.98% | 13% |
| Columbia University | 2,185 | 3.66% | 12% |
| Yale University | 1,789 | 4.62% | 14% |
| University of Pennsylvania | 3,304 | 5.68% | 11% |
| Cornell University | 5,836 | 8.52% | ~9.3% |
| Brown University | 2,537 | 5.40% | 11% |
| Dartmouth College | 1,229 | 6.17% | 15% |
How To Find a University That Best Fits You
When creating your US university shortlist, don’t choose a school solely based on its name or reputation. Think carefully about how your dream universities best fit your needs and goals.
Here are a few additional points to consider before applying to US universities:
- Academic possibilities and programs
- Campus culture
- Financial aid
- Career development opportunities
- University values
Final Thoughts
Studying abroad is a popular option for many students. International students who choose to study in the US gain access to countless academic and networking opportunities. While the application process may seem daunting, Crimson can help! We have a network of more than 2,000 tutors and mentors from top-ranked universities and companies—their expertise spans from university admissions and academic tutoring to career mentoring, leadership, and extracurricular advising. Crimson supports students around the world so they can get into the best universities in the US.
Are you an international student hoping to get into a prestigious US university? Contact one of our enrollment advisors today.
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