Best Universities in USA for International Students 2023-2024: Hello, dreamers and scholars from across the globe! With over 4,000 degree-granting institutions sprinkled from the shimmering Pacific coast to the rugged Atlantic shores, the United States is truly a world leader in higher education. If you’re an international student contemplating on venturing into the land of opportunities for your academic pursuits, you might find yourself grappling with the daunting task of choosing the right university.
Undoubtedly, your decision can seem overwhelming; after all, how do you pinpoint the perfect blend of rigorous academics, welcoming environment, exciting cultural exchange, and robust support services from a list as vast as the American sky? Fortunately, we’re here to help you navigate this crucial decision-making process with a comprehensive guide to the best universities in the USA for international students.
In this post, we’ll delve into everything from Ivy League prestige to hidden gem institutions, while considering factors such as financial aid, international student services, global recognition, and diversity of student bodies. We understand that ‘best’ is subjective and can mean different things to different people. Hence, we’ve strived to provide a balanced perspective, so whether you’re an aspiring engineer, an emerging novelist, or an entrepreneur-in-the-making, you’ll find an institution that aligns with your personal and academic aspirations.
Stay tuned as we embark on this enlightening journey across America’s diverse academic landscape. Remember, the goal is not just to find a university, but to discover a home away from home where you can thrive, grow, and develop into the best version of yourself. Let’s dive in!
However, before we proceed to the top institutions in the USA for International students, we have to explain what it means first.
What is best Universities in USA for International Student?
Well, you’ve come to the right place, friend! I see you’re in search of answers about the best universities in the USA for international students, and I’m here to help clear that up for you. When we talk about the ‘best’ universities, it’s important to remember that what’s ‘best’ can mean different things for different people. However, for the purpose of clarity, let’s define it here as an amalgamation of various key factors like high-quality education, inclusivity, support for international students, financial aid options, and strong global recognition.
What Are The Benefits of Studying in the US?
Absolutely, let’s dive into this fascinating topic! If you’ve been contemplating studying in the United States, I’m sure you’re eager to know the benefits it could bring you. Well, buckle up because we’re about to embark on a thrilling journey exploring the myriad perks of studying in the good old U.S. of A.
The following are some of the primary advantages that come with attending school in the United States as an international student:
- Reputable Educational Standards
Renowned Academics - Work Experience That Can Be Applied Elsewhere And Potential Career Paths
- Opportunities Following Graduation
- Diversity
In spite of the fact that attending college might be expensive, particularly for students coming from other countries, getting a college education is ultimately worthwhile. International students get a fantastic return on their money if they choose to pursue their education in the United States.
17 Best Universities in USA for International Students 2023-2024
- Pennsylvania State University, University Park
- University of California, Davis
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Cornell University, New York
- University of California, Irvine
- Ohio State University, Columbus
- University of Texas, Dallas
- University of Washington
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Columbia University
- University of California, Berkeley
- Boston University
- University of California, San Diego
- Purdue University, West Lafayette
- University of California, Los Angeles
- Arizona State University – Tempe
- University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign
1. Penn State University, in the town of University Park
Pennsylvania State University is one of the “Public Ivies.” A “Public Ivy” is a publicly funded school that is thought to give an education that is on par with the Ivy League. It’s also one of the biggest colleges in the United States. There were 9,396 foreign students at the university in 2018. The cost of college is $33,664.
See Penn State University acceptance rate
2. California State University, Davis
The University of California, Davis is in the city of Davis in Yolo County in northern California. It is part of the University of California system. About 35,000 students choose from around 200 bachelor and graduate degree programs at UC Davis. At the university, there are 18 students for every one member of staff. It’s set up with four big colleges. The University is ranked as the 55th best in the world, and fees for students from out of state is $42,433.
Check out the UC Davis Acceptance Rate
3. Carnegie Mellon University
This university is considered as one of the best universities in USA for international students. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a private, global research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is one of only 25 colleges to be accepted into the Global University Leaders Forum of the World Economic Forum. The school is also highly placed around the world. In the Times higher education rankings for 2020, it came in at number 27. 22% of all students who signed up for the 2018-2019 term were from outside the United States. The cost of college is $53,910.
4. Cornell University, New York
In 2018, more than 7200 foreign students attended this prestigious Ivy League school in Ithaca, New York. The university was started in 1865, and there are 15,182 first-year students there. The university is the ninth best in the United States. Cornell is also known for its highly regarded School of Hotel Administration and top-ranked College of Veterinary Medicine. The cost of going to college is $57,222.
5. Irvine, California’s University
UC Irvine is the only research university in Orange County that is part of the Association of American Universities (AAU). It was founded in 1965 and is one of 10 schools that make up the University of California. The university has over 30,000 students because it has 192 degree programs. In the 2018-2019 school year, there were 8,064 foreign students at the school, making it one of the most popular schools for international students. The tuition for kids from out of state is set at $41,752.
6. Ohio State University, Columbus
Ohio State University began in 1870 as a college for agriculture and mechanics. On its main 1,900-acre campus, there are 15 schools with more than 50,000 students. The school is also known for having a lot of foreign students. In the 2018 academic year, more than 8,000 international students were enrolled. On the Times Higher Education list, the school is ranked as the 70th best university in the world. Costs of going to school here are around $29,000.
See the Ohio State Acceptance Rate
7. University of Texas, Dallas
The University of Texas at Dallas was founded in 1969. Since then, it has become one of the best places to do study in Texas, and its programs in engineering and the biomedical sciences have drawn attention from all over the country. The number of students to teachers at the University is 23:1. The university has the best ranking in the world for universities that are less than 50 years old. In 2018, 9400 of the total number of students were from outside the country. Out-of-state students have to pay $25,656 for tuition.
8. University of Washington
The University of Washington is the next school on our list. In 2018, it had 9,311 foreign students. The University is one of the most prestigious and largest colleges on the west side of the United States. It has a well-known medical school that trains people in surgery, medicine, and public health. This school serves medical centers in the Pacific North West and Alaska. It is placed 26th in the world and costs $34,791 to attend.
9. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Michigan State University foreign students love Ann Arbor. In 2018, more than 8700 foreign students enrolled there. At least 50 different countries are represented on the campus of the University, with the most people coming from China. It is ranked as the 21st best university in the world. The cost of going to school here is about $49,000.
10. Columbia University
Columbia is one of the oldest universities in the US and the oldest in the state of New York. King George II of England set up the University in 1754. Some of the most famous schools in the world are at Columbia University. These include the Business School, Teachers College, Law School, and College of Physicians and Surgeons. The University is ranked 16th in the Times Higher Education lists, which is a great place to be. In the 2018-2019 school year, there were 15,897 foreign students who were allowed to study. The cost of college is $51,640.
11. Berkeley, California, University
The University of California, Berkeley has set its sights on the foreign student market. It has almost 12,000 international students. The University is one of the most prestigious state universities in the US and is ranked as the 13th best university in the world. The cost of school here is $42,184.
12. Boston University
One of the most varied schools in the US, the University has students from more than 130 different countries. It has about 10,000 teachers and staff members, 17 schools and colleges, 250 fields of study spread across two campuses, and many international programs. Most of the facilities are on the Charles River campus, which is very impressive. Boston University is the 61st best university in the world, and it gives students a great education in both the classroom and the real world.
See the Boston University Transfer Acceptance Rate
13. University of California, San Diego
The University of California, San Diego, or UCSD as it is often called, is one of the US Public Ivy colleges. The goal of these schools is to give their students the same level of education as the private Ivy League schools. In the US, both the school of Medicine and the school of Engineering at the University are very good. The University is placed 31st in the world and costs $42,032 to attend.
Check out the UCSD Acceptance Rate
14. Purdue University, West Lafayette
In 2018, 22% of the students at Purdue University are from outside of the United States. The engineering school at the university is one of the best known and most competitive in the US. Twenty-three Purdue graduates have become astronauts. Neil Armstrong was the first person to walk on the moon, and Eugene Cernan was the last. The tuition at the well-known school is $28,794.
See the Purdue Acceptance Rate
15. University of California, Los Angeles
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a place where you can learn, find out new things, and do research. Undergraduate research projects are offered as early as the freshman year, and more than half of UCLA’s graduates have done research in the humanities, social sciences, or STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields. UCLA is the 17th best school in the world, and it costs $41,275 to go there.
16. Arizona State University – Tempe
This list won’t be completed if I don’t include this institution as one of the best universities in USA for international students. Arizona State University has more than 80,000 students and is one of the largest public colleges in the United States. It is a comprehensive research university and one of the largest in the world. In 2016, the University was named the most innovative, and it has two Nobel Prize winners on its teaching team right now. 21% of the University’s students come from outside the country, and the school fee is $27,372.
See Arizona State University acceptance rate
17. University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois has 17 schools that offer about 150 different ways to study. The university is one of the original 37 public land-grant schools that were started when Abraham Lincoln signed the Morrill Act in 1862. The University is the 48th best university in the world, according to a list. In 2018, there were 13,497 foreign students at the university, which is 24% of the total number of students. The cost of college is $34,719.
Read the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) acceptance rate
FAQs about the Best Universities in the USA for International Students
Moving on to the frequently asked questions about best universities in USA for international students. We will try to answer some questions below;
What are Some of the Best Universities in the USA for International Students?
These would include universities like Penn State University, University of California, Davis, Carnegie Mellon University, Cornell University, University of California, Irvine, Ohio State University, University of Texas, Dallas, University of Washington, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Columbia University, University of California, Berkeley, Boston University, University of California, San Diego, Purdue University, West Lafayette, University of California, Los Angeles, Arizona State University – Tempe, and University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign.
How are These Universities Ranked?
These universities are ranked based on various factors such as academic reputation, employer reputation, student-to-faculty ratio, research output, and the diversity of the student body. Rankings can be found in resources such as the Times Higher Education lists or the US News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings.
What is the Average Cost of Attending These Universities?
The cost varies by university and by state. For example, tuition at Cornell University is about $57,222 while the University of Texas, Dallas is around $25,656 for out-of-state students. It’s important to note that these figures do not include other expenses like housing, meals, health insurance, and textbooks.
Do These Universities Offer Financial Aid for International Students?
Yes, many U.S. universities offer financial aid for international students, though it can be more competitive to obtain than for domestic students. Some universities may offer merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, or a combination of both. It’s always a good idea to check with the university’s financial aid office for specific information.
What Programs are These Universities Known For?
Each university has its unique strengths. For instance, Carnegie Mellon is globally recognized for its computer science and engineering programs. Cornell University is known for its School of Hotel Administration and College of Veterinary Medicine, while Purdue University is renowned for its engineering program, especially its astronautical engineering program.
How Many International Students Attend These Universities?
The number of international students varies by university and year. For instance, in 2018, Columbia University had 15,897 foreign students enrolled, while Arizona State University had 21% of their student population coming from outside the country. The University of Illinois had 13,497 foreign students, comprising 24% of the total student population.
What Services are Available for International Students at These Universities?
International students at these universities have access to a variety of services, such as international student advisors, language support services, and cultural integration resources. These universities also often host international events and have student-led organizations that can provide a sense of community and support for international students.
How Do I Apply to These Universities as an International Student?
Each university will have its application process, and this can usually be found on the university’s official website. However, most will require a completed application form, proof of secondary school completion, letters of recommendation, standardized test scores (like the SAT or ACT for undergraduate programs, or GRE or GMAT for graduate programs), and proof of English language proficiency (such as the TOEFL or IELTS). Some universities may also require an application essay or personal statement.
Wrapping Up the Best Universities in US for International Students 2023
Now that you have known the list of the top institutions in US for International Students, it is also worth noting that all the information provided on this page about each university are subject to change. It is recommended to check out the official website of the university you want to apply to for a further enquiry. However, we will keep updating this content if there is a need to.