International Students Thriving At Kent State University

Kent State University is a diverse and inclusive university, with a thriving community of international students. The university is located in Kent, Ohio, and is the third-largest university in the state. It is recognised as one of the top public universities in the US and is ranked among the top 200 universities in the world by Times Higher Education.

The university's main campus is home to nearly 30,000 students, including approximately 1,500 to 2,000 international students, representing nearly 100 countries. The international student population at Kent State has been increasing, with a notable rise in students from India and Brazil.

With its range of academic programs, distinguished faculty, and accessible location, Kent State University offers an excellent American education to its international students. The university's eight campuses, academic sites around the globe, and proximity to Fortune 500 companies provide a wealth of opportunities for cultural exchange and professional growth.

Popularity with international students: Kent State ranks 78th out of 1,279 colleges in the US

Kent State University is a highly popular choice for international students, ranking 78th out of 1,279 colleges in the US for popularity with students from outside the country. The university's diverse student population includes approximately 1,500 to 2,000 international students, comprising around 4.8% to 5% of the total student body of over 37,000. This percentage is slightly higher than the US average.

The university attracts students from nearly 100 countries, with almost 100 nations represented on campus. The top sending countries include India, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, China, and Nigeria. The international student population at Kent State is quite diverse, with no single country dominating the demographic.

The university's main campus spans 950 acres and is located in Kent, Ohio, offering a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment for international students. The campus provides a wide range of facilities, including a state-of-the-art recreation centre, dining options, and ample student organisations for cultural outreach and community involvement.

In terms of academics, Kent State University offers over 300 degree programs, including notable programs in business, history, library science, aeronautics, nursing, liquid crystals, journalism, and fashion design. The university is also recognised for its excellent research capabilities and accomplished faculty members.

The university's location in Northeast Ohio provides easy access to several major cities and cultural hubs, such as Cleveland, Akron, Youngstown, and Canton. Additionally, there is a high density of Fortune 500 companies within a 48-kilometre radius of the campus, providing valuable internship opportunities for students.

International students by country: India, China and Saudi Arabia are the top three countries with the largest number of students at Kent State

Kent State University is the third-largest university in Ohio, with a diverse student population. In Fall 2022, the university hosted 1,648 international students from 99 countries, with India, China, and Saudi Arabia being the top three countries with the largest number of students.

India

In 2022, 470 Indian students were enrolled at Kent State University, accounting for 28.5% of the total international student population. This number has been increasing over the years, with an average growth rate of 42.9% since 2014. Indian students make up a significant portion of the international student body at Kent State, contributing to its diverse and vibrant community.

China

China previously had a larger presence at Kent State, but its numbers have declined in recent years. In 2018, there were 303 Chinese students enrolled, making up 23.8% of the international student body. While the number has decreased, Chinese students still represent a notable portion of the international population at Kent State.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is another top sender of students to Kent State University. In 2018, there were 212 Saudi Arabian students enrolled, making up 16.6% of the international student population. While this number has also declined in recent years, Saudi Arabian students continue to be a significant part of the university's international community.

The presence of students from these three countries, along with others, contributes to the cultural diversity and global perspective on Kent State's campuses. The university offers a welcoming and supportive environment for international students, with various resources and organizations to help them adapt to their new surroundings.

International student enrolment: In 2022, there were 1,648 international students enrolled at Kent State

International student enrolment is an important aspect of Kent State University, with the institution welcoming students from across the globe to its campus in Ohio. In 2022, there was a notable number of international students enrolled at the university, with a total of 1,648 students representing a diverse range of nationalities. This figure showcases the appeal of Kent State University to students seeking an American education.

Among the 1,648 international students enrolled in 2022, the breakdown by academic level shows a larger proportion of graduate students. Specifically, 660 students (40%) were undergraduates, while 988 students (60%) were at the graduate level. This distribution indicates a slightly higher preference for graduate studies among international students at Kent State University during that year.

When examining the countries of origin for international students at Kent State University in 2022, India stood out as the top sending country. With 470 Indian students, they constituted 28.5% of the total international enrolment. This significant representation from India underscores the university's attractiveness to students from this country.

Following India, Brazil and Saudi Arabia were the next top sending countries. Brazil accounted for 211 students (13% of international enrolment), while Saudi Arabia had 148 students (9%). These two countries collectively contributed a notable proportion of the international student body.

Other countries that made it to the top 10 list for international student enrolment at Kent State University in 2022 include China, Nigeria, Nepal, Bangladesh, South Korea, Canada, and Oman. These countries each had varying levels of representation, with China at 8% and the others ranging from 3.5% to 2% of the total international enrolment.

The presence of international students at Kent State University is not limited to a specific area of study. According to the director of International Recruitment and Admissions, Salma Benhaida, international students are present in every college of the university. Additionally, certain colleges stand out for their higher enrolment of international students. The College of Arts and Sciences leads the way with more than 800 international students, followed by the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship with over 200 students, and the College of Education, Health and Human Services with approximately 150 students.

In conclusion, the year 2022 saw 1,648 international students enrolled at Kent State University, showcasing the institution's ability to attract a global student body. The distribution across academic levels and countries of origin provides insights into the preferences and trends among international students choosing Kent State University for their educational pursuits.

International graduate students: In 2023, there was a 43.4% increase in the number of international graduate students

Kent State University is a diverse and inclusive educational institution, with a welcoming and supportive environment for its students. The university is committed to fostering a multicultural community, with students from a wide range of nationalities and backgrounds.

In 2023, Kent State University experienced a significant increase in its international student population, specifically in the number of international graduate students. The number of international graduate students rose by 43.4%, contributing to the overall growth in international admissions. This shift in demographics enriches the university's global perspective and underscores its appeal to students worldwide.

The total international student population at Kent State University's Kent Campus for the 2023-24 academic year was 2,074, a notable increase from the previous year. This number includes both undergraduate and graduate students from a diverse range of countries and cultural backgrounds.

Among the international graduate students, certain academic programs have been particularly popular. These include:

• Computer Science
• Applied Engineering
• Business Analytics
• International Business
• Library and Information Studies
• Mathematics
• Nursing

Kent State University's international graduate student population is not limited to a specific field of study but is spread across various disciplines. The university's broad range of acclaimed academic programs and its dedication to student success attract ambitious individuals from around the globe.

The university's main campus is located in Kent, Ohio, and it is one of the largest universities in the state, with nearly 30,000 students. The university offers over 300 degree programs, including notable programs such as business, history, journalism, and fashion design. Additionally, Kent State University has one of the oldest and most prestigious honors programs in the United States, enhancing its reputation for academic excellence.

International student support: Kent State provides dedicated support to international students through its Office of Global Education

Kent State University is the third-largest university in Ohio and provides a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment for its students. The university is proud of its diverse student population, which includes approximately 1,500 international students from nearly 100 countries, making up 5% of the total student body.

International Student Support:

The Office of Global Education (OGE) at Kent State University is dedicated to providing support and resources to international students to ensure a smooth transition to life in the United States and at the university. The OGE is based in Van Campen Hall and offers a range of services to assist international students before and during their time at the university.

International Admissions:

The International Admissions team within the OGE is responsible for recruiting academically talented and culturally diverse international students. They support students through the application and transfer process, providing guidance and expertise. The team also facilitates international credit transfer and advocates on behalf of international applicants.

International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS):

The ISSS assists international students and scholars in maintaining their F-1 or J-1 status while studying at Kent State University. They provide essential information and support to newly admitted international students, as well as those already enrolled at the university. The ISSS advisors help with cultural adjustment and other issues that students may face as they adapt to a new environment. They also encourage students to attend programs and events that provide opportunities to meet other international and domestic students.

Education Abroad:

The Education Abroad team within the OGE supports Kent State students and faculty members interested in studying abroad. They provide resources and guidance on program options, planning, and highlights from past students' experiences.

The OGE at Kent State University offers a comprehensive range of services to support international students throughout their academic journey. From recruitment to cultural adjustment and study abroad opportunities, the dedicated staff at the OGE are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for international students.

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