
The share of international students in US colleges has been growing over the past two decades, with rising incomes in countries like China and India producing more families looking to educate their children in America. For universities, this means that a decline in international students could have serious financial consequences. There are various factors to consider when determining the best colleges for international students, such as the cost of tuition and fees, the quality of education, and the support provided for international students. Some colleges that have been highlighted for their support for international students include the University of Notre Dame, Stanford University, and the University of Rochester.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Singapore, England, Massachusetts, Illinois, Georgia, Ohio, Florida, Utah, New York, Michigan, California |
| College/University | National University of Singapore, University of Oxford, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Illinois Institute of Technology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Ohio State University, University of Florida, Brigham Young University, The New School, Northeastern University, University of Wisconsin, Dearborn University, Louisiana State University |
| Number of International Students | 3,289 out of 11,331 at MIT; 4,000 out of 36,127 at Georgia Tech; 6,000 out of 61,391 at Ohio State University; 1,323 at Virginia Tech; 2,000+ at Florida State University; 33% at University of Rochester |
| Top Majors | Art History, Engineering, Architecture, Natural Sciences, Psychology, Public Health |
| QS Ranking | 8th (NUS), 3rd (Oxford), 1st (MIT), 15th (Illinois Tech), 35th (Georgia Tech), 47th (University of Illinois), 37th (Virginia Tech) |
| Other Factors | Need-blind admissions and generous financial aid (MIT); guaranteed paid internships (UIC); need-based financial aid (Stanford); large alumni network (Stanford); strong non-US ethnic diversity (US News ranking) |
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What You'll Learn

US colleges with the most international students
The United States is the world's most popular study destination, attracting a record high of 974,900 international students in 2015. This number is expected to reach one million in the near future.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is the world's top university in the QS World University Rankings and achieves a strong score for the diversity of its students. MIT has around 3,289 international students out of a total of 11,331 students, including 42% of graduate students. The university welcomed 539 exchange, visiting, and special students in 2015-2016 and is known for its need-blind admissions policy and generous financial aid.
The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) has a smaller student population of around 2,255, but also receives a strong score for its high proportion of international faculty members. It has a good student-faculty ratio of three to one.
The Illinois Institute of Technology, also known as Illinois Tech or IIT, is another leading US university for international students, receiving a perfect score of 100 in the 'International Students' indicator of the QS World University Rankings. Located in Chicago, IIT has a total enrollment of almost 8,000 students, including over 1,000 from minority groups. Its graduate school is particularly diverse, with 65% of graduate students coming from overseas and 100 nationalities represented overall.
Carnegie Mellon University and The New School are also ranked highly for their proportion of international students.
In terms of sheer numbers, New York University (NYU) hosted around 24,496 international students in the academic year of 2022/23, making it the most popular university for international students in the US. Northeastern University followed with 20,637 international students, and Columbia University hosted 19,001 international students. The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) also has a significant number of international students, with more than 3,000 of its 20,600 students coming from outside the US.
Vanderbilt University is also listed as one of the top colleges for international students in America, with students praising the university's culture of responsiveness and the breadth of opportunities available on campus.
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English-speaking colleges
When it comes to choosing the best English-speaking colleges for international students, there are several factors to consider, such as career services, faculty, campus location, research funding, student diversity, and support services. Here are some top English-speaking colleges for international students:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
MIT is ranked as the world's top university in the QS World University Rankings. It achieves a strong score for its diverse student body, with approximately 3,289 international students out of a total of 11,331. MIT is also the highest-ranked US university for the proportion of international faculty members. The university is known for its need-blind policy and generous financial aid, ensuring that admitted students receive the support they need to attend.
University of Oxford
The University of Oxford, located in England, has a long tradition of academic excellence across various fields. Its programmes are academically intensive and are well-suited for students aiming to pursue master's or doctoral programmes after their bachelor's degree. Studying at Oxford will not only enhance your transcript but also prepare you for the rigours of postgraduate study. The city of Oxford is steeped in history and charm, providing a unique atmosphere for your academic journey.
Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT)
Located in Chicago, IIT is ranked 15th in the world for the proportion of international students in the QS World University Rankings. With a total enrolment of nearly 8,000 students, including over 1,000 from minority groups, IIT offers a diverse and inclusive learning environment. Chicago is a vibrant student city, providing numerous opportunities for students to connect with prominent organizations.
University of Rochester
The University of Rochester boasts the highest percentage of international students among US colleges, with 33% of its student body coming from abroad. Rochester offers an open curriculum and provides a range of resources and support for its diverse student population.
Stanford University
Stanford is known for its strong computer science programme and overall academic excellence. It is one of the most selective universities in the United States, with a low acceptance rate, reflecting its high calibre. Stanford also offers financial aid and scholarships, making it an attractive option for international students.
The New School
Located in the Greenwich Village area of New York City, The New School is ranked as the most international university in the US. It focuses on the arts, social sciences, and humanities. With around 32% of its students coming from overseas, representing approximately 116 countries, The New School offers a truly global educational experience.
These colleges stand out for their commitment to international students, diverse student bodies, and the support they provide to their global community. It is important to consider your specific needs, preferences, and goals when making your college decision.
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Colleges with the best support for international students
When it comes to choosing the best colleges for international students, one should consider the level of support provided by the college. While some colleges are known for their academic excellence and prestige, others stand out for their tailored programs and support services specifically designed for international students. Here are some colleges that offer outstanding support for international students:
University of Illinois, Chicago (UIC)
Located in the heart of Chicago, UIC offers unparalleled opportunities for students seeking real-world professional experience. The UIC Engineering program provides guaranteed paid internships, and the college is among the top 100 undergraduate engineering schools in the US. Chicago is home to over 30 Fortune 500 companies, allowing students to connect with prominent organizations. UIC also offers comprehensive support services for international students, including the Signature Student Experience, which aids students in adjusting to life in the US and succeeding in their academic programs.
Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech or IIT)
Illinois Tech, located in Chicago, has been ranked as the leading US university for international students in terms of diversity. The university enrols almost 8,000 students, including over 1,000 from minority groups. Illinois Tech received a perfect score of 100 in the 'International Students' indicator of the QS World University Rankings.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
MIT, based in Massachusetts, achieves a strong score for student diversity and is the highest-ranked US university for the proportion of international faculty members. Around 3,289 of its 11,331 students are international, and the university is known for its need-blind policy and generous financial aid. MIT ensures that admitted students receive sufficient support to attend.
University of Rochester
The University of Rochester boasts the highest percentage of international students out of any college in the US, with 33% of its student body coming from abroad. The university offers an open curriculum and provides various resources for international students.
Oxford University
Oxford University, based in England, offers more than just a prestigious name. With a long tradition of academic excellence, Oxford provides academically intensive programs that foster research, writing, and critical thinking skills. The city of Oxford revolves around the university and exudes history and charm. Oxford's programs are ideal for students considering postgraduate studies, as they prepare students well for the rigours of master's and doctoral programs.
Other Notable Mentions
- The New School in New York City, known for its focus on the arts, social sciences, and humanities, has been named the most international university in the US, with around 32% of its students coming from overseas.
- Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, prides itself on its global outlook and offers a cooperative education program that integrates classroom study with professional experience worldwide.
- Stanford University, a top computer science school, is known for its financial aid and scholarships for international students.
- Cornell University, an Ivy League school, offers a wide range of programs and is a good option for those seeking a diverse and inclusive environment.
When choosing a college, it is essential to consider factors beyond rankings, such as career services, faculty, campus location, research funding, student diversity, and personalized support services. The best college for an international student will be one that meets their unique needs and provides a supportive environment to help them succeed in their academic journey.
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Colleges with the best acceptance rates for international students
International students often apply to American universities due to their global recognition, which unlocks expanded career horizons. However, US institutions do not want to solely serve international students, and there may be caps on the number of international students admitted. This results in varying acceptance rates for international students at different colleges.
Some colleges with high acceptance rates for international students include:
- Cameron University (100%)
- Northeastern State University (99%)
- Adams State University (99%)
- Liberty University (99%)
- Bishop Grosseteste University (95%)
- Lakehead University (82%)
Other colleges with high acceptance rates for international students include St. Cloud State University, Pennsylvania State University – Behrend, Kent State University, and Wright State University.
Additionally, some universities have a high proportion of international students, such as the Illinois Institute of Technology, Carnegie Mellon University, Stevens Institute of Technology, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
When considering colleges, it is important to look beyond acceptance rates and consider other factors such as academic programs, size, cost, and outcomes.
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Colleges with the best scholarships for international students
While it is rare, it is possible for international students to receive full scholarships to attend school in the US. Scholarships are typically awarded based on academic achievement, test scores, and other talents, and are often competitive.
- Harvard and Yale offer full need-based financial aid for international students.
- Stanford University in California offers need-based scholarships, and is one of the top 20 schools that gave the most financial assistance to international students.
- Pomona College in California is another college that offers need-based scholarships.
- Vanderbilt University in Tennessee is one of the top 20 schools that gave the most financial assistance to international students.
- Massachusetts is home to five of the top 20 schools that gave the most financial assistance to international students.
- Washington University offers scholarships to graduate or undergraduate students.
- American University in Washington DC offers the Emerging Global Leaders Scholarship to an international student who demonstrates academic excellence, leadership, and global engagement. The scholarship covers tuition, room and board, and is renewable for up to four years.
- Centre College offers the Lincoln Scholars Program, which provides 10 students with a full scholarship, renewable for four years.
- Davidson College offers the Belk Scholarship, which provides full funding plus special study stipends to students who demonstrate academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and purposeful engagement.
- Indiana University offers the Wells Scholars Program, a full-time merit-based scholarship offered to between 18 and 22 students each year.
- New York University (NYU) has the most international students in the US.
- Wesleyan University in Connecticut offers the Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program to 11 exceptional Asian students.
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