Ibrahim Gardner
The United States is a popular destination for international students, with over 1 million international students from 210 countries during the 2022/23 academic year. The best state in the USA for international students depends on what the student is looking for, whether that be top-ranked universities, affordable living, great weather, or career opportunities. In 2025, the best states for international students included California, New York, Massachusetts, Texas, Florida, and Utah. California has been ranked as the number-one destination for international students, with 9 top-ranked universities, a diverse population, and a rich cultural history. New York is also a popular choice, with 10 top-ranked universities, a strong startup culture, and a high number of international students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most popular state for international students | California |
| Number of international students in California | 138,393 |
| States with the highest growth in international student population | Connecticut, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Missouri, and Delaware |
| States with the highest number of international students | California, New York, Texas, Massachusetts, and Illinois |
| States with the highest-ranked universities | California, New York, Massachusetts, Texas, and Illinois |
| States with the best job opportunities | New York, California, Texas, and Massachusetts |
| States with the most diverse student population | New York, California, and Texas |
| States with the lowest cost of living | Texas |
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What You'll Learn
California's top-ranked universities
California is the best state in the USA for international students, with 138,393 international students choosing to study there in the 2022/23 academic year. California's rich cultural history, diverse population, and beautiful scenery are all attractive features for international students. The state is also home to nine top-ranked universities, and many colleges in California are feeder" schools to top tech companies in Silicon Valley.
Now, let's take a look at California's top-ranked universities. Stanford University is the second-best university in the world and is nicknamed the 'billionaire factory' due to its impressive alumni. The school performs exceptionally well in research and employability indicators, and graduates from Stanford University have the highest salaries of all US colleges after 10 years of experience.
The University of California has several campuses ranked among the top universities in California and the USA. The University of California, Santa Cruz, is ranked joint 80th in the USA, and the University of California, Riverside, is ranked joint 10th in California and joint 80th in the USA. The University of California, Irvine, takes ninth place in California and joint 45th in the USA, and the University of California, Santa Barbara, is ranked 43rd in the USA and eighth in California. The University of California, Davis, is ranked 34th in the USA and seventh in California.
Other top-ranked universities in California include the California Institute of Technology, the University of Southern California, the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of California, Berkeley.
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New York's career opportunities
California is the most popular state for international students in the US, with 138,393 international students in the 2022/23 academic year. However, New York is also a leading state for international students, with New York University (NYU) enrolling over 13,000 international students, representing at least 50 countries.
New York offers a range of career opportunities for international students. Firstly, many international students at NYU have multilingual and multicultural skills, making them attractive employees in a diverse job market. Secondly, international students in the US can qualify for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which allows them to gain work experience in their field of study during and after graduation without corporate sponsorship. F-1 students can use CPT multiple times during their degree, for internships, for example, and can also gain 12 months of practical training during and/or after their degree. Meanwhile, J-1 students can gain up to 18 months of academic training during and/or after their degree, with sponsorship from their J-1 program.
Additionally, F-1 students majoring in STEM subjects may be eligible for a 24-month extension, allowing them to work for up to three years after graduation without sponsorship. This is a great opportunity for international students with STEM degrees from NYU, as graduates from STEM programmes tend to earn the highest salaries of all US colleges.
Furthermore, New York City has a range of job opportunities for international students. For instance, international students can find jobs as instructors, content writers, student recruitment agency representatives, and student advisors. There are also job opportunities in private ESL academies and universities, such as Columbia University and the New York Institute of Technology.
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$22.93
Texas' low cost of living
California is the most popular state for international students, hosting 138,393 international students in the 2022/23 academic year. New York, Texas, Massachusetts, and Illinois are also top destinations.
Texas is the second-largest state in America, and its cost of living is lower than in many other states. The absence of state income tax, coupled with lower costs in housing, healthcare, and transportation, makes Texas an attractive option for those seeking a high quality of life without overspending.
- Amarillo: Located in the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo offers a blend of small-town charm and urban amenities. It is one of the cheapest cities in Texas.
- Lubbock: Lubbock is known for its vibrant arts scene, numerous parks, and strong job market in education, healthcare, and agriculture. It is one of the cheapest cities in Texas, with monthly utility costs 10% below the national average.
- Brownsville: Brownsville combines cultural richness with a low cost of living. It offers affordable housing, with median home prices around $180,000. The cost of living is notably lower than the national average, especially in housing, groceries, and healthcare.
- Harlingen: Located in the Rio Grande Valley, Harlingen is one of the most affordable places to live in Texas. The cost of living is nearly 30% lower than the national average, with median home prices around $160,000. It offers a warm climate, a strong sense of community, and easy access to the Gulf Coast.
- Killeen: Killeen has a robust economy and a low cost of living. Median home prices are around $190,000, making it attractive to young professionals and first-time homebuyers. The city's economy includes opportunities in defense, retail, and education.
- Odessa: Odessa is known for its affordable housing and strong economy, driven by the oil and gas industry. It also offers opportunities in healthcare, education, retail, and the arts.
- McAllen: McAllen is one of the best places to live in Hidalgo County, with an average rent of about $789 per month. Grocery prices in McAllen are 7.9% cheaper than the national average.
- San Antonio: While not the cheapest place to live in Texas, San Antonio offers extremely affordable housing, with average home prices about $22,000 cheaper than the Texas average.
- Irving: A suburb of Dallas, Irving is a great place for young professionals and young families. Average home prices in Irving are $14,654 below the national average.
- Wichita Falls: Wichita Falls is one of the cheapest places in Texas to live and a peaceful retirement destination. It offers affordable housing and top-notch healthcare.
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Massachusetts' prestigious universities
California is the most popular state for international students, with 138,393 international students in the 2022/23 academic year. New York, Texas, Massachusetts, and Illinois are also popular states for international students.
Massachusetts is a small state, but it is home to dozens of colleges and universities. Boston, the state capital, is known as the 'Athens of America' due to its long-established association with academic excellence. It is a progressive city with liberal politics and a strong community culture. Boston is also a historical city, being home to the first public beach, the first American lighthouse, the first US chocolate factory, and the first subway system.
Massachusetts has two of the world's top three universities, with Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) ranked among the top ten universities in the world. MIT is the flagship private university in Massachusetts, and it has a diverse student population, with approximately 154 countries represented. Harvard is the oldest university in the US, established in 1636, and is the state's oldest post-secondary institution. It offers a financial aid scheme that helps pay for the tuition of almost 60% of undergraduates.
Other prestigious universities in Massachusetts include Boston University, the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Northeastern University, and Tufts University.
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Tennessee's vibrant music scene
When it comes to choosing the best state in the USA for international students, there are several factors to consider, such as the number of international students, the presence of top-tier educational institutions, and the cultural offerings of the state. Tennessee is an excellent choice for international students, especially those interested in music, as the state boasts a vibrant and diverse music scene that has played a significant role in shaping American music history.
Tennessee is known for its rich musical heritage, encompassing genres such as blues, bluegrass, rock 'n' roll, rockabilly, country, gospel, and soul. The state's musical traditions are deeply rooted in its history and culture, with East Tennessee in particular influencing the development of modern country music. Artists like Dolly Parton, Porter Wagoner, Hank Williams Jr., and Roy Acuff made their mark on the country music genre, and their legacy continues to be celebrated in Tennessee. The state is also known for launching the careers of contemporary artists like Kelsea Ballerini, Ashley McBryde, and Morgan Wallen, who have gained national recognition for their fresh take on country music.
The music scene in Tennessee is not limited to country and bluegrass; it also extends to rock, indie, pop, and even hip-hop. Nashville, for example, is known for its thriving country music scene, but it has also produced pop stars like Kesha and Miley Cyrus. Memphis, on the other hand, has a vibrant blues scene and is known for its contribution to rock music, with bands like Big Star and Goner Records artists hailing from the city. Memphis is also a hub for hip-hop and rap, with Academy Award-winning rap group Three 6 Mafia forming in the city.
Tennessee offers a wealth of opportunities for music lovers, from iconic landmarks like Graceland and the Ryman Auditorium to museums dedicated to music history, such as the Birthplace of Country Music Museum and the Songbirds Museum. The state's universities, such as Middle Tennessee State University, have also played a crucial role in fostering the music industry by offering recording industry programs and supporting local bands and songwriters.
In conclusion, Tennessee's vibrant music scene, steeped in tradition and innovation, makes it a captivating destination for international students, especially those with a passion for music. The state's musical offerings provide a unique cultural experience that enriches the overall educational journey.
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Frequently asked questions
California is the most popular state for international students, with over 137,000 students from around the world choosing it as their academic home. The state boasts 9 top-ranked universities, a diverse population, a rich cultural history, and a strong tech industry.
New York, Texas, Massachusetts, Florida, and Utah are also popular choices for international students. These states offer a mix of academic excellence, cultural diversity, and strong post-graduation employment prospects.
The United States has a large number of top-ranked universities, a diverse range of programs and courses, and many opportunities for internships and employment. A US degree is highly valued worldwide and can give graduates an advantage when applying for jobs.
