in this article, we have written the the best universities in USA for international students who wish to study in the United States of America.
These institutions host the most international students in the United States.
Even if the number of international students in the United States has decreased over the past two years, the United States is still the country with the most international students.
In 2020-21 academic year, USA has about 914,095 international students, making it the most popular destination for international students.
The US also has some of the best student cities like Boston, New York, Chicago, and many more. In fact, more than ten cities in the United States are placed among QS’s Best Student Cities.
There are about 4,000 degree-granting institutions in the United States. There are numerous universities from which to choose, making it tough to choose the best decision. This is why we decided to identify the top 30 Best Universities in USA for international students.
Let’s begin this post with discussing the factors that draw overseas students to the United States. Due to the following factors, the United States of America has the biggest number of international students.
List of Best Universities in the United States
- University of Washington
- University of California San Diego
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- University of Texas at Austin
- The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- University of Wisconsin Madison
- Boston University
- University of Southern California
- Ohio State University
- Purdue University
- Pennsylvania State University
- Arizona State University
- Rice University
- University of Rochester
- Northeastern University
- Illinois Institute of Technology
- The New School
- California Institute of Technology
- University of California, Berkeley
- Columbia University
- University of California, Los Angeles
- Cornell University
- University of Michigan Ann Arbor
- New York University
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Babson College
- Claremont McKenna College
- Emory University
- Pomona College
- Swarthmore College
1. University of Washington
- Average SAT/ACT Scores: (1200 to 1457)/ (27 – 33)
- Academic Acceptable English Language Proficiency Tests: TOEFL, DET, or IELTS
The University of Washington in Seattle, Washington, is a public research institution.
This Best Universities in USA is home to more than 54,000 students, including almost 8,000 international students from over a hundred countries.
2. University of California San Diego (UCSD)
- The average SAT/ACT score ranges from 1260 to 1480. (26 – 33)
- TOEFL, IELTS Academic, or DET are acceptable English language proficiency exams.
The University of California, San Diego was founded in 1960 as a public, land-grant research institution in San Diego, California.
This Best Universities in USA , San Diego offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional education courses. These programs are offered in diverse academic disciplines:
- Social Sciences
- Engineering
- Biology
- Physical Sciences
- Arts and Humanities
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Public Health.
3. Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
- The average SAT/ACT score ranges from 1370 to 1530. (31 – 35)
- TOEFL iBT, IELTS, DET, MET, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency, PTE, etc. are acceptable English language proficiency tests.
This Best Universities in USA is a public research institution in Atlanta, Georgia that offers technology-focused programs.
Additionally, it has campuses in France and China.
Nearly 44,000 students attend Georgia Tech’s main campus in Atlanta. Students represent fifty U.S. states and 149 nations.
Georgia Tech offers over 130 majors and minors in a variety of academic disciplines.
- Business
- Computing
- Design
- Engineering
- Liberal Arts
- Sciences.
4. University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin)
- The average SAT/ACT score ranges from 1210 to 1470. (26 – 33)
- TOEFL or IELTS are acceptable English language proficiency examinations.
Austin, Texas is home to the University of Texas at Austin, a public research university.
More than 51,000 students attend UT Austin, including around 5,000 international students. Over 9.1% of the student body at UT Austin are international students.
UT Austin offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in the following disciplines of study:
- Arts
- Education
- Natural Sciences
- Pharmacy
- Medicine
- Public
- Business
- Architecture
- Law
- Nursing
- Social Work e.t.c.
5. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- The average SAT/ACT score ranges from 1200 to 1460. (27 – 33)
- TOEFL, IELTS, and DET are acceptable English language proficiency exams.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a public land-grant research institution located in Champaign and Urbana, Illinois.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has over 51,000 students, including approximately 10,000 international students.It is also regarded as one of the Best Universities in USA.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign provides undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs.
These programs are available in the following academic disciplines:
- Education
- Medicine
- Arts
- Business
- Engineering
- Law
- General Studies
- Social Work e.t.c.
6. University of Wisconsin Madison
- SAT/ACT Scores: (1260 – 1440)/ (27 – 32)
- TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or DET are acceptable English language proficiency exams.
Madison, Wisconsin’s Institution of Wisconsin Madison is a public land-grant research university.
The University of Washington is home to nearly 47,000 students, including over 4,000 international students from over 120 countries.
This Best Universities in USA provides undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of academic disciplines:
- Agriculture
- Arts
- Business
- Computing
- Education
- Engineering
- Studies
- Journalism
- Law
- Medicine
- Music
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Public Affairs
- Social Work e.t.c.
7. Boston University (BU)
- The average SAT/ACT score ranges from 1310 to 1500. (30 – 34)
- TOEFL, IELTS, and DET are acceptable English language proficiency exams.
Boston University is a private, Massachusetts-based research institution. It is among the Best Universities in USA .
Boston University offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in the following academic disciplines:
- Arts
- Communication
- Engineering
- General Studies
- Health Sciences
- Business
- Hospitality
- Education e.t.c.
8. University of Southern California (USC)
- The average SAT/ACT score ranges from 1340 to 1530. (30 – 34)
- TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE are acceptable English language proficiency exams.
The University of Southern California is a private, Los Angeles-based research institution. USC is the oldest private research institution in California, having been founded in 1880.
More than 49,500 students attend the University of Southern California, including more than 11,500 international students.
USC provides undergraduate and graduate degrees in the following disciplines:
- Arts and Design
- Accounting
- Architecture
- Business
- Cinematic Arts
- Education
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Public Policy e.t.c.
9. Ohio State University (OSU)
- The average SAT/ACT score ranges from 1210 to 1430. (26 – 32)
- Tests of English Proficiency Accepted: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo.
The Ohio State University is a public land-grant research institution in Columbus, Ohio (main campus). It is the premier public institution in Ohio.
More than 67,000 students attend Ohio State University, including more than 5,500 international students.It is also among the Best Universities in USA.
10. Purdue University
- SAT/ACT Scores on Average: (1190 – 1430)/ (25 – 33)
- Tests of English Proficiency Accepted: TOEFL, IELTS, DET, etc.
Indiana’s Purdue University is a public land-grant research institution based in West Lafayette.
It boasts a diverse student body from approximately 130 nations. At least 12.8% of the Purdue student body consists of international students.
11. Pennsylvania State University (PSU)
- Average SAT/ACT Scores: (1160 – 1340)/(25 – 30)
- Acceptable English Language Proficiency Examinations: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo (temporarily accepted), etc.
Founded in 1855 as the Farmers’ High School of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State Institution is a public land-grant research university in Pennsylvania, United States.
Penn State is home to about 100,000 students, nearly 9,000 of which are abroad.It is also regarded as one the Best Universities in USA.
12. Arizona State University (ASU)
- Average SAT/ACT Scores: (1100 – 1320)/(21 – 28)
- TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, and Duolingo are accepted English language proficiency exams.
Arizona State Institution is a public research university in the Arizona city of Temple (main campus). It is one of the Best Universities in USA .
More than 13,000 foreign students from more than 136 countries attend Arizona State University.
ASU provides over 400 undergraduate academic programs and majors and over 590 graduate degree and certificate programs.
13. Rice University
- Average SAT/ACT Scores: (1460 – 1570)/(34 – 36)
- TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo are acceptable English language proficiency exams.
Rice Institution is a private research university founded in 1912 in Houston, Texas.
Nearly one in four Rice University students is an international student. Almost twenty-five percent of degree-seeking students are international.
Rice University offers more than fifty undergraduate majors in a variety of disciplines. These majors consist of:
- Architecture
- Engineering
- Humanities
- Music
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences.
14. University of Rochester
- The average SAT/ACT score ranges from 1310 to 1500. (30 – 34)
- Tests of English Language Proficiency Accepted: DET, IELTS, TOEFL, etc.
This Best Universities in USA is a private research university founded in 1850 and located in Rochester, New York.
More than 12,000 students attend the University of Rochester, including more than 4,800 international students from over 120 countries.
Students at the University of Rochester have the option to study what they are passionate about. Academic programs are available in the following fields of study:
- Business
- Education
- Nursing
- Music
- Medicine
- Dentistry e.t.c.
15. Northeastern University
- Standardized test score range: (1410 – 1540)/ (33 – 35)
- TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, and Duolingo are accepted English language proficiency exams.
The main campus of private research university Northeastern University is located in Boston. In addition to Burlington, Charlotte, London, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, Silicon Valley, Toronto, and Vancouver, the company maintains campuses in Burlington, Charlotte, London, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, Silicon Valley, Toronto, and
Northeastern University has one of the highest foreign student populations in the United States, with more than 20,000 students from over 148 countries.
This Best Universities in USA provides programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels in the following fields of study:
- Health Sciences
- Arts, Media, and Design
- Computer Sciences
- Engineering
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
- Business
- Law.
16. Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT)
- Average SAT/ACT Scores: (1200 – 1390)/(26 – 32)
- Tests of English Language Proficiency Recognized: TOEFL, IELTS, DET, PTE, etc.
Illinois Institute of Technology is a private, Chicago-based research institution. It features one of the most picturesque college campuses in the United States.
The Illinois Institute of Technology provides degree programs that emphasize technology. It is the only institution in Chicago that focuses on technology.
More than fifty percent of graduate students at Illinois Tech are international. IIT’s student body represents more than one hundred nationalities.
The Illinois Institute of Technology provides undergraduate and graduate degrees in the following disciplines:
- Engineering
- Computing
- Architecture
- Business
- Law
- Design
- Science, and
- Human Sciences.
17. The New School
- Standardized test score range: (1140 – 1360)/ (26 – 30)
- Tests of English Proficiency Accepted: Duolingo English Test (DET)
The New School is a private, New York City-based research university founded in 1929 as The New School for Social Research.
The New School provides arts and design programs.
It is the top Art & Design school in the United States. 34% of students at The New School are foreign students, representing over 116 nations.It also among the Best Universities in USA.
18. California Institute of Technology (Cal Tech)
- The average SAT/ACT score ranges from 1530 to 1580. (35 – 36)
- Tests of English Proficiency Accepted: Duolingo English Test (DET) or TOEFL. IELTS scores are not accepted at Caltech.
California Institute of Technology is a private, Pasadena-based research institution.
Throop University was founded in 1891 and renamed California Institute of Technology in 1920.
This Best Universities in USA is renowned for its exceptional science and engineering departments.
A considerable number of overseas students attend CalTech. However, you should be aware that CalTech’s admission rate is only about 7%.
19. University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
- The average SAT/ACT score ranges from 1290 to 1530. (27 – 35)
- TOEFL, IELTS, and the Duolingo English Test are accepted English language proficiency exams (DET)
The Institution of California, Berkeley, based in Berkeley, California, is a public land-grant research university.
UC Berkeley, founded in 1868, is the first land-grant institution in the state and the first campus of the University of California System.
More than 45,000 students from over 74 nations attend UC Berkeley.
The following academic disciplines are provided at the University of California, Berkeley:
- Business
- Computing
- Engineering
- Journalism
- Arts and Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Public Health
- Biological Sciences
- Public Policy e.t.c.
20. Columbia University
- Average SAT/ACT Scores: (1460 – 1570)/(33 – 35)
- TOEFL, IELTS, and DET are acceptable English language proficiency exams.
New York City’s Columbia University is a private Ivy League research institution. Established as King’s College in 1754.
This among the Best Universities in USA is the fifth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States and the oldest in New York.
At Columbia University, more than 18,000 foreign students and intellectuals from over 150 countries are enrolled.
21. University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
- The average SAT/ACT score is between 1290 and 1530. ( 29 – 34)
- Tests of English Proficiency Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL, or DET. UCLA does not accept MyBest TOEFL.
The University of California, Los Angeles is a public, land-grant, research institution based in Los Angeles, California. Established in 1883 as the California State Normal School’s southern campus.
The University of California, Los Angeles is home to over 46,000 students, including over 12,000 foreign students from 118 countries.It is also among the Best Universities in USA.
22. Cornell University
- Average SAT/ACT Scores: (1400 – 1540)/(32 – 35)
- TOEFL iBT, iTEP, IELTS Academic, DET, PTE Academic, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency are acceptable English language proficiency examinations.
This Best Universities in USA is a private, New York-based research institution headquartered in Ithaca. It belongs to the Ivy League, often known as the Ancient Eight.
More than 25,000 students attend Cornell University. International students make up 24% of Cornell’s student body.
22. University of Michigan Ann Arbor (UMichigan)
- The average SAT/ACT score ranges from 1340 to 1520. (31 – 34)
- TOEFL, IELTS, MET, Duolingo, ECPE, CAE or CPE, and PTE Academic are acceptable English language tests.
Michigan’s University of Michigan Ann Arbor is a Michigan-based public research university headquartered in Ann Arbor. The University of Michigan is the oldest university in Michigan, having been founded in 1817.
More than 7,000 international students from around 139 countries are enrolled at UMichigan.
The University of Michigan offers more than 250 degree programs in several fields of study:
- Architecture
- Arts
- Business
- Education
- Engineering
- Law
- Medicine
- Music
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Social Work
- Public Policy e.t.c.
23. New York University (NYU)
- Average SAT/ACT Scores: (1370 – 1540)/(31 – 34)
- TOEFL iBT, DET, IELTS Academic, iTEP, PTE Academic, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency are acceptable English language proficiency tests.
New York University is a private research university founded in New York City in 1831. NYU has campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai, in addition to 11 academic centers around the globe.
Students at New York University hail from nearly every state and 133 countries. Current enrollment at NYU exceeds 65,000 students.
This Best Universities in USA provides a variety of undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and specialty degree programs.
- Medicine
- Law
- Arts
- Education
- Engineering
- Dentistry
- Business
- Science
- Business
- Social Service.
In addition to continuing education classes, New York University provides high school and middle school programs.
24. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
- Average SAT/ACT Scores: (1460 – 1560)/(33 – 35)
- TOEFL, IELTS, and DET are acceptable English language proficiency exams.
Carnegie Mellon Institution is a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based private research university. There is also a campus in Qatar.
Carnegie Mellon University is home to more than 14,500 students from over 100 countries. International students make up 21% of CMU’s student body.
25. University of California San Diego (UCSD)
- The average SAT/ACT score ranges from 1260 to 1480. (26 – 33)
- TOEFL, IELTS Academic, or DET are acceptable English language proficiency exams.
The University of California, San Diego was founded in 1960 as a public, land-grant research institution in San Diego, California.
The University of California, San Diego offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional education courses. These programs are offered in diverse academic disciplines:
- Social Sciences
- Engineering
- Biology
- Physical Sciences
- Arts and Humanities
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Public Health.
26. Babson College
According to Forbes, Babson College is the best American institution for international students. The other methodological lists are less favorable, but they still consider it to be an excellent option. Niche.com ranks it twenty-fourth, while College Factual ranks it fifty-second.
Babson is proud of its reputation as a welcoming institution and declares that it “appreciates the unique cultural perspectives and experiences international students bring to the classroom and community.” In times of difficulty, the college’s personnel upholds these ideals. For instance, when President Trump imposed immigration restrictions on nations in the Middle East, Babson College President Kerry Healey published a statement denouncing these restrictions and promising to assist affected students.It is also regarded as one the Best Universities in USA.
27. Claremont McKenna College
Claremont Mckenna College ranks seventh on Niche.com, third on Forbes, and eightieth on College Factual’s ranking of the best colleges for international students. However, admission to Claremont Mckenna College is extremely competitive due to its exclusivity and small size. It only accepts approximately 1,300 students annually.
In 2016, there were 230 overseas students. Economics is by far the most popular course among international students at Claremont Mckenna, followed by mathematics and international relations & national security.
28. Emory University
Emory is the best institution for international students in Atlanta, the city that many consider the southern capital. Niche.com ranks this university as the fourth best in America for international students. It is ranked 29th by Forbes, which is less charitable.
According to College Factual, it is ranked 32nd. According to US News, Emory has the sixteenth largest number of international students in 2016-2017. And Emory’s international students are a crucial component of its worldwide agenda.
This Best Universities in USA comprises a variety of routes that allow international students to gain employment with multinational American companies, such as The Coca-Cola Company and Delta Airlines.
29. Pomona College
There is no doubt that Pomona College welcomes international students. According to Niche.com, 19% of this California college’s full-time students are international. And Pomona College provides a variety of services to ensure the success of overseas students. For instance, the International Student Support Program is a free service that provides numerous forms of assistance to international students.
This Best Universities in USA program has counselors available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and even has its own app! Niche.com ranks Pomona as the second best institution in the United States for international students. Forbes places it at 41st. The College Factual rating is 117.
30. Swarthmore College
In peer-led reviews, Swarthmore greatly outperforms its peers. It is ranked sixth on Niche.com’s ranking of the top US institutions for overseas students, which is mainly impacted by student reviews. Forbes ranks it 39th on its list of the best colleges for overseas students. College Factual places it at number 105.
Swarthmore is an excellent option for any international student seeking financial help. According to Swarthmore’s website, the average amount of financial aid awarded to international students last year was $61,650.
FAQs about Best Universities in USA
How much does it cost to study in the United States?
The cost of living in the United States is dependent on the city in which one resides and one’s way of life. In comparison to Los Angeles, studying in Texas is less expensive. In contrast, the cost of living in the United States ranges between $10,000 and $18,000 per year ($1,000 and $1,500 per month).
Do international students have access to scholarships?
The US government, private groups, and institutions offer a number of scholarship programs for international students to study in the United States. Among these scholarship programs are the Fullbright Foreign Student Program, the MasterCard Foundation Scholarships, etc.
Which US University is cheapest for international students?
California State University, San Bernardino.
Southeast Missouri State University.
Arkansas State University.
University of Wisconsin.
Brooklyn College.
University of Louisiana–Monroe.
Southwest Minnesota State University.
Northwest Missouri State University.
Which University in USA is easiest to get into?
Rank College Acceptance Rate
Rank 1 College University of Kentucky Acceptance Rate 90.79%
Rank 2 College University of Kansas Acceptance Rate 93.01%
Rank 3 College Kansas State University Acceptance Rate 94.07%
Rank 4 College Iona College Acceptance Rate 91.46%
What is No 1 University in USA?
Harvard University
This Ivy League school is the oldest higher education institution in the country and has the largest endowment of any school in the world. Harvard University is a private institution in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston.
What is the best course in USA?
Business Management. ...
Engineering. ...
Maths and Computer Sciences. ...
Physical and Life Sciences.
Conclusion
Check if you fit the admissions standards and can afford the tuition before deciding to study in the United States.
It can be costly to study in the United States, particularly at the nation’s top universities. However, there are a number of international student scholarships available.
You must also be aware that admission to the majority of the leading universities in the United States is highly competitive. This is due to the poor admission rates at the majority of these institutions.