Dr Mohammad Shafiq
Do you have a desire for higher studies in the US? The United States is home to a wide range of world-class universities, and choosing the right university is essential for any student, especially for international students.
Thousands of international students choose US universities as they offer high-quality education, globally recognized degrees, and a diverse multicultural environment. Let’s dive deeper and see the factors to consider in choosing the best universities in USA for international students.
Choosing a university in the USA is crucial for you as an international student. You will have to consider the following ranking criteria:
The United States has a highly decentralized and diverse higher education system with over 4,000 universities and colleges. All the colleges and universities in the US fall into two categories: public and private.
State and federal governments fund public educational institutions. They are usually affordable universities in USA and have more stringent admission requirements. On the other hand, private universities and colleges are funded by private donations and tuition fees.
They are typically expensive but may also have more resources and facilities than public universities and colleges. Again, private universities and colleges can set their own admission requirements and academic standards.
Apart from public and private universities and colleges, the US has several other higher education institutions, such as community colleges, technical schools, and religious schools.
Accreditation is crucial for universities and colleges as it ensures specific quality standards. There are 6 regional accrediting bodies in the US that are responsible for accrediting universities and colleges in their respective regions.
Following is the typical application process in the US universities and colleges for international students:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private research university and is considered one of the most prestigious universities in the world and one of the best universities for international students in USA. Since its inception in 1861, this university has significantly developed modern technology and science.
MIT is a global university with a commitment to international education. It offers many courses and resources for local and international students. Some of its most popular majors include:
MIT has a long list of notable alumni, some of them include:
Harvard is one of the top universities in USA. The University was founded in 1636 and is the oldest higher education institution in the US. It is an Ivy League private research university among the most famous universities in USA.
This excellent university attracts thousands of great minds around the world and offers a wide range of programs and resources for international students. With a dedicated International Office, Harvard supports students with visa applications, immigration paperwork, and cultural adjustment.
The university provides numerous scholarships and financial aid schemes for its 20,000 international students. Harvard has produced many notable alumni, including 8 US presidents, 188 living billionaires, and 158 Nobel laureates. Some of the examples include:
Stanford is another prestigious private research university in Stanford, California. It is famous for its strong academic reputation, beautiful campuses, and entrepreneurial spirit. With over 6,000 students from more than 150 countries, it is a global university with many resources for international students.
The university has a dedicated International Student Services Office to assist with visa applications, immigration, and cultural integration. Apart from that, Stanford offers various scholarships and financial aid. It also provides language and cultural courses for international students.
Stanford has many notable alumni, including:
California Institute of Technology is a private research university and ranks among the top universities in the world. It has strengths in science and engineering programs. Caltech's research expenditure is one of the highest in the US.
It has over 30 research centres and institutions collaborating with universities and research institutes worldwide. The International Observatory Network and The Human Genome Project are such examples. Caltech has produced 33 Nobel laureates, 7 Fields medalists, and 6 Turing Award winners.
Here are some notable alumni of Caltech:
Columbia University is another excellent Ivy League private research university and the 5th oldest higher education institution. Now, it has 4 undergraduate schools and 13 postgraduate and professional schools.
With many resources and facilities, Columbia is an excellent university for international students. Its International Students and Scholars Office provides advice and counselling to international students on academic, financial, and personal issues. The university also offers on-campus housing, English language support, financial aid, and cultural orientation to foreign students.
Some of the most notable alumni of Columbia University include:
Princeton University is also a member of the prestigious Ivy League and one of the top 20 universities in the world. It offers programs in engineering, computer science, social science, public administration, physical science, and many more.
The university has a diverse student community with international students making up to 12% of the student body. Princeton offers many services and programs to support international students, such as the Davis International Center for Academic and Cultural Support and the Office of International Programs.
Here are some notable alumni of Columbia University:
The University of Pennsylvania is another old and best university in USA for international students that is also a member of Ivy League research universities. It has a strong reputation for academic excellence, strong research programs, and a diverse student body.
Penn offers Global Internships to its students, allowing them to intern with organizations around the world. It has global research programs allowing students to conduct research with faculty members on global issues. The university also offers various resources to help international students.
Following are some notable alumni of Penn:
Yale is a prestigious Ivy League university with an acceptance rate of only around 6%, which makes it a highly selective university. It attracts hundreds of international students each year and offers adequate resources to support them.
The university provides financial aid, English language support, cultural orientation, mentorship, and international student organizations. Here are some of Yale’s notable alumni:
Cornell University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the US and is a member of Ivy League research universities. The university has 7 undergraduate colleges and 7 postgraduate schools, offering more than 400 programs.
Cornell is a major research university and welcomes students from all over the world. Around 24% of its total students are international students, with many resources and facilities for them. It has English Language Programs, Global Living and Learning, and Cornell Global Programs for international students.
Cornell University has an extensive alumni network with many notable alumni, including:
Last but not least, the University of Chicago is one of the best universities in America. It has a strong reputation for rigorous academics, commitment to interdisciplinary research, and emphasis on social justice.
UChicago allows its students to conduct research with faculty members and do internships in over 100 countries. The university has partnerships with several universities and research institutions around the world.
Here are some notable alumni of UChicago:
The QS World University Rankings 2025 has identified the best universities across the globe, highlighting the top institutions in the United States. This year's ranking is notable for its inclusion of over 1,500 universities, with the United States being the most represented country. Below is a table listing the top-ranked universities in the US for 2025.
| Rank | University | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Cambridge, MA |
| 2 | Harvard University | Cambridge, MA |
| 3 | Stanford University | Stanford, CA |
| 4 | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | Pasadena, CA |
| 5 | University of Chicago | Chicago, IL |
| 6 | Princeton University | Princeton, NJ |
| 7 | University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA |
| 8 | Yale University | New Haven, CT |
| 9 | Columbia University | New York, NY |
| 10 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | Berkeley, CA |
Universities in the USA offer a wide range of academic programs, starting from traditional undergraduate and graduate degrees to professional and vocational programs. So, they offer a lot of flexibility to students.
Campus life at US universities is vibrant and full of extracurricular activities, such as sports, clubs, and different events. All these activities allow students to enjoy their campus life, overcome challenges, and get involved as a community.
Students will get a handful of internship and co-op opportunities after completing their degree from US universities. These opportunities allow students to gain work experience, improve their skills, network with professionals, and land a suitable job after graduation.
US universities have a reputation for helping students with their career services and post-graduation support in many ways. They can include job search assistance, resume writing workshops, and mock interviews.
Cultural adjustment can be an issue for many international students in the US. However, universities generally help students with their support services and cultural orientations so that international students can adapt well.
Also read:
There are many scholarship schemes available for international students in the US. Eligible students can get them based on their merit or need. Some popular scholarships include:
In addition to various scholarships, there are several other financial aid options, such as:
The information on available scholarships can be found on university websites and specific scholarship program's websites.
To study at a US university, you will need a student visa. There are two types of student visas in the US: F-1 visa and M-1 visa. You must meet the following requirements to obtain a US student visa:
You will have to apply to the nearest US embassy for a student visa. The application process involves submitting a visa application form and all the supporting documents. After applying, a visa officer will call you for a visa interview.
As an international student in the US, you are subject to a few immigration regulations that you must follow. For example, for work off-campus, you will need to apply for a work permit. You will be able to leave and enter the US for the duration of your degree program.
Choosing the right university in the US is especially crucial for international students as it involves a large amount of money, effort, and time. The best universities in USA for international students will provide access to world-class education and create great career opportunities. So, research your universities well and put weight on your personal preferences.
July 27 2024
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