Dr Mohammad Shafiq
Do you desire to pursue higher studies in the US? The US 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 divided into public and private categories.
State and federal governments fund public educational institutions, which are usually affordable in the USA and have more stringent admission requirements. Private donations and tuition fees fund private universities and colleges.
Private universities and colleges are typically expensive but may also have more resources and facilities than public universities. Again, private universities and colleges can set their own admission requirements and academic standards.
The US has several other higher education institutions, such as community colleges, technical schools, religious schools, and public and private universities and colleges.
Accreditation is crucial for universities and colleges as it ensures specific quality standards. In the US, six regional accrediting bodies 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 considered one of the most prestigious in the world and one of the best universities for international students in the 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. Founded in 1636, it is the oldest higher education institution in the US and an Ivy League private research university among the most famous universities in the USA.
This excellent university attracts thousands of great minds worldwide and offers international students a wide range of programs and resources. 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. Stanford also offers various scholarships and financial aid and provides language and cultural courses for international students.
Stanford has many notable alumni, including:
California Institute of Technology is a private research university that ranks among the top universities in the world. Its strengths are in science and engineering programs, and Caltech's research expenditure is among the highest in the US.
Over 30 research centres and institutions collaborate with universities and research institutes worldwide. The International Observatory Network and The Human Genome Project are 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 fifth-oldest higher education institution in the United States. It now has four undergraduate schools and 13 postgraduate and professional schools.
Columbia has many resources and facilities and is an excellent university for international students. Its International Students and Scholars Office advises and counsels international students on academic, financial, and personal issues. The university also offers foreign students on-campus housing, English language support, financial aid, and cultural orientation.
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 engineering, computer science, social science, public administration, physical science, and many more programs.
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. It is also a member of the Ivy League research universities. It has a strong reputation for academic excellence, strong research programs, and a diverse student body.
Penn offers its students global internships, allowing them to intern with organizations worldwide. It also has global research programs, allowing students to research global issues with faculty members. 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 highly selective. It attracts hundreds of international students annually 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 a member of the Ivy League research universities. The university has seven undergraduate and seven postgraduate schools and offers over 400 programs.
Cornell is a major research university that welcomes students from all over the world. Around 24% of its total students are international students, and the university has 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 worldwide.
Here are some notable alumni of UChicago:
The QS World University Rankings 2025 has identified the best universities worldwide, highlighting the top institutions in the United States. This year's ranking is notable for including 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, from traditional undergraduate and graduate degrees to professional and vocational programs. Thus, they offer students a lot of flexibility.
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.
After completing their degrees from US universities, students will have a handful of internship and co-op opportunities. These opportunities allow students to gain work experience, improve their skills, network with professionals, and land a suitable job after graduation.
US universities are renowned for helping students with 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 must 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 you submit the form, 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, you must apply for a work permit for work off-campus. You can leave and enter the US for your degree program.
Choosing the right university in the US is especially crucial for international students as it involves a lot 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.
November 13 2024
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