10 Best Universities in United States for International Students (2021)

Being ranked as #1 country for prospective international students, United States is a popular destination for people all over the world. Being the ideal standard of high-quality education, the best universities in United States will be our main topic for this post.

Before we actually get into the list of top ten institutions, I will be covering several popular questions that are asked by international students today. Keep the answers for reference, and be sure to use this information down the road as you continue on your educational path.

Are International Students Satisfied By Studying in United States?

According to a research done by World Education Services, nearly 91% of international students were satisfied by studying in United States. Much positive feedback was received due to its high-quality academic standards, and even more, international students enjoyed the friendly environment created by its staff and faculty.

Easy to Form Relationships (English – No Language Barrier)
Great Learning Environment (Low Student-Faculty Ratio)
Might Face Some Difficulty (Religious Life)

Need Financial Aid (Scholarship Is a MUST)

For carrying out your religious beliefs, you might face some trouble but not too much. When it comes to financial need, you need to acquire some sort of scholarship or grant that will help you pay off your college fees since the total cost of attendance at most institutions in US is relatively high.

Most Popular Degrees in United States for International Students?

According to similar sources, most popular degrees for international students are in the STEM field. Since the United States have advanced tech and major business companies, many international students go over to the States to gain the degrees listed down below.

Engineering (All Types)
Business / Management
Math / Computer Science (CS)

In addition to its advanced tech, United States has a large landmass, which means increased opportunities to have internships, to land a job, and even get a prospective career right off the bat. I’m not saying that your success will be guaranteed, but you will have a higher chance in United States than any other country in the world.

Primary Language of Education for Institutions in United States?

Just by looking at our 10 best universities in United States, we can come to the conclusion that English is the primary language of education for all institutions in United States. There might be one or two institutions that may be taught in a foreign language, but overall, it is safe to say that English is the basic foundation.

How Many International Students Are Studying in United States?

According to a news article done by IIE, more than a million international students are studying in United States. Even though the numbers took a hit due to the recent pandemic, the figures are continuing to grow as more and more universities are released from quarantine shutdown.

Which University Is the Most Prestigious Institution in United States?

If you just want to base it on world rankings, it would change every year due to many different variables. If you want to base it on fame, I would say that Harvard University is the most prestigious institution in United States.

Ranked as #1 University in the Region
Nationally Ranked as the Top University in United States

Ranked Among the Top 5 Universities in the World

Even though Harvard University is not at its peak right now, it is one of the most reputable universities in the United States and very well-known in many countries around the globe.

Best Universities in United States for International Students

After answering the top five questions, it is time to dive into our list of 10 top universities in United States. I hope you enjoy and be sure to visit our most recent posts if you are interested in any other countries than United States!

If you just want to look at the cheapest college in the United States, you can skip down to the tenth one on our list since Berea College is the institution with the most affordable cost of attendance. Be sure to apply for Berea College since international students attend this college for free!

1. Harvard University

Being the oldest private institution in the United States, Harvard is the best when it comes to the top 10 universities in United States for international students. When it comes to academics, the medical school of Harvard is one of the leading research centers in the world.

#1 in United States, Almost #1 in the World
Provides Great Financial Assistance to Internationals

In addition, its broad range of doctoral programs covers the entirety of known academic subjects. Catering especially to students with financial need, Harvard University provides full financial assistance and many scholarships to international students with financial need.

2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

International Students Admissions

Located in the same city as Harvard, MIT is a private research university that is situated in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Being one of the leading universities in research and innovation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology uses state-of-the-art laboratories and modern technology to implement its research programs.

3. Stanford University

Tuition & Fees for International Students

Officially known as Leland Stanford Junior University, this institution comes very close to Harvard’s ranking when it boils down to academic reputation. Almost overcoming the fame of Harvard, Stanford is quickly rising to take the title, “the Harvard of 21st century.”

Ranked #2 in the Nation
Ranked as 2nd in the World

Having one of the largest campuses in the country of United States, Standford is also an ideal college to go to as an international student. However, when it comes to financial aid, Stanford prioritizes its local residents and US citizens before international students.

4. University of California, Berkeley

Known for short as UC Berkeley, this famous institution is a public research university that is situated in Berkeley, California. In addition, UC Berkeley of California grew in popularity due to its alumni, which invented the atomic bomb and a great trading site called eBay.

5. Cornell University

International Students Admissions

Being part of the Ivy League Program, Cornell University is a private research university that is located in Ithaca, New York. In order to increase the number of international students and its external influence, Cornell University is continuing to expand its international partnerships around the globe.

6. University of Washington (UW)

Tuition & Fees for International Students

Even though this institution is not popularly known by many international students, University of Washington is a public research university that is involved in many collaborations. Being in partnerships with major companies like Amazon and Microsoft, UW is a high-level research university that innovated a change in the world.

7. Columbia University

Also a part of the Ivy League Program, Columbia University is a private research institution in New York, and it is the oldest institution in New York State. Being a powerhouse of many scientific breakthroughs, Columbia University is a great university to attend for any international student.

8. Yale University

International Students Admissions

Among our 10 best universities in United States for international students, Yale is the last of the Ivy League Institutions. Being the third-oldest institution in the United States, Yale University is a private liberal arts college focused on high academic standards and innovative research.

9. Penn State University

Tuition & Fees for International Students

Being a public research university in Pennsylvania, Penn State contains one of the largest student bodies in the country of United States. Offering a variety of programs in-class and online, Penn State offers a large number of degree programs to eligible international students!

10. Berea College

Being the only college in the United States with free tuition, Berea College is a great liberal arts college that provides numerous opportunities for prospective international students. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity, and apply whenever possible!

Financial Aid (Not Based On Luck!)

Some international students think that getting a full-ride scholarship depends solely on luck and chance. That is not the case! The amount of scholarship that you can get for universities in the United States depends on your performance in academic courses and extracurricular activities.

Even if you are from abroad, the top universities in the United States are not going to select you if you don’t have the needed academic requirement to support your admissions application. Always work hard, and never give up!