Top 20 US Universities With the Highest Number of International Students

Studying abroad offers numerous benefits, including the opportunity to meet international students and make lasting friendships. The US is the world’s most popular study destination. According to Statistica, 1,057,188 international students were studying in the United States in the 2022–23 academic year. The top 10 US universities for the diversity of their student bodies are based on the QS World University Rankings. In this post, you’ll learn the top 20 US universities with the highest number of international students.

International students significantly contribute to academic success in their host countries. They improve language skills, foster cultural exchange, provide friendship, and promote collaborative learning. Schools with a strong global presence often have a wealth of cultural groups and events, allowing international students an opportunity to share their food, music, and traditions with their U.S. peers.

International students attending one of the schools listed below may also benefit from a large foreign community when trying to acclimatise to American life. These colleges reported the highest percentages of international students in fall 2022.

1. New School (33%)

The New School is a private university in the US founded in 1919 and located in the New York City. As has a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,208. At the latest ranking in 2024, the school was ranked 201st best College in the US.

The school admits students of any race, color, national, and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities. This is reflected in the total percentage of international students at the institution, which is the highest any US university could boast of in 2023. The international students population at this institution span across 116 countries.

The New School has redefined intellectual and creative thought boundaries since its founding, offering a rigorous, multidimensional approach to education. With leading-edge faculty and world-renowned alumni, the university aims to develop students who will impact the world and address pressing social issues.

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2. New York University (31%)

With over 31% of its student population being international students, NYU is one of the top 20 universities with the highest number of international students.

NYU, founded in 1831, is a leading research university in the world, offering top-ranked academic programs and a global vision. With campuses in New York City, Abu Dhabi, Shanghai, and 12 study away sites, NYU is a global leader in education, with more international students and students studying abroad than any other US university.

The university draws from diverse backgrounds of faculty, staff, and students, ensuring its scholarship and teaching benefit from a wide range of perspectives. As the largest private research university in the US, NYU provides rigorous education to over 65,000 students and undertakes $1.27 billion in research annually. Its faculty recipients of the highest scholarly honors and is a top producer of patents and revenue from licensing.

3. Carnegie Mellon University (24%)

Carnegie Mellon University is a private institution in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With 24% of its students coming from abroad, the university is one of the universities in the US with the highest number of international students. It has a global presence with satellite centers in Silicon Valley and Manhattan, as well as campuses in Australia and Doha, Qatar.

Established in 1900, the university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,509 and a campus size of 157 acres. Its ranking in the 2024 Best Colleges list is #24. The university offers dining, entertainment, and professional sports teams, with nearly 20% of the student population affiliated with Greek life.

The university’s seven schools and colleges include the College of Fine Arts and the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and its graduate programs include the Tepper School of Business, Carnegie Institute of Technology, and School of Computer Science. Undergraduates can participate in research and receive grants or summer fellowships. The university has a rich history, with Randy Pausch, the author of “The Last Lecture,” serving as a professor.

4. University of Rochester (24%)

The University of Rochester is a private research university in Rochester, New York, with 6,800 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students. Established in 1850, it is the largest private employer in Upstate New York and the 7th largest in New York State. The university offers 160 undergraduate and 30 graduate programs across seven schools across five campuses. It is one of the smallest and most collegiate schools among the nation’s top research universities, ranking #47 in the 2024 Best Colleges list

The College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering is the largest, housing some of the college’s departments and divisions. The Institute of Optics is regarded as one of the premier optics programs in the world. The Eastman School of Music is highly rated and considered one of the best programs in the world. The university is classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity” and is a member of the Association of American Universities.

5. Boston University (23%)

Boston University is an urban, non-profit institution with a total undergraduate enrollment of 18,459 and a 140-acre campus. It was founded in 1839 and located in Massachusetts. It ranks #43 in the 2024 Best Colleges list and offers a semester-based academic calendar.

The university has over 20 NCAA Division I varsity sports, nearly 500 student clubs, and sponsors over 90 international programs. Freshmen are required to live on campus, with about 80% of undergraduate students living on the main Boston campus.

The university’s graduate schools include the School of Law, School of Management, School of Medicine, College of Engineering, and School of Education. Notable alumni include Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., actresses Julianne Moore and Geena Davis, Bill O’Reilly, Howard Stern, and Tipper Gore. The BU Bridge is unique in the U.S., allowing planes to fly over a car, train, and boat simultaneously.

6. Brandeis University (21%)

Brandeis University, founded in 1948 by the American Jewish community, is a medium-sized private research university with a global reach. With a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,687 (fall 2022), the university is located in Waltham, Massachusetts, just nine miles west of Boston. The university is known for its commitment to first-rate undergraduate education and groundbreaking discoveries.

Brandeis was named after Louis Dembitz Brandeis, the first Jewish justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, who made an indelible mark on modern jurisprudence by shaping free speech, the right to privacy, and the rights of ordinary citizens. The university opened on the site of the former Middlesex University in Waltham, Massachusetts, with 107 students and 13 faculty members. Under the leadership of founding president Abram L. Sachar, Brandeis grew quickly in size and scholarly influence, joining the ranks of the most respected research institutions while still very young.

Brandeis is comprised of the College of Arts and Sciences and four graduate schools, with nearly 50% of students participating in study abroad programs offered in about 70 countries around the world.

7. Andrews University (18%)

Andrews University is a private institution that was founded in 1874. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,295 (fall 2022), its setting is rural, and the campus size is 300 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Andrews University’s ranking in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #320. Its tuition and fees are $33,710.

Andrews University is the heartbeat of Adventist education. As a Christian school, it promotes strong moral principles and a holistic approach to life, preparing students to serve the world after completing their studies.

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8. Columbia University (18%)

Columbia University is a top university in New York City and boasts a significant number of international students, with 18% of its students coming from outside the US. The university is involved in global initiatives like the Columbia University Partnership for International Development (CUPID), which promotes multidisciplinary discussions in multinational development and relief.

Columbia University is a significant research center and a distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students. The university recognizes its location in New York City and aims to attract a diverse faculty, staff, and student body, support global research and teaching, and establish academic relationships with various countries and regions.

9. Florida Institute of Technology (18%)

Florida Institute of Technology is a private institution with 18% of its students being international students. It was founded in 1958 and has a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,374 and a suburban campus size of 174 acres. It ranks #269 in the 2024 Best Colleges list and offers undergraduate degree programs in science, engineering, business, liberal arts, psychology, and STEM education.

The school’s location on the Space Coast of the Atlantic Ocean makes it an ideal spot for water sports, and students can join over 100 student organizations, including fraternities and sororities. Florida Tech also runs science-focused research centers and institutes, including the Wind and Hurricane Impact Research Laboratory and the Institute for Marine Research.

Graduate students can pursue programs through the Florida Tech engineering and education schools. Notable alumni include Ann Dunwoody, the first female four-star general in the U.S. Army, and David King, former director of the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center.

10. Emory University (17%)

Emory University, founded in 1836, has a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,101 and a campus size of 631 acres. It ranks #24 in the 2024 Best Colleges list and offers nine schools and colleges, including the Goizueta Business School, School of Law, and School of Medicine.

Students live on campus for four years, with the Student Programming Council organizing events and the Student Volunteer Emory overseeing community service activities. The Emory Eagles have nearly 20 NCAA Division III varsity teams and are known for their swimming and diving teams. All students must take two physical education courses.

11. University of Chicago (16%)

The University of Chicago is an urban private institution with a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,470. It was founded in 1890 on a 217-acre in in Hyde Park. The university ranks #12 in the 2024 Best Colleges list and offers postgraduate programs like Booth School of Business, Law School, Pritzker School of Medicine, and Harris School of Public Policy.

The university has 18 NCAA Division III teams and strong basketball and wrestling programs. Most students live on campus, with freshmen required to live on campus. The university offers over 450 student organizations, over 50 majors and 40 minors, and has 94 Nobel Prize winners. Former President Barack Obama taught at the University of Chicago Law School for 12 years.

12. Illinois Institute of Technology (15%)

Illinois Institute of Technology, founded in 1890, is a private institution in Chicago that offers a diverse range of undergraduate programs and graduate programs. With a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,125, the university uses a semester-based academic calendar and has a ranking of #98 in the 2024 Best Colleges list.

The institution was founded by Chicago minister Frank Wakeley Gunsaulus, who aimed to create a school where students of all backgrounds could prepare for meaningful roles in a changing industrial society. The university was later merged with Lewis Institute in 1940, offering liberal arts, science, and engineering courses for both men and women. The university also runs an Institute of Design, the Chicago-Kent College of Law, the Stuart School of Business, and other graduate programs.

IIT has over 100 clubs and organizations for undergraduates, including TechNews, and offers both undergraduate and graduate housing. The campus hosts events like Pumpkin Launch and a spring formal in downtown Chicago, and students can show their school spirit at IIT Scarlet Hawks athletic events. Notable alumni include Victor Tsao, founder of Linksys, and James Roche, former Air Force secretary.

13. Johns Hopkins University (15%)

Johns Hopkins University, founded in 1876, has a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,044 and a 140-acre campus. The university is divided into nine schools, with five serving undergraduates. The Homewood Campus is the primary campus, with over 1,300 students in the Greek community. Additional campuses for graduate programs include Bloomberg School of Public Health, School of Education, Whiting School of Engineering, School of Medicine, and Peabody Institute. Johns Hopkins Hospital is a top-ranked hospital with specialties.

The university aimed to encourage research and advance individual scholars, fostering a world-class education system. Today, the university remains a leading institution in teaching and research, with distinguished professors mentoring students in various fields. Since 1979, the university has been the nation’s leader in federal research and development funding, making it America’s first research university. This institution has revolutionized higher education in the U.S. and continues to contribute to global knowledge.

14. Saint Leo University(15%)

Saint Leo University is a private Roman Catholic liberal arts institution in St. Leo, Florida. It was founded in 1889 and has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,336. Th university offers over 40 fields of study, including business administration, education, criminal justice, and theology.

Students can participate in over 70 clubs, fraternities, sororities, and varsity athletics. Saint Leo is one of the fifteen largest Catholic colleges in the United States and has a total enrollment of 9,523 out of which 15% are international students.

15. University of California, Davis (15%)

The University of California, Davis is a public institution founded in 1905 with a total undergraduate enrollment of 31,532 (fall 2022). With a campus size of 5,300 acres and a quarter-based academic calendar, it ranks #28 in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges. Originally established as a farm school for UC- Berkeley, UC Davis has over 700 student organizations and a large Greek community. Freshmen are guaranteed housing, and after their first year, students typically move off campus or live in university apartments.

Over the years, it has expanded to include graduate and professional programs in medicine, law, veterinary medicine, education, nursing, and business management. The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine is the largest in the United States.

UC Davis is a top research university with top-tier programs and has been ranked by major publications like U.S. News & World Report, QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education World University Rankings, and The Princeton Review. It was recognized as the fifth-best public university in the U.S. by the Wall Street Journal in 2022. The university offers certificates and courses for adults and non-traditional learners.

University faculty, alumni, and researchers have been the recipients of two Nobel Prizes, one Fields Medal, a Presidential Medal of Freedom, three Pulitzer Prizes, three MacArthur Fellowships, and a National Medal of Science.

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16. Case Western Reserve University (14%)

Case Western Reserve University is a private research institution in Cleveland, Ohio. It was founded in 1826 and comprises eight schools offering over 100 undergraduate programs and 160 graduate and professional options across STEM, medicine, arts, and the humanities. In 2023, the university enrolled 12,266 students from all 50 states and 102 countries and employed over 1,110 full-time faculty members. The university is a member of the Association of American Universities and classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity.”

Case Western Reserve University is known for its world-class research and has over 200 student organizations. The university is located about 20 minutes from downtown Cleveland, offering free access to downtown museums like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Great Lakes Science Center. Freshmen live in themed residential communities called Cedar, Juniper, Magnolia, and Mistletoe, and all students are invited to the annual SpringFest.

Notable alumni include former U.S. Representative Dennis Kucinich and Craig Newmark, creator and namesake of the website Craigslist.

17. Georgetown University (14%)

Georgetown University, founded in 1789, is an urban, 104-acre private institution with a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,900. As the nation’s oldest Catholic and Jesuit university, it is known for its research, social justice, and diverse community. The university is located overlooking the Potomac River and offers various residence halls, townhouses, and apartments for students.

The Georgetown Hoyas, a Division I NCAA basketball team, play home games at Capital One Arena. The university also houses several undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools, including the Robert Emmett McDonough School of Business, Law Center, School of Medicine, School of Nursing and Health Studies, and McCourt School of Public Policy.

Notable alumni include former President Bill Clinton, actor Bradley Cooper, journalist Maria Shriver, and Hall of Fame basketball player Patrick Ewing. The famous “Exorcist steps” used in the 1973 horror film “The Exorcist” are located just below Georgetown’s campus.

18. Northeastern University (14%)

Northeastern University is a renowned private university based in Boston. The university prides itself on having a global outlook and 14% of its student population comes from outside the shores of the US. The institution integrates education with professional experience globally.

The university has a cooperative education program that offers professional experience on seven continents and a comprehensive study abroad program. It recently opened its first international campus in Toronto and has regional campuses in the US, including Silicon Valley. Northeastern University, founded in 1898, is known for its experiential learning model, high-impact research, deep partnerships, and worldwide reach.

19. University of Arkansas at Little Rock (14%)

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a metropolitan research university with over 9,000 students, offering quality education through flexible learning and internship opportunities. With over 60 undergraduate and 40 graduate programs, the university prepares students to be innovators and responsible leaders in their fields.

Students can study contemporary studio craft through the Applied Design program. The university’s Centennial Campaign aims to expand transformational opportunities and build partnerships for economic growth and community well-being. With a diverse student body, the university focuses on educating students to be effective citizens and capable professionals while also serving the community through partnerships with public and private enterprises.

20. University of California, San Diego (14%)

The University of California, San Diego (UCSD) is a public institution in San Diego, California, founded in 1960. With 33,096 undergraduates, it offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and is known for its Sun God Festival and International House.

The university has a rich history of award-winning faculty, researchers, and alumni, and is ranked 7th among American universities for research and development expenditures in 2021. It is also recognized as a Public Ivy and has contributed to various fields, including engineering, medicine, and science.