National Universities With the Most International Students

When looking at National Universities with the most international students, it’s important to consider both the total number of international students and the percentage of international students within the total student body. Some universities may have a very high number of international students due to their overall large size, while others might have a smaller total but a higher proportion of international students.

Based on recent data (primarily from the Institute of International Education’s Open Doors report, which covers the 2023-2024 academic year), here are some of the top National Universities in the U.S. with a significant international student population:

Universities with the Highest Number of International Students:

These universities consistently rank at the top for the sheer volume of international students they host:

1. New York University (NYU): Consistently holds one of the top spots, often with over 27,000 international students.¹
2. Northeastern University – Boston: Another strong contender, often exceeding 20,000 international students.²
3. Columbia University: Frequently in the top three for international student numbers.³
4. Arizona State University – Campus Immersion: Has a very large international student population.
5. University of Southern California (USC): A popular choice for international students, particularly from Asia.⁴
6. University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign: Attracts a large number of international students, especially in STEM fields.⁵
7. Boston University: A significant international student presence.⁶
8. University of California, Berkeley: One of the top public universities with a substantial international student body.⁷
9. Purdue University – West Lafayette: Known for its strong engineering and technology programs, attracting many international students.⁸
10. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor: Another highly-ranked public university with a large international population.⁹

Universities with a High Percentage of International Students:

While the above list focuses on absolute numbers, some universities have a particularly high proportion of international students, making their campus environment very globally diverse. These often include:

• Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech): Known for a very high percentage of international students, sometimes exceeding 50%.¹⁰
• Carnegie Mellon University: A significant proportion of its student body, particularly at the graduate level, is international.¹¹
• Stevens Institute of Technology
• The New School
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Johns Hopkins University
• University of Chicago
• California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
• Rice University

Factors Attracting International Students:

Several factors contribute to a university’s popularity among international students:

• Strong Academic Programs: Especially in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields, which are highly sought after by international students.¹²
• Reputation and Rankings: Highly-ranked universities often attract more international applicants.
• Location: Major metropolitan areas like New York City, Boston, and cities in California often appeal to international students due to career opportunities and diverse cultural environments.¹³
• Research Opportunities: Many international students are interested in pursuing advanced degrees and research.
• Support Services: Universities with robust international student support services (visa assistance, cultural programs, career services) are more attractive.

It’s worth noting that data can vary slightly depending on the source and the academic year being reported. However, the universities listed above consistently appear among those with the most international students in the U.S.