Harvard University, Yale, Princeton — as an international student, you have likely heard of these top Ivy League schools. These prestigious colleges are among the top universities in the USA and consistently sit at the top of ranking lists like U.S. News & World Report, Shanghai Ranking, and QS World Rankings for a reason: They are among the best in the world. Many of these schools also appear on lists of the top 10 universities in USA for international students, thanks to their global reputation, academic excellence, and international student resources.
One challenge: They are also really difficult to get into. According to IvyWise, Harvard University had an acceptance rate of only 3.65% in 2024. That makes Harvard one of the hardest schools to get into. Stanford University, though a non-Ivy school, was even more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.61%. Among Ivy League schools, acceptance rates range from Harvard’s 3.65% low to Cornell University’s 8.41%. That means 92% to 95% of students who apply to Ivy League schools get rejected.
So, how do you find the best American university for international students? Dig deeper and explore other prestigious college options. The United States is a top destination for international students for many reasons. First and foremost, choice: The US is home to more than 5,000 colleges and universities — compare that to 1,168 in India and 3,074 universities in China — and many offer excellent academics and campus life.
As you start to research the best American colleges for international students, here are a few questions you should ask:
How does my chosen major or course of study rank?
What is the reputation of the faculty and instructors?
Does the campus have a diverse student body and strong community spirit?
What research and facility resources will I have access to?
What are the career outcomes? Can I get my dream internship?
What are the required English proficiency and GRE scores?
Now that you know which questions to ask when looking for the best US universities, let’s take a closer look at the best USA university list for international students.
Top 8 Universities in the USA
The best American university for international students will have programs tailored specifically to meet the challenges and needs of students coming to the US to study. For example, the international student programs available at Shorelight universities are structured to support students like you throughout the entire educational journey, from researching colleges all the way to your graduation. Support services include helping you evaluate colleges for international students, understanding the cost of college, and more.
Additionally, the Signature Student Experience at Shorelight universities support you with adjusting to college life in US cities and succeeding in your degree program.
Remember, the best universities for international students may not necessarily be the most famous schools. When you begin your research of top universities in the USA, go beyond the top eight universities in USA for international students and explore individual programs, too.
Let’s look at the USA university list for international students, including top Shorelight Signature universities with strong academic programs and diverse cultural experiences.
American University (Updated 2025)
Located in Washington, DC, American University is ranked #91 among national universities in the US* and offers 65+ undergraduate programs across a wide range of fields, including business, international relations, public affairs, STEM sciences, communications, and more.
With a strong focus on global citizenship, public affairs, and interdisciplinary learning, the university provides students with direct access to internships, research opportunities, and career pathways at nearby embassies, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), think tanks, and multinational companies. Graduates go on to work with leading organizations like Deloitte, EY, and the Peace Corps.
Through the American University International Accelerator program, international students also gain extensive academic and cultural support, which helps students adjust smoothly, thrive in the classroom, and make the most of everything American University and Washington, DC have to offer.
Louisiana State University (Updated 2025)
Louisiana State University (LSU) is ranked #97 among the best public universities in the US* and is in the elite 1% of national universities with land-, sea-, and space-grant designations. Through LSU Global, international students pursuing an undergraduate degree can choose from more than 70 majors across 330 fields of study with a focus on hands-on learning supported by expert faculty. LSU also gives students the chance to study highly specialized disciplines such as petroleum engineering, ranked sixth best in the US!*
In Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s state capital, LSU is also a designated Carnegie Research University, conducting more than 2,000 research projects at any given time where students collaborate with peers and faculty. Baton Rouge is a multicultural city that celebrates people from all walks of life through festivals such as Jazz Fest, Blues Fest, and the world-famous Mardi Gras celebration! You can also build your career by connecting with top organizations such as Coca-Cola, ExxonMobil, IBM, and many more.
Auburn University (Updated 2025)
At Auburn University in Alabama, you can study at one of the top 100 public schools in the US* and choose from more than 150 undergraduate degrees and 25 graduate degrees in disciplines such as engineering, supply-chain management, journalism, architecture, and more.
Set in a charming small college town, Auburn offers a world-class educational experience, with many top-ranking degree programs, including supply-chain management, industrial design, public relations, and interior design. Auburn University also works with top employers in the Southeast to connect students and alumni with job opportunities at companies such as Amazon, Coca-Cola, UPS, Mercedes, Hyundai, and more.
UMass Boston (Updated 2025)
UMass Boston is among Tier 1 National Universities* and is ranked #5 among the most diverse colleges in Massachusetts and #25 most diverse in America by Niche.com. In collaboration with Shorelight, UMass Boston offers students 65 undergraduate and six graduate degrees in a wide variety of fields, including liberal arts, education, science and mathematics, environmental science, and more.
With its location in the biggest city in New England – the country’s most prestigious higher education region – opportunities abound for international students. For example, the university’s groundbreaking research partnerships include initiatives with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, enabling both students to conduct cancer research in underserved communities. With the on-campus Network Information Systems Laboratory — a cutting-edge research facility —students can pursue research in modern and emerging fields related to computer networking, distributed systems, and information systems.
Gonzaga University (Updated 2025)
Gonzaga University, ranked #98 among the top universities in the US,* collaborates with Shorelight to offer international students, 49 majors, with more than 50 different concentrations, such as arts and science, nursing and human psychology, business, and engineering. Gonzaga University’s undergraduate business program is among the US’s top 20% business programs, and its graduate accounting program is ranked #41 in the country!*
Located in beautiful Spokane, Washington, the university has a strong focus on research-driven education, encouraging student research from an undergraduate level with its Venture Lab and Integrated Science & Engineering facility. With Gonzaga’s Career Trek program, students can connect with top companies across the country, including Microsoft, Nike, New York Stock Exchange, and Wells Fargo.
Florida International University (Updated 2025)
Florida International University (FIU)’s FIU Global First Year program gives undergraduate international students a choice of more than 110 degree options from a top-100 US university.* With its location in Miami, Florida — one of the most popular tourist destinations in the US — FIU is ranked #31 among top hospitality schools in the US by QS World University Rankings. FIU also ranked in the top 50 among public universities in the US,* and has top-ranking programs in business, science, engineering, and hospitality.
The university is also a Tier 1 Research Institution, awarded a R1 Carnegie Research Classification and more than USD $100 million in research award grants. Students can engage in highly specialized and unique learning activities through the FIU Aquarius Reef Base — the world’s only permanent underwater research laboratory.
Cleveland State University (Updated 2025)
Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio, gives students access to Fortune 500 companies such as Dell, Marriott International, Sherwin Williams, and more, all close by. In 2023, the National Science Foundation ranked the university in the 80th percentile for research expenditures. Students can choose from more than 175 undergraduate degrees and 10 graduate degrees in diverse fields such as computer science, engineering, health sciences, and public affairs. The university’s Master’s in Public Affairs program is ranked #56 among the best public affairs programs in the US!
To date, Cleveland State has connected students with more than 3,000 internships and real-world learning experiences. The university also supports innovation and creativity through its MakerSpace facility, which enables students to develop their own projects and prototypes using modern industrial techniques and equipment. Students can also engage in cutting-edge research by interning at the NASA Glenn Research Center.
University of Illinois Chicago (Updated 2025)
The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is ranked #39 among top public schools in the US* and ranks #37 among the list of best value schools by the Wall Street Journal. UIC Global offers international students 80+ undergraduate degree programs in disciplines including engineering, education, public health, architecture, health science, and social science.
In the heart of Chicago, UIC has unparalleled possibilities for students who want real-world professional experience. The UIC Engineering program offers students guaranteed paid internships and the UIC College of Engineering is among the top 100 undergraduate engineering schools in the US.* More than 30 Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in Chicago, giving students the chance to connect with world-renowned organizations such as Google, Deloitte, and PricewaterhouseCoopers.
How to Choose the Best American University as an International Student
While consulting a USA university list for international students can help with your application decisions, it is also important to look beyond program rankings. When you look beyond rankings for the best universities in the USA for international students, a non-Ivy university may be a top school for international students and a better fit for your goals. For instance, Cornell University is an Ivy League school — but if you want to major in hospitality and do not like cold weather, then Ithaca, New York (average -9 degrees Celsius in January) may not be your top pick. FIU, on the other hand, may provide a much more rewarding experience that can set you up for success.
Tuition Costs and University Fees
Tuition will likely be the largest cost you need to factor in when considering the overall cost of studying in the US. Tuition costs can vary based on the type of institution where you choose to enroll (public or private universities), as well as the chosen program and its duration.
In addition to tuition, schools charge a range of university fees, which are used to cover administrative costs and other expenses specific to your program. These will vary by institution and can include orientation fees, campus fees, dining fees, housing fees, health insurance fees, technology fees, and more.
Beyond academic expenses, it is important to plan for everyday living expenses. These may include housing costs and utilities if you choose to live off campus, transportation, meals, and personal expenses. Having a clear understanding of these costs can help you budget more effectively and make confident decisions as you prepare for your study journey in the US.
Research and Innovation
If your career plans involve engineering, medicine, sciences, entrepreneurship, or a computer science degree, be sure to research a prospective university’s commitment to innovation and research opportunities. This reveals how a university approaches — and advances — its investments in technology, pursuit of grants, strategic partnerships, and resource/facilities improvements.
Florida International University— a Shorelight university ranked #33 on U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Most Innovative School list — is tied with Ivy League schools such as Princeton University (tied for #33), and ranks higher than Dartmouth College (tied for #38). Auburn University (tied for #63) and University of Illinois Chicago (tied for #63) also get innovation nods.
When evaluating school reputation and its alignment with your professional goals, be aware of memberships and consortiums as well. The Association of American Universities, for example, is a consortium of 71 leading research universities in the US and Canada. In 2023, AAU members — among them, all eight Ivy League universities, plus Shorelight universities like Tulane University and the University of Utah — accounted for about 61% of all R&D spending by US universities, or $65.9 billion in total R&D expenditures. This includes nearly $60 billion in federal research funding by the US government, making AAU institutions some of the most well-funded and innovation-driven universities in the world.
Student Support Services
When researching top schools for international students in the USA, imagine your entire journey — from day one at orientation to the final day of graduation. Ask yourself: Is the university welcoming and supportive? Do they have special services for international students like me? Will I have access to free English tutoring? Will this school help me get an internship or job?
When it comes to Shorelight universities, the answer is a resounding yes. We only work with top-ranked schools for international students. We can arrange for pickup at the airport when you first arrive, settle you in at your dorm, and give you a campus tour. You have access to English language and grammar classes, course tutors, and personal advisors. You might not get personal attention like that at Yale or Penn, where competition can overwhelm students.
Applying to university in the US and traveling thousands of miles from home to a new country can be daunting. That is why we created Signature Student Experience, an award-winning set of support services designed specifically to help international students acclimate and succeed at our partner universities.
Internships and Job Placements
A key component of Shorelight’s Signature Student Experience is the Career Accelerator, a professional preparation program focused on internship placements, resume building, interview skills, and more.
Indian student and finance major Adit chose the University of Illinois Chicago over Harvard University because of UIC’s strong rankings, diverse student body, and the Career Accelerator’s commitment to successful outcomes.
“Traveling 12,000 miles to the United States for college was one of the biggest decisions I have ever made,” says Adit. “I think of UIC as a superior academic institution that supports the development of all its diverse students. I came to the UIC finance department to develop skills for a career in investment banking.”
With the help of the Career Accelerator, Adit worked at three internships and built a standout resume that featured positions at American Express, Ernst & Young, and Citigroup.
“My [Career Accelerator] advisor and mentor has been my go-to resource at UIC,” says Adit. “Whenever I need advice about professional opportunities, [he] would always share valuable insights and help me along the way. He carefully reviewed my resume and applications to make sure I secured the positions I was interested in.”
Study at the Best US Universities With Shorelight’s Help
While Ivy League schools may be considered the “best” of the US higher education system, there are many other excellent options on the list of Tier 1 universities. These US universities are worth a closer look, even if you may not have heard of them before. Take into consideration career services, faculty, campus location, research funding, student diversity, and personalized support services to help you find the best universities in the USA for international students.
“Be open to all the different choices and definitely do your research,” says Nimeesha, a computer science and mathematics major at UIC. She recommends contacting staff and students to get a better sense of whether a school is right for you. “By reaching out to people on campus — UIC Global staff, anybody that can give you a sense of [what] the school is like, [what] the culture is like — you’ll be able to make your decision.”
If you need help choosing a university that is best for your needs, reach out to Shorelight advisor for help—your advisor can help you research the cost of college in the US and compare your options. They can also provide application assistance, support you with selecting a major and choosing between a college vs a university, explain student visa fees, and more.
Build your future with a US university degree. Shorelight can help >
*U.S. News & World Report, 2025
