4 Universities in the US Made for International Students

Some might see studying abroad as a slightly more exciting path to earning a degree. But for some undergraduates, it’s so much more — a journey to gain a world-class education supported by a strong community and marked by exceptional graduate outcomes. It’s about the full experience, from dynamic campus life to living in a destination that inspires growth and discovery.

In the US, some universities take this idea to another level. Their students have access to a wealth of academic programs, a strong international community, and endless opportunities to explore culture, entertainment, and innovation both on and off campus. With the right combination, you’ll graduate with both a degree and a fresh perspective. 

Here are four American universities that provide the experience we’re describing:

UA’s beloved mascot is Zippy, a kangaroo and one of six female mascots in the United States.

The University of Akron

One of the best regional colleges in the Midwest (Princeton Review) and ranked among the top 10 best colleges in Ohio, the University of Akron (UA) offers international students an exciting, diverse experience. 

The word “diverse” goes a long way here. You’ll find a wide range of student backgrounds and a seemingly endless lineup of campus activities and faculty expertise – especially since 35 UA faculty members are listed among the world’s top 2% of scientists. 

Most importantly, learning here is diverse -– where else could you find a top-ranked e-sports program offered alongside a pioneering aerospace systems engineering bachelor’s degree? This level of breadth explains why nearly 15,000 undergraduates call UA home — each found their launchpad to succeed in one of the university’s eight schools and colleges. 

The College of Business is a popular choice for its prestige. It’s a top 40 public business school, part of the 1% worldwide offering business degrees doubly accredited in business and accounting. Its effectiveness is backed by numbers, too – over 1,000 alumni occupy executive-level positions throughout the country. Following in their footsteps means beginning a transformative business education that evolves with the world. The college recently launched a year-long slate of programs that revolve around artificial intelligence.

Those who gravitate towards such future-focused topics can find everything they’re looking for and more at the College of Engineering and Polymer Science — North America’s leader in polymer and plastics engineering. This college has been educating future engineers for over 110 years and is home to one of the US’s first engineering co-op programs. This emphasis on experiential learning explains why 99% of its graduates land placements within six months of graduating, with a median salary of US $70,000. 

Discover the education that made them.

Kent State University is a public research university in northeast Ohio with over 273,500 alumni. Source: Kent State University

Kent State University

In Northeast Ohio, a region with nationally renowned amenities plus an affordable cost of living, you’ll find Kent State University. What started as a teacher-training school in 1910 is now an R1 top-tier research university, as recognized by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. It’s home to over 40,000 students from every corner of the globe and renowned for creating leaders in business, healthcare, architecture, education and more.

Many international students are drawn to the university for its rich history, cutting-edge curriculum, and commitment to ensuring they succeed. Here, you can choose from over 300 academic programs, such as undergraduate degrees from the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship, the College of Public Health, the College of Education, Health and Human Services, the College of Architecture and Environmental Design and more. You won’t be alone either – faculty members here are engaged in research as innovative as they are community-based, always ready to help students pursue their goals with unconditional support. 

You’ll find the same welcoming support throughout your life at Kent State. It’s part of why so many students say they knew right away they had made the right choice – because Kent State always “feels like home”. 

Ohio State is among the schools with the happiest freshmen. Source: Ohio State University

Ohio State University

Ohio State University is on the rise in recent rankings. It’s now 15th among public universities and 41st in the nation, according to the new Best Colleges rankings for 2025. Its academic programs see a similar trend — undergraduate degrees in nursing, business, and engineering all hold positions within the top 20 nationally. 

“Ohio State is one of the best public universities in the nation with outstanding students, faculty and staff who are passionate about solving the world’s most pressing challenges,” President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. said. 

“The university just enrolled a record-setting first-year class; we have a world-class academic medical center that continues to excel at patient care and life-changing research and a worldwide network of nearly 620,000 alumni.” 

Academics aren’t the only area on the rise. This year, Ohio State joined the ranks of top universities for first-year experience, ranking 50th nationally. It’s evident the university takes care of its students, especially international ones — instilling a sense of warmth is a top priority they know will greatly fast-track its goal of becoming a preeminent global university. It is little wonder why there are currently over 6,000 international students there now — each proud to be part of such a vibrant, connected community in a conveniently located urban campus. 

From breathtaking signature architecture to pedestrian-friendly gathering spots, the award-winning campus is a great place to call home. Source: University of Cincinnati

University of Cincinnati

Living in Ohio’s third-largest city has many perks. Not only do University of Cincinnati students gain access to a robust network of academic-corporate partnerships and exciting career opportunities, but they do it all while benefiting from Cincinnati’s affordable cost of living. Combined with a beautiful, award-winning campus and the university’s reputation as a powerhouse of research, you’ll be at the center of one of the most vibrant student hubs in the US. 

Today, the university is a global leader in experience-based learning, having pioneered cooperative (co-op) education back in 1906. Ranked # 4 for co-op programs among public and private universities nationwide, UC ensures its students gain a minimum of a year’s experience before graduating. Students also earn a collective US$65 million per year through co-op participation, ranking the institution first in the nation for return on investment. 

Explore hundreds of programs of study, including undergraduate and graduate degrees in business, law, fine arts, health, and engineering. Regardless of program, all students make significant breakthroughs in research and innovation here. 

Take the UC Academic Health Centre, for example, which is home to the first nursing degrees in 1916, where the first live, attenuated polio vaccine was developed in the 1960s. That’s just one of many breakthroughs made possible with the help of the university’s generous funding. It’s safe to say as a student here, you’ll receive the support you need to make equally impactful discoveries.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International.