5 Best Cities to Study in the United States for International Students
Situated in North America, the United States comprises 50 states and is home to around 334,655,000 individuals as of 2021. Often referred to as the “Land of the Free,” the USA is recognized for its cultural diversity, earning it the moniker of a “melting pot.” In 2020, an estimated 1,075,500 international students were pursuing higher education in the country.
English is the predominant language in the USA, with significant numbers of Spanish and Chinese speakers. In terms of religion, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism are among the commonly practiced faiths.
Being one of the most visited countries globally, the USA offers a diverse range of attractions across its 50 states. Notable tourist destinations include the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, Statue of Liberty, Walt Disney World Resort, and the Las Vegas Strip. In terms of cuisine, the USA boasts a rich culinary landscape, featuring must-try dishes like the Reuben sandwich, clam chowder, Buffalo wings, Maryland crabcakes, and key lime pie. This article will delve into the top cities in the United States for international students.
Top Cities in the United States for International Students
- Boston
The charming capital of Massachusetts, Boston, is not only one of the best cities in the United States for aspiring international students but also the most populous city in the state, with a population of around 693,400 as of 2022. Known for iconic landmarks such as Fenway Park, New England Aquarium, and Quincy Market, Boston is also famous for culinary delights like Boston baked beans and Boston cream pie.
Boston offers a plethora of educational opportunities with institutions like Boston University, Northeastern University, University of Massachusetts Boston, Berklee College of Music, and Emerson College. Additionally, some of Harvard University’s esteemed schools, including Harvard Medical School and Harvard Business School, are located in the city.
2. New York City
New York City, renowned as the “Big Apple” and “The City That Never Sleeps,” is a globally acclaimed metropolis, known for iconic landmarks like Wall Street, Times Square, and Broadway. With a staggering population of 18,867,000, it stands as the most populous city in the US, offering a diverse culinary scene with iconic establishments such as Katz’s Delicatessen and Joe’s Pizza.
Beyond its allure as a tourist destination, New York City is a prime choice for international students, hosting numerous prestigious higher education institutions. Notable schools include New York University, Columbia University, The Juilliard School, Fordham University, and Pace University.
The Juilliard School, founded in 1905, stands as a world-renowned performing arts conservatory. Counting esteemed personalities like actress and singer Patti LuPone, playwright David Auburn, violinist Cho-Liang Lin, actress Frances Conroy, and choreographer Henning Rübsam among its alumni, The Juilliard School is a beacon for those aspiring in the fields of dance, drama, and music.
Columbia University, an Ivy League institution, is a competitive and selective center of excellence. Originally known as King’s College and later Columbia College, it has secured its place as the second-best national university in the country, according to US News Best Colleges.
3. San Francisco
Situated in California, San Francisco is a captivating city with a population of around 876,100, celebrated for landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Fisherman’s Wharf. The city’s charm is enhanced by the famous fog often observed around the Golden Gate.
For international students, San Francisco offers top-tier educational institutions such as San Francisco State University, the University of San Francisco, the Academy of Art University, the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and the Cinta Aveda Institute.
The Academy of Art University is an excellent choice for students aspiring to pursue arts and design. Additionally, those interested in the beauty industry are recommended to explore programs at the Cinta Aveda Institute.
4. Chicago
Located in the state of Illinois, Chicago is an outstanding destination for international students in the US. This vibrant city is renowned for its Chicago-style hot dogs, deep-dish pizza, jazz music, stunning architecture, and the scenic Lake Michigan. With a population of approximately 2,740,000 as of 2022, Chicago offers a dynamic and exciting environment.
Prominent tertiary education institutions in the city include the University of Illinois Chicago, the University of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago, DePaul University, and the Illinois Institute of Technology. DePaul University stands out as the largest Catholic university in the US, making it an excellent choice for international students, especially those of the Catholic faith. Additionally, the University of Illinois Chicago specializes in a wide range of fields, including architecture and design, arts, business, dentistry, education, engineering, law, medicine, and social work.
5. Washington, D.C.
As the capital of the United States, Washington, D.C. is renowned for its historical landmarks such as the White House, United States Capitol, Library of Congress, Lincoln Memorial, and Smithsonian Institution Offices. The city, with a population of approximately 657,200 as of 2022, is a hub for international students due to its prestigious colleges and universities.
Leading institutions in Washington, D.C. include Georgetown University, Howard University, American University, the University of the District of Columbia, and the George Washington University. These venerable universities, with histories dating back many years, consistently uphold a reputation for excellence in education and research. Georgetown University, founded in 1789, was notably ranked the 32nd best university in Times Higher Education’s US College Rankings for 2022.
We trust that this article on the best cities in the United States for international students has been informative. For further details on studying abroad, explore the available programs for international students.
