For students worldwide seeking an extraordinary educational journey, the U.S. remains an unparalleled destination. Of course, it has long been the most popular study abroad choice, drawing ambitious minds with its prestigious institutions that consistently rank among the best worldwide. However, studying in the U.S. offers more than just academic accolades and career opportunities. It’s an invitation to fully immerse oneself in the vibrant energy of its cities, where classrooms serve as catalysts for life-changing experiences that enrich these transformative years.

Recognizing the significant influence that a student’s environment outside of the classroom can have on their overall success, we developed a ranking system to identify the most welcoming and supportive cities in the U.S for international students. Our evaluation considers a variety of factors that contribute to a positive student experience, such as the availability of community and support services; affordability, and lifestyle considerations. Furthermore, to ensure a fair comparison, we have created separate rankings for large cities (with populations exceeding 500,000 residents) and smaller or mid-sized cities (with populations up to 500,000 residents).

The Ultimate College Experience: NYC #1 Thanks to Thriving Student Community & Entertainment Scene

New York City; Los Angeles; and Washington, D.C. are the top three destinations for international students. These cities captivate interest with their large international student communities, array of support services, and abundant opportunities for fun. On the other hand, Houston, Dallas, and Austin in Texas are budget-friendly cities that offer a great lifestyle and high-quality academic services at affordable rates.

With approximately 13,500 international students enrolled in its universities, New York City is the top destination for international students in the U.S., attracting more undergraduates from around the world than any other city in the nation. Moreover, the city’s reputation as a global center for education, culture, and innovation draws students from every corner of the globe who are eager to immerse themselves in its enriching environment.

Plus, NYC recognizes the unique needs and challenges that international students face as they adapt to a new academic and cultural environment. Accordingly, the city is committed to supporting its international students by offering a wide range of services and programs tailored to their needs.

Runner-up among the top destinations for international students in the U.S. is Los Angeles. With nearly 6,800 undergraduates choosing to pursue their education there as of the fall of 2022, it’s a highly sought-after study destination. Additionally, LA is home to some of the world’s most renowned universities offering a wide range of academic programs and research opportunities. In particular, UCLA and USC — with their reputations for academic excellence — are magnets for students from all around the globe.

Beyond its academic offerings, LA also stands out for its extensive range of student support services, ranking second only to New York City. With approximately 850 resources available, students have access to a comprehensive array of educational consultants, testing services, guidance counseling, exchange programs, and evaluation services.

Next, Washington, D.C. secures its position as the third best destination for international students by offering a unique combination of culture, outdoor adventures, and convenient transportation options. This makes it an ideal choice for students who value both cultural experiences and fun activities. In fact, the city scores second highest in the fun and recreation category.

Notably, when it comes to convenience for navigating the city or commuting to and from campus, Washington, D.C. boasts a public transportation network that serves 42% of its residents. Furthermore, the city is renowned for its superb walkability, especially in the vicinity of George Washington and Georgetown universities, which are both popular among the international student community.

Texas: Budget-Friendly Destination for International Students

When it comes to an affordable college experience for international students, the top three options among the top 10 large cities are all in Texas: Houston, Austin and Fort Worth. Although they scored considerably lower in the green commuting metric, their performances in the food price index, rent and transportation ticket price metrics secure the top three places in the affordability and green commuting category for the Texas trio.

In this scenario, Houston is the most affordable overall among the top 10 cities in the U.S., for international students, boasting the lowest average rents. With monthly rent prices hovering around $1,300, international students can secure comfortable living spaces without breaking the bank. And, despite offering on-campus housing, the University of Houston sees as many as 82% of its student body opting for off-campus accommodation. This inclination toward independent living stems from the city's abundance of affordable housing options that cater to diverse preferences and budgets. Additionally, the city has low grocery prices and traveling on public transportation is also very reasonable in terms of cost.

Despite ranking just one point behind Houston in the overall cost of living and green commuting category, Austin offers food prices and rents that are remarkably affordable for budget-conscious students. Given the city’s extraordinary growth in the past decade, it’s somewhat surprising that students can still find essential food items at prices that are around 10% lower than the national average (making them the lowest among the top 10 cities). While the city’s growth has led to an increase in demand for housing — resulting in rent prices higher than Houston and Fort Worth, among others — students are still paying less for housing here than in five other cities on the list: The average monthly rent in Houston is approximately $1,800.

Similarly, for international students seeking an affordable college experience, Fort Worth maintains Texas’ reputation for cost-effective college living. For instance, at Texas Christian University, international students can expect to pay similar prices for food and rent as their peers in Houston. To that end, the cost of groceries is 5% below the national average, and monthly rents rank third-lowest among the top 10 cities on our list. Overall, Fort Worth maintains Texas’ reputation for cost-effective college living, making it an ideal destination for international students.

While these cities do have opportunities for further enhancement in terms of non-private vehicle commuting options due to an over-reliance on cars, the recent surge in population growth has prompted significant investments in public transportation. For example, Houston’s University Corridor project aims to enhance students' convenience and affordability through a 25-mile rapid transit system. Likewise, Austin’s Project Connect is in its initial stages of introducing light rail to the city.

For the green commuting metric, our findings align with expectations as New York City, Boston, and Washington D.C. emerged as the frontrunners with at least 40% of their residents prioritizing public transit, cycling or walking as their primary modes of transportation. In particular, New York City stands out with an impressive 60% going car-less for their commute, thereby making life without a car a breeze for international students.

Boston: A Global Classroom With 8,000+ Undergraduates From Around the World

Embarking on a new academic journey in a new country can be both exciting and daunting. Fortunately, a supportive community and access to helpful resources can significantly ease the transition for international students. So, to identify cities that foster a welcoming environment for international students, we examined those with sizable international student populations, as well as a wealth of support services and community engagement opportunities.

Here again, New York City reigns supreme as the top destination for international students in the U.S., welcoming an impressive 13,475 students from around the globe. This impressive figure owes much to the city’s vibrant academic landscape — specifically its flagship institution, New York University (NYU). In fact, NYU attracts more than 7,600 international students, making it the most popular destination for foreign students seeking higher education in the U.S.

Next, despite its relatively smaller population, Boston is home to more than 8,100 international undergraduates — the second-highest number among large cities. Among its prestigious educational institutions, Boston University has more than half of the city’s international undergraduates, welcoming around 4,200 students from more than 130 countries and representing 23% of BU’s total undergraduate population.

In third place, Los Angeles popularity as a destination for students from around the world is boosted by having the likes of UCLA and USC, two of the most popular universities, with each home to nearly 3,000 international students.

When looking at which cities perform best in providing its students with the most educational support services, New York City once again comes out on top, with almost 900 services and programs designed to assist students with support in academics, logistics and even well-being.

On the opposite coast, student support is also a highlight in Los Angeles with the city finishing second in this metric by offering nearly 850 support services for students. As you might expect, many of these services are initiated by some of its top universities. For example, at USC, cultural and social support is provided through social events, cultural workshops, and clubs that bring together students from similar backgrounds, such as the Association of Indian Students and Hermanas Unidas de USC.

Not to be outdone, Washington, D.C. finishes third in terms of support with around half the number of support services as NYC and LA. Even so, the city scores higher here than the likes of Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia, further establishing the city’s position as the third-best city overall for international students.

Top Recreational Destinations for International Students: NYC, LA & D.C.

When it comes to taking a break from studying, everyone has their own idea of fun. Plus, socializing can also vary across cultures, while budget is also an important consideration. With these factors in mind, we examined the number of recreational spots, as well as the number of leisure and entertainment spots available in each city, as per recreation.gov.

In New York City, students are spoiled for choice with more than 63,000 recreational establishments and world-renowned cultural attractions. These include the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), both of which often provide discounted or free admission to students.

In the same way, Los Angeles also offers a culturally enriching experience for students with attractions like the LACMA and the Getty Center providing opportunities for students to engage with art and culture. These attractions also frequently offer free admission days for students, allowing them to explore and enjoy without financial concerns. In any case, whether it’s visiting art galleries or enjoying the natural beauty of the city, LA offers a multitude of recreational options for students.

In third place for fun and recreation, Washington, D.C. is not typically known as a non-stop, all-out-fun city, but it, too, offers a wide range of enjoyable experiences. As a matter of fact, the nation’s capital has the highest number of leisure and entertainment spots among the top 10 cities. Namely, students can explore open art galleries in DuPont and relax in abundant green spaces, like Gravely Point Park.  What’s more, students also have the opportunity to participate in free, community-based organizations, such as the local version of November Project Experience, which is an outdoor fitness club for all.

Newark, N.J.; Atlanta; & Buffalo, N.Y., Among Best Small & Mid-Sized Cities in U.S. for International Students

Emerging as the frontrunner among the top 10 smaller to mid-sized cities in the U.S., Newark, N.J., takes the coveted first place. Coming in a close second, Champaign, Ill., is a renowned college town, home to the prestigious University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign that attracts international students from around the world. Lastly, in third place, Atlanta boasts a vibrant student environment and a cultural tapestry as rich as its history.

For this metric, Newark, N.J., tops the list with 60 points — thanks, in part, to its proximity to the numerous attractions of New York City. This advantageous location allows international students to study and live in Newark, while also enjoying the nightlife, diverse dining options and various recreational attractions nearby. Moreover, Newark’s extensive student support services — including those in the NYC area — significantly contribute to its score in the student community and support category. Yet, Newark also boasts other advantages, such as its commuting options. More precisely, some 27% of its residents use public transportation, bike or walk to get around — the highest percentage among the cities on this list.

Next, Champaign, Ill., takes the overall runner-up position as an academic hotspot, scoring a total of 57 points. It leads the list for having the highest number of international students among small and mid-sized student cities with more than 5,200 international undergraduates. Home to the University of Illinois, Champaign boasts a total undergraduate population of approximately 35,000.

Moving on, Atlanta secures the third-best position among smaller to mid-sized cities in the U.S. for international students. It owes this achievement to its large international community of nearly 4,000 students and its comprehensive network of 235 student support programs. Additionally, the America’s active cultural and entertainment scenes provide a well-rounded experience for international students.

Apart from the top three student cities, Blacksburg, Va., (#8) stands out for its low cost of living, while Tampa, Fla., (#9) consistently performs well across various metrics. The latter offers affordable living, a sizable student community and more than 7,000 recreational establishments.

Blacksburg, Va.: Ideal Small to Mid-Size City to Stretch Students’ Dollars

While smaller towns may offer fewer opportunities for impulse spending, international students studying in the U.S. still need to budget for essential expenses, regardless of the city size. The following student cities excel in providing lower grocery prices, rent and transportation options to help students save money on gas expenses.

Interestingly, Blacksburg, Va., has the smallest population among the cities on the list, but still shines as the most affordable option. In this city, essential foods at local shops are 8% below the national average. For students interested in living independently off-campus, the average rent prices are a little more than $1,000 per month.

Among the entries on the list, Champaign, Ill., catches attention for having the largest student community and excellent affordability options. It offers the lowest rent prices compared to the top 10 cities, as well as grocery prices that are 5% lower than the national average.

Another popular destination for international students is Buffalo, N.Y., which is known for its academic offerings, affordable tuition costs and lifestyle. The city also has the third-lowest average rent prices among the top 10 cities, and its overall cost of living is below the national average (as determined by the food index).

Champaign, Ill., Claims Most International Students Among Small to Mid-Sized Cities

Champaign-Urbana, Ill., stands out as the top metro in the community and support category by hosting a large number of international undergraduates. Similarly, Buffalo, N.Y., and Madison, Wis., also attract an impressive number of international students. At the same time, Newark, N.J., and Hempstead, N.Y., provide the highest number of educational support services.

As the leading destination for international students among small to mid-sized cities, Champaign, Ill., continues to foster a welcoming environment for students from all around the world. Thus, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign remains a hotspot for international students with the number of international undergraduates enrolled in the fall of 2022 being the highest since 2017.

Despite not being officially recognized as a “college town,” Buffalo, N.Y., still ranks second in terms of student numbers. With an impressive 4,100 international undergraduates, it has established itself as a popular destination. Plus, the University at Buffalo’s excellent academic program is a major draw for the international student community.

In third place for the number of international students, Madison, Wis., edges ahead of Atlanta in fourth place by boasting nearly 4,000 undergraduates, all of whom attend the city’s University of Wisconsin-Madison. Clearly, the university provides an environment that seamlessly connects with the city’s economic growth and embraces the innovation that naturally emerges from UW-Madison: Madison was recently named the top tech city in the Midwest.

When it comes to the availability of student services, Newark, N.J., and Hempstead, N.Y., are tied for first place in this category. Then, following these two entries, Atlanta secures second place in the community and support category. With a large cohort of nearly 4,000 students, Atlanta offers 235 services or programs to ensure a smooth studying experience for its students. Atlanta’s impressive performance in this category puts it ahead of all other cities (with the exception of Champaign, which holds the top spot).

Smaller Cities, Big Opportunities: Where to Find a Fun & Promising College Experience

Among smaller to mid-sized cities in the U.S., Newark, N.J., stands out as a top destination for international students looking for a vibrant and enriching experience outside of the classroom. Granted, its appeal is largely due to its strategic location adjacent to the bustling metropolis of New York City. Even so, this unique positioning gives international students studying in Newark the privilege to easily explore and enjoy the offerings of both cities.

Less than an hour away by train, Hempstead, N.Y., enjoys a similar situation due to its proximity to the Big Apple. At the same time, students can also retreat and relax in the laidback lifestyle of Hempstead on Long Island with access to Lake State Park for a more relaxed atmosphere for the best of both worlds in terms of fun and recreation.

Meanwhile, Minneapolis is renowned for its abundant cultural and recreational attractions, combining academic pursuits with outdoor activities. As an example, within a convenient, 10-mile radius of the University of Minnesota campus, students can explore scenic bike trails; national parks; and the Midtown Global Food Market, which is a must-visit destination for international students with a passion for food.

Let’s Hear from the Experts:

Choosing the right college and location in the U.S. can be overwhelming for international students with the wide range of options available. So, to gain insights into what sets certain universities apart and how they can support students during the transition to a new country, we turned to Marta Schneider, the director for global communication at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Schneider explained that UIUC is home to the second-largest international undergraduate community in our study, which led us to investigate the factors contributing to its global appeal. She emphasized the crucial role of services with a focus on the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), a resource frequently relied upon by international students.

“Our campus is extensive, and we offer a wide range of services to our students, both domestic and international,” she said. “The services provided by International Student and Scholar Services are, by far, the most frequently utilized by international students.”

Specifically, ISSS provides a comprehensive suite of valuable services, including Express advising, the Global Engagement Lounge and programs like American Dating Slang. These resources offer essential guidance and support to assist international students in their adjustment to a new academic environment and facilitate their integration into the campus community.

Similarly, the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) in Philadelphia also ranked consistently well in our study and was among the top 10. Its Executive Director of International Student and Scholar Services, Dr. Rodolfo Altamirano, emphasized the importance of the ISSS office as the “first and central stop” for international students.

“We offer a wide range of services, including visa support, cultural programming and orientation programs to help international students transition smoothly into university life,” he said.

Altamirano added that Penn also offers mental health support, counseling and wellness programs, “to ensure that students — including international ones — have access to emotional and psychological support during their academic journey.”

Here’s the full list of cities analyzed:

Methodology

For this report we analyzed U.S. cities that are home to the top 250 universities. The estimated number of international students is based on fall 2022 undergraduate enrollment figures obtained from the College Navigator, focusing specifically on undergraduate data.

All data was reported at the city level, except for the number of educational support services and recreational establishments, which were measured on a metropolitan statistical area scale. In cases where a university had multiple campuses, we only considered the data from the campus located in the respective city. However, there were exceptions for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of Minnesota, as they were both located in twin cities. In these cases, we selected the city that performed better across the recorded metrics.

A “large metro” refers to a city with a population of more than 500,000 residents, while a “small to mid-sized city” refers to a city with a population of up to 500,000 residents. Population data for 2022 was obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Cities could earn a total of 100 points based on their performance in three composite metrics as follows:

• Affordability and Green Commuting Score (up to 40 points).
  Data sources: The Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), Census Bureau and livingcost.org
  • Up to 15 points for a city’s grocery prices (food index).
  • Up to 15 points for a city’s average monthly rent price. 
  • Up to 5 points for the percentage of a city’s residents commuting by walking, biking or public transportation (green commuting options %).
  • Up to 5 points for a city’s average price of a local transportation ticket.
• Community and Support Score (up to 40 points)
  Data sources: National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) and Census CBP
  • Up to 25 points for a city’s estimated number of international undergraduate students in the fall of 2022.
  • Up to 15 points for the student support establishments in a metropolitan statistical area. Educational support establishments were specifically defined as establishments with the NAICS code 6177.
• Fun and Recreation Score (up to 20 points) 
  Data Sources: Census CBP and recreation.gov
  • Up to 10 points for the number of recreation establishments in a metropolitan statistical area. Recreation establishments were defined as establishments with NAICS codes 512120, 512131, 512132, 7223, 7224 and 7225.
  • Up to 10 points for a city’s recreational points of interest within a 10-mile radius of a city. These points of interest were defined by recreation.gov.