20 US Colleges that Are Great for International Students

By Jessica Lyons

1. The New School

Located in New York, NY, The New School tops U.S. News and World Report's list of schools with the most international students, with 25% of its student population coming from other countries. The school boasts a friendly and welcoming environment for these students, giving information on everything from how to open a U.S. bank account to the culture in New York City. It also has social events, informational workshops on topics like employment regulations and a mentorship program.

2. University of Arizona

International students who will need financial support could be interested in the University of Arizona, which has a scholarship program that could award $2,000-$10,000 a year to international students. It also has a Center for English as a Second Language to help students adjust to a new language and an International Services Center, which is available to help international students in a variety of areas.

3. Wagner College

There are students from more than 19 countries attending Wagner College. The school says that it's a good place for international students because it offers small classes and a lot of individualized attention. Wagner also has merit-based scholarships that international students could be eligible for.

4. University of Michigan's Rackham Graduate School

Students from outside of the United States who are interested in graduate studies could join the other 700 international students who enroll annually to the Rackham Graduate School at the University of Michigan. The school has an International Connect Welcome Program, which seeks to 'help give new international students a friendly introduction to the university and life in Ann Arbor.'

5. Illinois Institute of Technology

This higher education institution also ranks high on the list of most international students, with 20% of its student population hailing from outside countries. The Illinois Institute of Technology has a merit-based scholarship that could be worth as much as $12,000 a year that international students could receive. International students can get support and assistance through the campus International Center.

6. University of South Carolina

At the University of South Carolina, there are a variety of organizations for international students to get involved in, including the Indian Culture Exchange, Egyptian Student Association, International Student Association and Iranian Student Association. These organizations can definitely help with the adjustment of being in a new country.

7. Purdue University

In 2011, more than 8,000 international students chose to study at Purdue University. The school provides support services to international students and says that it uses 'knowledge and expertise in recruitment, admission, immigration, advising and cross-cultural programming' to assist these students.

8. University of Maryland

There is a large international student population at the University of Maryland. Its more than 3,500 international students come from 134 countries. Many forms of assistance are offered to international students, including help applying to the school and getting a visa, in addition to many different events and activities.

9. University of Florida

For the fall 2010 semester, the University of Florida admitted 1,315 international students to its bachelor's degree programs. It has an International Center to help students with the transition to a new school and country and even recognizes its international students' achievements during the Annual International Student Awards Ceremony.

10. University of Central Oklahoma

According to the University of Central Oklahoma, its international students 'love the community friendliness they find and the extraordinary care and attention they receive from distinguished faculty and staff.' Other factors that the school says attract international students are the variety of degree programs, safety, class sizes and cost.

11. Hawaii Pacific University

Many students would love to study in Hawaii, and surely international students would be no different. There are over 1,000 international students who decide to study at Hawaii Pacific University. This school offers renewable partial tuition waivers to students from other countries that could be worth $2,000-$10,000 a year.

12. University of Tulsa

There are many things that the University of Tulsa does to aid its international students. This includes helping with things like immigration papers or selecting a major, providing information on the university and local community, assisting with adjusting to the culture and academics and giving information on international student organizations.

13. Carnegie Mellon

Having international students is an important part of Carnegie Mellon's plan. In fact, the school says that 'enhancing diversity at Carnegie Mellon is one of the top priorities of the university.' It currently has about 600 international students among its undergraduates.

14. Temple University

Temple University is another higher education institution that provides a great deal of support to its students from other countries. This includes many different support services and an English language training program. The school also has a Peer Educators Program for international students.

15. San Francisco State University

About 100 countries are represented by San Francisco State University's 1,500 international students. Scholarships are available to international students. The school also provides workshops, counseling and social activities for these students.

16. University of Wisconsin-Madison

International students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison aren't likely to feel alone, since the school has about 4,000 students from 130 countries. Along with various activities, the school also has a 'friendship' program, volunteer program and Assembly of International Studies for international students.

17. Clemson University

In the fall of 2011, 1,286 international students enrolled in Clemson University. Most of them hailed from China and India. International students at this school can rest easy knowing that they'll get continued support throughout their studies through regular meetings held either one-on-one or in groups with staff members.

18. Marquette University

International students who will be in need of financial assistance should definitely consider Marquette University. According to the school, in the fall of 2010 more than 90% of its international applicants received some sort of scholarship. Students interested in this school can also take advantage of the International Student Network to talk to students who know what it's like to come from a different country to study at Marquette.

19. University of Mississippi

To help potential and new international enrollees prepare for their college careers, the University of Mississippi provides information on applying, visas, housing, employment and campus resources. Once on campus, students can join a variety of international organizations, including the African Caribbean Association, Cultural Connections Program, International Student Association, Muslim Student Association and Thai Student Organization.

20. University of Delaware

The University of Delaware can also provide international students with a great deal of useful information, covering topics such as travel, housing, visas, obtaining a driver's license and volunteering as an interpreter. International students can also get active on campus through student organizations and events.

Could recruiting international students help solve the financial woes of U.S. colleges?