Top 10 U.S. Universities With Massive International Student Populations (2026)

When international students think about studying in the United States, elite names often dominate the conversation. Yet in practice, the universities with the largest, most diverse international student populations are not always the most famous ones. Instead, they are institutions that deliberately invest in global recruitment, visa support, housing, and career outcomes at scale.

This ranking focuses on on-campus international enrollment, not online programs. The schools below consistently appear at the top of authoritative enrollment reporting, serving thousands to tens of thousands of international students from across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Just as important, they offer a full campus experience, not commuter-only or satellite models.

Read more: Top 20 US Universities with High Acceptance Rates for International Students

These U.S. universities host the world’s largest international student communities

1) New York University

• International students: ~25,000+

• Founded: 1831

• Location: New York City, New York

• Contact: nyu.edu | +1 212-998-1212

Why it ranks here:
NYU has the largest international student population in the U.S., by a wide margin. Its urban campus, global reputation, and extensive international recruitment make it a top destination worldwide.

Student experience:
Extremely international classrooms, unmatched global networking, and strong internship access—balanced by the high cost and fast pace of city life.

2) Northeastern University

• International students: ~24,000–25,000

• Founded: 1898

• Location: Boston, Massachusetts

• Contact: northeastern.edu | +1 617-373-2000

Why it ranks here:
Northeastern’s cooperative education (co-op) model attracts international students focused on employment outcomes.

Student experience:
Strong career preparation and employer access, especially in tech and business, with structured support for CPT and OPT pathways.

Read more: Top 10 Largest Universities in the U.S. by Enrollment (Online + On-Campus)

3) Columbia University

• International students: ~24,000

• Founded: 1754

• Location: New York City, New York

• Contact: columbia.edu | +1 212-854-1754

Columbia UniversityColumbia University

Why it ranks here:
Columbia stands apart among Ivy League schools for its sheer international scale.

Student experience:
Prestige, global peer networks, and research depth—combined with intense academic pressure and a competitive urban environment.

4) University of Southern California

• International students: ~20,000

• Founded: 1880

• Location: Los Angeles, California

• Contact: usc.edu | +1 213-740-2311

University of Southern California

Why it ranks here:
USC blends a highly residential campus with aggressive international recruitment and strong alumni influence.

Student experience:
High engagement, strong branding in business and media, and a distinctly global campus culture.

5) Arizona State University

• International students: ~19,000–20,000

• Founded: 1885

• Location: Tempe, Arizona

• Contact: asu.edu | +1 480-965-2100

Why it ranks here:
ASU’s size, affordability, and innovation-driven model make it one of the most accessible global public universities.

Student experience:
Large but inclusive campuses, extensive international services, and strong support networks.

- Top 10 Largest Universities in the United States by On-Campus Enrollment (2026)

- Top 10 Most Largest US Colleges/Universities - by Enrollment, Subscribers

6) University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

• International students: ~14,000

• Founded: 1867

• Location: Urbana–Champaign, Illinois

• Contact: illinois.edu | +1 217-333-1000

Why it ranks here:
A global magnet for engineering and computer science students.

Student experience:
Research-intensive academics, strong alumni outcomes, and a campus community where international students form a significant presence.

7) Boston University

• International students: ~12,000–13,000

• Founded: 1839

• Location: Boston, Massachusetts

• Contact: bu.edu | +1 617-353-2000

Why it ranks here:
BU attracts students from over 130 countries and maintains a strong global academic brand.

Student experience:
Urban, fast-paced, and highly international, with extensive study-abroad and global programs.

8) University of Michigan–Ann Arbor

• International students: ~12,000

• Founded: 1817

• Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan

• Contact: umich.edu | +1 734-764-1817

Why it ranks here:
Michigan combines elite academics with a large, well-integrated international population.

Student experience:
Strong campus spirit, research opportunities, and excellent employer recognition.

9) Purdue University

• International students: ~11,000–12,000

• Founded: 1869

• Location: West Lafayette, Indiana

• Contact: purdue.edu | +1 765-494-4600

Purdue University

Why it ranks here:
Purdue’s reputation in engineering and applied sciences drives sustained international demand.

Student experience:
Structured academics, practical focus, and strong career pipelines.

10) University of California San Diego

• International students: ~10,000–11,000

• Founded: 1960

• Location: San Diego, California

• Contact: ucsd.edu | +1 858-534-2230

Why it ranks here:
UC San Diego’s research strength and coastal location attract students globally.

Student experience:
Collaborative research culture, STEM focus, and a balanced academic environment.

Bottom Line

If your goal is a truly global campus experience in the United States, international scale matters more than legacy prestige. These universities prove that openness, infrastructure, and outcomes—not reputation alone—define the modern global university.