Summary
- Why choose to study in USA
- List of best cities for students in US
- Names of notable universities
- City life and sites of importance
- Average cost of living expenses
The United States of America is home to the world’s largest number of international students. Many international students aspire to study in the United States for a variety of reasons, including quality education, excellent curriculum, multicultural environment, and numerous job opportunities.
American universities are also well-known for having high academic standards, following strict quality-control measures, and ensuring good student support in order to provide outstanding education to their students.
Why should you choose to study in the USA?
International students pursuing higher education frequently choose the United States of America as their destination. There are a number of benefits to studying in the United States.
Some of the most esteemed colleges and universities in the world are found in the United States. These universities are recognised for their top-notch instruction and provide a wide choice of academic programs. Students who attend universities in the USA have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and are taught by qualified lecturers.
Better professional chances can result from studying in the United States. A degree from a University in the US is valued by many employers and considered as a sign of excellence. Students may also benefit from networking possibilities, access to job placements by studying in the USA.
One of the key factors contributing to the welcoming atmosphere that foreign students experience at the country’s colleges is a multicultural setting. International students are given the freedom and respect to live with dignity while receiving equal opportunity for a top-notch education and subsequent work, regardless of their religion, language, nationality, or race.
The American educational system is renowned for providing students with the freedom to fully explore the potential that the course and the university have to offer. In contrast to many other countries, where students are only allowed to stay in their field of study and cannot change it to suit their talents and interests, the US educational system is considerably more adaptable.
11 Best Cities for International Students in USA
So, which city is best for international students in the USA? To answer this question, we have come up with the list of the top 11 best cities for education in the US.
1. Boston
It is home to some of the world’s prestigious universities like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University — ranking first and third places respectively in the QS World University Rankings 2021 list.
Over 250,000 students from all over the world attend Boston’s colleges and universities. Boston is one of the world’s top 15 academic cities, attracting both academic and professional opportunities.
Moreover, it was ranked 12th in the QS Best student Cities Rankings 2019 list. Thus, it is one of the best cities for education in the USA.
America’s oldest public park Boston Common is also located there. The city of Boston is well-known for its art and cultural activities.
It also hosts world-class music, dance, and theatre performances, as well as lively festivals, making it a multicultural hub.
Boston is relatively a smaller city, and its reliable public transportation makes travelling about the city simple and inexpensive.
Even students from different countries will be able to travel conveniently, making it one of the best cities for education in USA for international students.
Students in Boston must pay between $34,116 to $35,000 per month on average for housing, food and other expenses.
Best Universities in Boston
- Harvard University
- MIT
- Boston University
- Northeastern University
- Boston College
2. New York
Top universities such as New York University (NYU), Columbia University, and Cornell University are located here. New York is famously called the ‘The city that never sleeps’ due to its ever-buzzing activities.
Over 1 million businesses operate in the city, and with new businesses cropping up regularly, there is no shortage of job opportunities.
One of the most interesting aspects of New York City is its diversity. People from all over the world, from all cultures live here. They bring together a diverse range of ideas, traditions, cuisine, and culture.
New York city has one of the highest Indian populations, with about 711,174 Indian residents as of 2017. So this makes New York city the best city in USA for Indian students.
In the Queens neighbourhood of Jackson Heights, there is a large community of South Asian people who live there, including Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Sri Lankans, and Nepalese.
This is the heart of the South Indian community in New York city. Here you will find many Indian shops and restaurants and also temples and mosques.
For Indian students, the cost of studying in New York ranges from USD 32,000 to USD 40,000 per year, or INR 25 to 31 Lakh.
Best Universities in New York
- New York University
- Columbia University
- Stevens Institute of Technology
- Yeshiva University
- Fordham University
3. Los Angeles
Los Angeles is known to be the home of Hollywood. It is also called the ‘Creative Capital of the World’. The city contains notable universities like California Institute of Technology and the University of California.
Los Angeles is considered one of the world’s largest economies and a global centre for entertainment, education, information, and technology. It’s no wonder that Los Angeles was ranked 25th in the QS Best student Cities Rankings 2019 list.
Los Angeles is a popular study destination for both local and international students due to its Mediterranean temperature, ethnic variety, and entertainment sector. All this makes Los Angeles one of the best cities to live in USA for international students.
Top ranking universities including the University of California, California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and University of Southern California are located in Los Angeles.
The average cost of living for international students in Los Angeles is roughly between $1,493 – $1,572 per month, with an annual expense of $17,920.
Best Universities in Los Angeles
- Loyola Marymount University
- UCLA
- Occidental College
- USC
- Cal State University, Long Beach
4. San Francisco
One of the world’s top teaching research institutes, Stanford University is located in San Francisco. Top courses at Stanford University include Computer and Information sciences, Finance, Economics, and so on. The University of California, Berkeley is also situated here, making San Francisco the best city for students in the US.
The city of San Francisco is close to the global tech innovation hub, Silicon valley, which is home to world-renowned companies like Apple, Google, Tesla, Facebook, to name a few.
San Francisco is one of the world’s leading financial centers and has excellent ratings in the QS Best Student Cities Index’s category of “employer activity”.
This ‘Employer activity’ indicator reflects how much a city’s university graduates are in demand by employers.
Good employment opportunities after graduation are always sought after by the students. Hence, San Francisco easily makes it to the list of top 10 best cities for education in America.
Students can expect expenses between $2,627 and $2,643 per month on average for accommodation in San Francisco.
Best Universities in San Francisco
- UC Berkeley
- Stanford University
- San Francisco State University
- University of San Francisco
- Santa Clara University
5. Chicago
Illinois Institute of Technology, University of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago, Columbia College, Chamberlain University, University of Illinois, and DePaul University are some of the most popular universities in Chicago.
There are excellent libraries scattered all over the city. Harold Washington Library Centre, Mansueto Library, the Poetry Foundation Library, and Chicago Public Library are some of the city’s stunning libraries which will help fulfil your desire for knowledge.
For people who love art, Chicago is an excellent place to explore. It has a wide array of art museums and art galleries namely, the Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Contemporary Art, Smart Museum of Art, and Field Museum. These city attractions make it one of the best cities in US for international students.
The average monthly cost of living in Chicago for an international student is between $2,075 to $2,107. While a 2-year degree tuition fee ranges between $38,000 to $130,000.
Best Universities in Chicago
- University of Chicago
- Loyola University Chicago
- Illinois Institute of Technology
- Northwestern University
- University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)
6. Atlanta
Over five million people live in Atlanta, out of which 63,000 are students. Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, Georgia State University are some of the universities in Atlanta.
Due to the growing businesses and technological potential of Atlanta city, the job market is in need of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and management graduates.
So, Atlanta has plenty of job opportunities. As a result, the city ranks highly in terms of employer activity.
Atlanta has various attractions like music venues, theatres, art galleries, clubs, and parks.
Atlanta even hosts weekly festivals to celebrate the city’s historic values, different ethnicities, and cuisine. These events help international students to learn about local customs and facts about the city.
The average annual cost of living in Atlanta is $9,080 whereas the normal tuition fee for an international student ranges from $15,000 to $35,000.
Best Universities in Atlanta
- Emory University
- Clark Atlanta University
- Georgia State University
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Reinhardt University
7. Philadelphia
It is home to many law universities such as Earle Mack School of Law, Drexel University, Beasley School of Law, Temple University, and University of Pennsylvania Law School.
Philadelphia is also close to major cities such as New York, which only takes about 2 hours by car, and Washington DC, which is 3 hours away.
Philadelphia has a neighborhood called University City, which contains several colleges and universities within a few meters of each other.
They offer various courses such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, health care, finance, and insurance. You can find students from all over the world who come to study here. So, Philadelphia can be seen as one of the top cities in the US for education.
Students may maximise their time in Philadelphia without going beyond their expenses with careful planning and budgeting. The cost of living in Philadelphia can vary from $1,500 to $3,000 per month for foreign students while it might be a little less for Indian students.
Best Universities in Philadelphia
- University of Pennsylvania
- Temple University
- Villanova University
- Thomas Jefferson University
- Drexel University
8. Washington DC
The White House, Supreme Court, and other various national monuments and memorials are all located in Washington, DC.
So, studying here puts you right in the middle of US history and politics. There’s a lot to explore and learn while living in Washington DC.
The federal district also consists of some of the best universities in the US, namely, Georgetown University, George Washington University, American University, etc.
About 29 percent of jobs in Washington DC are related to the federal government. It’s a city that is buzzing with political activities, and it also houses important monuments.
One of them is the Library of Congress, which serves as a de facto national library of the US. With approximately 34.5 million volumes and over 151 million items in total, it is the world’s largest library complex.
Some of the top universities in Washington DC are American University, University of Maryland, George Washington University, College Park, Georgetown University, Howard University.
Average Study Expenses In Washington DC: Local Tuition fees is $11,745 (INR 8,93,794) and Domestic Tuition fees is $39,114 (INR 29,76,575). On-campus and off-campus accommodation for a public university, however, costs $7,150 (INR 5,44,115).
Best Universities in Washington DC
- George Washington University
- Georgetown University
- Howard University
- American University
- Gallaudet University
9. Pittsburg
Pittsburg was ranked 67th in the QS Best Student Cities rankings 2019 list and it is home to two outstanding universities — Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh, which was ranked 51st and 156th, respectively.
The city is also known as ‘the steel city’, due to its flourishing steel industry. Because of Pittsburgh’s industrial background, there are several prominent firms that provide internships and job opportunities to post-graduate students.
Carnegie Mellon University and University of Pittsburgh are two of the major universities in Pittsburg.
The expenses incurred by students at Pittsburg for room and board amounted to $6,880 for accommodation and $4,940 for the food.
Universities in Pittsburg
- University of Pittsburgh
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Carlow University
- Chatham University
- Point Park University
10. San Diego
Some of the best places to study in San Diego are San Diego State University, University of San Diego, and Ashford University, among others.
The city has been known as ‘America’s Finest City’ because of its beautiful beaches and various tourist attractions. It’s also noted for its pleasant weather all year round.
Moreover, San Diego is also frequently included in the list of the safest cities in the United States. According to the most recent Numbeo Safety Index, San Diego received a score of 63.72, placing it 130th out of 427 cities worldwide in terms of safety.
The monthly cost of living for foreign students in San Diego, exclusive of tuition fees, is estimated to be $2,248. This amount comprises $1,780 for accommodation, $132 for food, and $103 for transportation.
Best University in San Diego
- University of California San Diego
- University of San Diego
- National University
- Point Loma Nazarene University
- Alliant International University
11. Baltimore
John Hopkins University in Baltimore is one of the top institutions to study medicine in the world. The University has a long tradition rooted in charity and diversity, as well as a strong commitment to innovation.
Other popular universities in Baltimore include the University of Maryland, the University of Baltimore, Towson University, etc.
Baltimore is referred to as ‘Charm City’ and the ‘Land of Pleasant Living,’ among other titles, due to its status as a major seaport.
It has a rich history of architecture with many tourist attractions including the Washington Monument, Mount Vernon Place and B&O Railway Museum.
International students relocating to the United States are required to bear certain initial expenses, including health insurance and tuition fees. However, upon completion of these obligations, universities recommend an estimated yearly expenditure of approximately $21,000 in Baltimore.
Best Universities in Baltimore
- The University of Baltimore
- University of Maryland, Baltimore
- Morgan State University
- Johns Hopkins University
- Loyola University Maryland
Bottom Line
In order to select a city that is well suited to your educational needs, you need to research a lot about the place and its universities.
Take some time to learn more about the city where you plan to study. Knowing even a little about the culture, history, geography, and economy of your chosen location can go a long way in making your student life a comfortable one.
Additionally, your experience of studying abroad will be more effective, and the time you spend there will be more worthwhile.
Whether you’re a student trying to get a better education or a parent trying to figure out how to help your child with further studies, we are here to help. At CollegeMarker Study Abroad Consultancy, we are committed to give you the tools and resources you need to succeed, and our team of specialists is committed to assisting you as you navigate the challenging educational landscape.
Our customised method guarantees that we comprehend your specific needs and cater our services to you. At our study abroad consultancy, we believe that the key to realising your full potential is education. We are dedicated to giving you the best quality service and are passionate about assisting you in achieving your objectives. Give us a call right now, and we’ll help you realise your ambitions!
FAQ’s
1. Which are the best cities in US for international students?
A: Cities like Boston, New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago are popular choices due to their diverse academic offerings and cultural experiences.
2. How can foreign students apply to universities in the United States?
A: Foreign students can apply to American universities by following the instructions provided on the institutions’ websites. These procedures frequently call for the submission of transcripts, test results, essays, and proof of English language skills.
3. Which cities in the United States have the highest number of international students?
A: Major university cities like Los Angeles, New York City, and Boston often have the highest numbers of international students.
4. Are there any specific scholarships or financial aid available for international students in USA?
A: Yes, some universities and private organisations do provide financial aid and scholarships exclusively for international students. For more information, contact the institution directly or visit their website.
5. Can international students in USA who are studying also work?
A: Many foreign students are qualified for on-campus jobs, and in some situations, with the proper authorization, they can even work off-campus.
6. Are there any cities in the US with a strong focus on research and technology for foreign students in STEM fields?
A: A lot of international students move to cities like Boston and Baltimore for their innovation and research opportunities in STEM disciplines.
7. How do international students in USA find accommodation?
A: Many universities have hostel facilities for international students on their campuses, and there are also off-campus housing facilities and websites for finding apartments that are specialised to each city.
8. Which city in the US is the least expensive for foreign students?
All US cities have varying affordability levels, however Philadelphia is the least expensive among the cities mentioned above. San Diego, Baltimore, and Atlanta are some other cities that are the best places to live in USA for students.
9. Which is the best place to study in USA for international students?
Boston. Boston is the best option if you want to be around the top researchers and students in the world. It is one among the top cities in the USA for Indian students. There are eight educational universities in this city, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University, two of the most esteemed universities in the entire world.
10. What support services are available for foreign students in these cities?
A: The majority of colleges and universities have help centres or offices specifically for foreign students, which provide assistance with visas, cultural adaptation, academic counselling, and social integration.
11. Can foreign students extend their stay in the United States after graduation?
A: Yes, It is true that certain foreign students may be qualified for post-graduation employment opportunities through Optional Practical Training (OPT) or employer-sponsored visas like the H-1B, enabling them to get work experience in the United States after completing their studies.
12. Which city has the highest number of international students in USA?
There were 22,279 Indian students in New York in 2021, followed by 20,106 in California, 19,382 in Texas, 16,407 in Massachusetts, 12,209 in Illinois, and 8,345 in Arizona. Hence New York City is the best city in USA for Indian students.
13. Which is the safest city to study in the USA?
Boston, it should come as no surprise that this city is one of the best student cities in USA, which is home to some of the best researchers and students in the world. The Boston Globe also reports that for four straight years, the city’s crime rate was the lowest in recorded history.
14. What percentage of Indian students in the United States succeed?
82,000 student visas have already been issued by the American Embassy in India this year, shattering all previous records and outpacing those of other countries. In 2022, 95% of Indian students were granted USA student visas, which is by far the highest rate.
15. What makes Boston the best place to study in USA for international students?
A: Boston’s reputation as an education hub, with renowned universities like Harvard and MIT, as well as its vibrant student community, make it an appealing destination for international students in USA.