The high demand from the international community for U.S. colleges and universities has driven competitive entry requirements among its applicants. With limited seats in these prestigious institutions, getting admitted is the biggest wall an international student must face. We have reviewed 12 best ranking U.S. universities and colleges with high scholarships to give you a head start on where to look and what you need to know.

The United States has been at the top of universities rankings worldwide and also has universities and colleges with high scholarships making it the top education destination globally. Housing the world-renowned Ivy-league schools and the top-ranking educational institutions in different disciplines, the U.S. has been the targeted country for international students to get the best quality education. With international education gaining popularity in recent years because of globalization, a lot of students and their parents perceive education as an investment to get ahead of the competition. And with any investment, getting into the best-ranking universities is essential.

The high demand from the international community for these colleges and universities has driven competitive entry requirements among its applicants. With limited seats in these prestigious institutions, getting admitted is the biggest wall an international student must face. We have reviewed the 12 best ranking U.S. universities and colleges with high scholarships to give you a head start on where to look and what you need to know.

1. Rochester Institute of Technology

A community of curious minds, research-driven, and innovation-seeking students, and other academics, RIT has made its name in being one of the recognized institutions in technology and innovative research fields. RIT is known to produce the most graduates in math, technology, science, and engineering making it the third-largest in STEM among all private universities ranking in the U.S. The institute also sits at the 57th rank in the Most Innovative Schools in the U.S. according to the U.S. News and World Report. RIT is also proud of its 94% outcome rate of graduates who have successfully entered the workforce, military, volunteer services, and furthered their education after graduating from the institute.

RIT is honored for being consistently recognized as a champion of diversity and inclusion. It has been awarded as 2021 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award and the 2021 Diversity Champion for eight and seven years respectively by the INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

Admission Requirements

Both domestic and international students follow the same guidelines for admission resulting in competitive entry requirements among applicants. International students need to provide an English proficiency test as an additional requirement.

Click on these links for the complete admission requirements and English language requirements for both undergraduate and graduate applicants. 

Scholarships

RIT awards high scholarships up to $20,000 annually to qualified international students. Undergraduate and graduate international students automatically qualify for merit-based scholarships while freshmen students are eligible for need-based financial aid.

2. University of New Hampshire

Known for its academic and research excellence, being the #1 Best Value School among New England’s public universities, and one of the top 10 in the U.S. universities ranking - the University of New Hampshire proves that quality education in the U.S. does not have to come with a heavy financial burden. UNH has climbed into the 10th spot in the national universities classification which is three levels higher than the last two years. Named as the state’s flagship research university, UNH has been recently selected to lead NASA’s $250 million mission studying the turbulence in solar wind and space plasmas.

Admission Requirements

Proper preparation for admission is essential. As a sought-after university in the U.S., UNH applicants require meticulous preparation to increase the chance of successful admission. Get an overview of the requirements here. To review the specific steps to prepare for, click here. 

Scholarships

UNH is known for its high scholarships provision. For the academic year 2020-2021, the university has awarded US$266+ million in scholarships and financial aid to its students. Aside from that, 88% of freshmen students were also given need-based scholarships and aid.

3. Ohio Wesleyan University

Reputed as one of the premier liberal arts universities in the U.S., Ohio Wesleyan University is named one of the “Best Colleges” in the U.S. universities ranking by the U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review. Since its founding in 1842, Ohio Wesleyan University, the university has kept a connection with the Methodist Church to offer scholarships, leadership, and service to both the community and the Church.

Admission Requirements

Click the link to know more about the detailed admission requirements and program list.

Scholarships

OWU awards 99% of its total student population with merit- or need-based financial aid. International students are eligible to receive awards ranging from $5,000 to full tuition per year with an average scholarship of $32,000 per year, one of the highest scholarships offered to international students.

4. Oklahoma State University

As a Carnegie classified R1 research university, Oklahoma State University (OSU) has been known for its research and academics excellence in driving innovations in technologies, medicines, and processes. The university ranked OSU’s Honors Curriculum ranks within the top 10 in the U.S. for 2018-2019. The 2022 U.S. universities ranking places OSU at 96th top public school in the U.S. according to U.S. News and World Report. It also ranked 99th top public university on the Forbes list of America’s Top Colleges. OSU not only ranks highly in the quality of education but also in affordability. It is currently the #1 Most Affordable University in Oklahoma (College Affordability Guide, 2021) and has consistently been listed in Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Best College Value for 15 years.

Admission

• Create an online account.
• Complete the application.
• Submit the necessary support documents.
• Pay the application fee.

To explore more information on the programs and to start your application, click here. 

Scholarships 

OSU supports the academic journey of its international students by offering awards ranging from $4,000 to $10,000 annually. Students will be automatically reviewed for qualification upon application for admission.

5. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is acclaimed as the #1 University in the U.S. for Earning Power by the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education College Rankings in 2018. The award proves that MCPHS graduates tend to have higher incomes in their respective fields. The college focuses on training the students in high-paying, in-demand careers through its 100+ health sciences programs. MCPHS also ranks 3rd in the country for Return on Investment by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce.

Admission and Language Requirements 

Entry requirements can be competitive for undergraduate and graduate programs. For the complete details of admission and English proficiency requirements, click here. 

Scholarship

MCPHS offers international students exhibiting outstanding academic performance and passion for healthcare through its Merit Scholarships. Click the link above to know more..

6. University of Central Florida

One of the top 15 Most Innovative Universities in the U.S (U.S. News & World Report) and ranking as one of the best-value U.S. universities by Forbes, Kiplinger, and The Princeton Review, the University of Central Florida offers students from around the world quality education with its 230+ programs at its best value. UCF’s top majors include Psychology, Pre-clinical Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Nursing, and Mechanical Engineering.

Admissions

Representing 150 countries in its international student population, UCF welcomes all applicants wishing to join its academic community.

• Undergraduate applicants need to complete an online application form with a fee of US$30. For the complete requirements and steps to apply, click here.
• Graduate applicants need to review the complete application steps and the special requirements per country.

Scholarships

Some international students may be eligible for financial aid such as scholarships and private loans. Click the link above for the complete requirements and conditions.

7. DePaul University

Founded in 1898, DePaul University is the largest Catholic university in the U.S. The university was ranked one of the Best National Universities in 2021 by the U.S. News & World Report. It was also named by Forbes as one of the Best Value Colleges in the U.S. universities rankings in 2017 and was among the Most Innovative Schools in 2015 according to the U.S. News & World Report.

Admissions and Scholarships

DePaul University welcomes students from more than 104 countries worldwide as part of its long-standing commitment to inclusion and diversity. It provides financial support to its international students by offering several academic scholarships based on merit. High scholarships are awarded ranging from US$10,000 - $24,000 annually.

For complete information on DePaul’s admission process and a detailed list of the scholarships offered to international students, click here.  

8. New Jersey Institute of Technology

Joining the ranks of the top 100 Engineering Graduate School (U.S. News & World Report) is the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). Currently the #1 in the U.S. in Student Economic Upward Mobility and also as Public Honors College, NJIT proves to its prospective students that their investment in quality education is worth the value they would get upon completion of their programs.

Admissions and Scholarships

Housing 1,500 international students from 70 countries worldwide, NJIT opens its doors to international applicants aiming to take their education to the next level.

Standardized Test Scores - SAT/ACT - freshmen applicants to Fall 2022 have the option to not submit their SAT or ACT scores except for applicants of Albert Dorman Honors College or any accelerated programs which have more competitive entry requirements. Although optional, it is encouraged that these test scores are submitted if available to qualify for scholarships that require the test scores.

Click here to view the complete requirements for admissions and scholarship qualifications.

9. Miami University

Miami University is among the top 50 national public universities according to U.S. News & World Report. Established in 1809 as an original Public Ivy, the university offered Ivy League-quality education at an affordable price. The main campus is located in Oxford, Ohio, while the regional campuses are located in Hamilton, Ohio; Middletown, Ohio; the Voice of America Learning Center in West Chester, Ohio; and the John E. Dolibois European Center in Luxembourg.

Admissions and Scholarships

The university welcomes students from 50 states across the U.S. and in 79 countries worldwide. The university also provides international students with high scholarships, both merit, and non-merit-based, for undergraduate and graduate students. To view the full details of the application process, requirements, and scholarship details, click here. 

10. University of Tennessee (Knoxville)

Labeled as Tennessee’s flagship university and premier public research institution, the University of Tennessee Knoxville (UTK)prides itself on grooming and producing graduates who serve the community through education and research. The university is classified as Doctoral Universities R1 category by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

Admission

The university promotes diversity and provides immigration advising and support services to international students guaranteeing a fruitful stay and enjoyable experience at UTK. To view the complete requirements for undergraduate and graduate applicants, click here.

Scholarships

UTK offers incoming international students with several scholarships to aid their finances. To view the complete details and qualifying requirements for each scholarship, click on the link above.

11. Iowa State University

Located in Ames, Iowa, Iowa State University (ISU) is a public, land-grant university that helps students get a great academic start in learning communities. The university is known for its reputable scholars who are exploring some of the current generation's biggest challenges. The university offers more than 100 majors, minors, and certificates that can be customized. There are six undergraduate colleges with more than 100 majors and 180 graduate programs.

Admission and Scholarships

Students come from different states and from 112 countries outside the U.S. There are a total of 2,532 international students, which makes up 8.2% of the total enrollment. The university offers scholarships that are merit and non-merit-based. Qualified international students may be eligible to receive from US$1,000 up to US$12,000 per year. To know more about the details of the scholarships and the requirements, click here.

Finding the right program and school can be exciting and intimidating at the same time. Having the right support system to assist you through the whole process of selection and sorting through the highly competitive entry requirements of these institutions will ease some of the anxiety students and parents may be feeling. Global Study Guide (GSG) has years of experience navigating through the application process of international education to U.S. top-ranking colleges and universities. Learn more about how GSG can lead you to the right path. Connect with GSG’s seasoned education consultants by creating a FREE account today!