The US is still one of the best places for overseas students to study. It has great universities, a wide range of academic programs, and lively campus life. Outside of school, where you live is equally as important as what you study.
This 2025 guide lists the 10 best U.S. towns for international students based on factors like the quality of education, the cost of living, the level of student assistance, the cultural life, and the job market. This list will help you choose the best area to study and do well in the U.S., whether you want to go to a top-notch school or be part of a friendly community.
Why Students from Other Countries Choose the USA
The United States has the most international students of any country. This is because its colleges are famous around the world, its research is cutting-edge, and its academic programs are flexible. Schools like MIT, Harvard, and Stanford are always among the greatest in the world.
The U.S. is a varied and welcoming place to live and work, with students from more than 200 nations attending schools around the country. This diverse setting makes students feel accepted and involved, both in their personal and professional lives.
Another big reason to go to college is the job opportunities after graduation. After graduation, a lot of students get Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM extensions. These programs give them real-world experience in the U.S. job market.
The F-1 visa also makes the U.S. enticing because it allows people to study and work at the same time. When you add in the fact that U.S. degrees are recognized all over the world, these perks make the U.S. a top choice for ambitious international students.
Quick Overview: The Top U.S. Cities in Each Category
There are hundreds of outstanding college towns in the U.S., so it can be hard to choose just one. This chart shows the greatest U.S. locations for international students in 2025 based on how affordable they are, how many jobs are available, the culture, and the overall student experience. There is a city here for you, whether you want to work in STEM or just have a fun campus.
The Best Cities for International Students by Category
| City | Best Overall Experience |
| Boston, Massachusetts | The Cheapest |
| Austin, Texas | Best for STEM Jobs |
| San Francisco, CA | The best job market after college |
| New York City, NY | The most varied group of students |
| Los Angeles, California | The Best Public Transport |
| Washington, D.C. | Best Weather and Lifestyle |
| San Diego, California | Best Small City for Students |
| Madison, Wisconsin | Best for Arts and Culture |
| Chicago, Illinois | Best Student Hub on the East Coast |
| Philadelphia, PA |
10 Best US Cities for International Students
- Boston, MA
Boston is a global center for higher education, with more than 50 schools and universities, including Harvard, MIT, and Boston University. The city has a lot of history, new ideas, and student vitality, which makes it one of the best destinations in the U.S. to study. International students benefit from a good public transportation system (the “T”), chances to network with other students, and being close to the tech and healthcare industries.
Boston is also one of the best places in the U.S. to do Optional Practical Training (OPT) internships in STEM disciplines. The high cost of living is worth it because of the school’s reputation and the job opportunities it offers. - New York City, New York
New York City has the best cultural diversity and job prospects in the world, thanks to famous schools like Columbia and NYU. More than 100,000 international students live in New York, making it a very international place to study.
The city has a lot of internships, job placements, and academic resources in many fields, such as banking, journalism, health, and technology. This makes it a great spot for anyone who want to network and get real-world experience. It’s great because there is public transportation nearby, and there are many programs to help people learn English. The price? Very high. The reward? Huge. - San Francisco, California
For international students who are interested in technology, innovation, and startups, San Francisco is the perfect place. UC Berkeley and San Francisco State University are two schools with great STEM and business departments.
Because the Bay Area is so close to Silicon Valley, it’s a great place for students who want to study computer science, engineering, or business. Housing can be expensive, but many overseas graduates get OPT or CPT jobs at big tech companies. The city’s appeal is boosted by its pleasant weather and open-minded culture. - Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles is home to some of the best schools in the world, such UCLA and USC. The city is also noted for its diversity; about half of the students at some campuses are from ethnic or international backgrounds. The city has a good mix of school, fun, the arts, and living by the beach. L.A. has full of chances for international students who want to study media, film, design, or technology. It’s easy to see why people would want to go there, especially with all the ESL resources and year-round weather. - Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is the most exciting city in the Midwest. It is home to schools like the University of Chicago, Northwestern, and UIC. Chicago is an excellent place for international students to live because of its architecture, food, and low cost of living compared to coastal towns.
The CTA (public transportation) works well, and there are a plenty of places where you can find part-time work. Many universities include support services for overseas students, such as cultural groups and workshops on how to get a visa. - Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. is a great place for students of international relations, law, and political science. International students come to Georgetown, George Washington University, and American University from all around the world. There are embassies, international NGOs, and think tanks in D.C., which makes it a great place to find internships and meet people from all over the world.
The city is also very safe and easy to walk about in. Students on a budget might do well here because there are free museums and cultural events. - Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is becoming a popular place for international students since it is cheap, has a booming employment market, and is friendly. Georgia Tech and Emory University are the best at research and new ideas in STEM.
The city’s international airport and huge immigrant population make it easy to get to. Atlanta is also regarded for being welcoming, with international student groups and good job placement after graduation in IT, healthcare, and logistics. - San Diego, California
San Diego is perfect for those who want to do well in school and live a relaxed life. It has a lot of biotech, oceanographic, and environmental science programs. It is home to UC San Diego and San Diego State University.
San Diego has one of the best climates in the U.S., beautiful beaches, and safe neighborhoods, making it a great place to study without stress. There are a lot of international student groups, and there are a lot of internships in research and technology. - Seattle, Washington
Seattle is a great place to go to school and find a profession, especially in software, health sciences, and environmental studies. The University of Washington is one of the best public research schools in the U.S.
A tech-savvy economy (like Amazon and Microsoft) and forward-thinking policies are good for international students. The city is green and bike-friendly, and there are a lot of things to do outside. High OPT placement rates in STEM sectors make up for the high cost of living. - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh used to be an industrial center, but now it’s a leader in robots, AI, and healthcare. Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh get students from all over the world by offering big scholarships and working with researchers from other countries.
The city is very livable because it has low costs and a lot of help for students. Pittsburgh is a great place for anyone who want the benefits of living in a big city without the noise and stress.
Things to Think About When Picking a City
How Much Things Cost
The cost of living can be very different from one U.S. city to another. New York and San Francisco are pricey, while locations like Pittsburgh and Atlanta have cheaper housing and transit. When making a budget, think about more than simply rent. Think about food, electricity, and health care as well.
Websites like Numbeo let you compare things in real time. Always examine your school’s cost-of-living guides for overseas students to be sure they are accurate.
Internships and Job Openings
Boston, New York City, and Seattle are home to big businesses including finance, technology, and healthcare. These are important fields for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and jobs after college.
You may learn about the job market in your area by using sites like LinkedIn Jobs or the career services page of the university you want to attend. There may be greater competition in big cities, but they also have more career fairs, networking events, and ways to interact with employers.
Transportation and Safety
It’s really important to keep students safe. Use apps like NeighborhoodScout to look at campus safety reports and crime statistics in your area.
Also, look for public transportation systems that are well-connected, like Boston’s “T” or Chicago’s CTA. This is important for both safety and convenience. Many colleges and universities give new students advice on how to get around and stay safe.
The Weather and Your Way of Life
Do you like sunny weather or the four seasons? San Diego is warm all year round, but Boston has snowy winters. Your lifestyle is also important. Do you want the fast pace of city life or the slower pace of suburban life? Do you want to be able to go outside, go out at night, or live in a quiet community where you can study? You can use BestPlaces.net to compare different climates.
Support for Diversity and Culture
The way a city welcomes people can affect your experience. Find foreign student groups, cultural centers, and programs that help people learn English as a second language. Schools in big cities like Los Angeles or Houston often include festivals, peer mentoring, and clubs that make you feel at home. NAFSA also gives students around the world access to information and policy updates.
Questions and Answers About Studying in U.S. Cities
- Which U.S. city is best for overseas students?
Boston is always at the top of the list of best cities because of its famous universities, neighborhoods that are good for students, long history, and great public transportation system. It also boasts a lot of international students and good work prospects after graduation. - Which U.S. city will be the cheapest for overseas students in 2025?
In 2025, Pittsburgh and Atlanta will be two of the most affordable U.S. cities for students. Compared to big cities like New York or San Francisco, they have cheaper housing, easier public transportation, and lower total living costs. - Will it be safe for international students to study in U.S. cities in 2025?
Yes, most college areas in U.S. cities are safe and have security on campus. Before you choose a place to live, use common sense, look at neighborhoods, and check campus crime records and local safety services. - What U.S. city is the greatest for students who want to study STEM?
The best places for STEM students are San Francisco and Seattle. Both cities are tech hotspots with big firms like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, and they have a lot of internship and OPT options. - What places do most international students go to school in the U.S.?
Open Doors Data says that New York City, Los Angeles, and Boston have the most international students. These cities have some of the best universities and strong cultural and academic support networks.
In the End, Find the Best U.S. City for You to Study In
It’s not just about picking the most well-known college in the U.S.; it’s also about finding a city that fits your ambitions, budget, and way of life. Don’t forget about things like safety, support services, environment, and work prospects, even though rankings can help you. Your perfect city should feel like a second home, whether you love the hectic pace of New York or the relaxed feeling of San Diego. Take the time to do some research, talk to current students, and go with your gut. The best fit isn’t usually the one that stands out the most.
