US Universities with Most Indian Students

Admission Consulting

Posted on: Mar 26, 2024

Gaining an international degree is like having an experience of a lifetime. The two critical aspects of the university that Indian students look at while considering their options are the quality of education they will receive at the institution and their overall experience. They also look at options like university reputation, tuition fees, safety, diversity, job opportunities while studying, etc. 

US universities with the most Indian students

The United States is considered one of the leading study destinations worldwide, with approximately 250,000 Indian students enrolled in globally recognised universities known for their academic excellence. These universities produce highly employable graduates on a global scale. The education system, standard of living, and abundant opportunities are among the main factors that entice Indian students to invest significant money in pursuing education at American universities.

 

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International Student Ratios 


The top 10 universities in the United States that attract the largest number of Indian students have a significant presence of international students, accounting for at least 20% of the total student population. This indicates that a considerable portion of the student body at these universities comes from countries outside the United States. International students have the potential to offer Indian students a fresh outlook on the global stage, aiding in enhancing their cross-cultural communication skills. Apart from this, international students can help strengthen campus diversity and inclusion. 

 

Below is a list of the best universities in the USA, representing the most academically renowned institutions worldwide known for their excellence in education, innovation and research. 

Best universities with the most Indian students 

 

1. Carnegie Mellon University 

 

Carnegie Melon University, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, boasts a student body of over 14,500 students from more than 100 countries. The university's strong performance in the QS ranking, particularly in terms of global student ratio, highlights its commitment to diversity and providing a welcoming environment for international students.

 

Carnegie Mellon University is currently ranked 52nd in the world as of 2024. The university has a significant number of international students, with approximately 29% of undergraduates and 59% of graduates coming from abroad. Specifically, 1,624 Indian students have applied to Carnegie Mellon University. The university offers many programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees and postbaccalaureate and post-master's certificates. The student-to-faculty ratio is 5:1. Additionally, the university has an acceptance rate of 14%. The average annual tuition fee is $60,000 to 72,000. 

 

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2. New York University 

 

This university in the United States is renowned for its large population of international students. It excels in academics, offering programs in over 270 areas of study. The students admitted to this university rank in the top 10% of their high school graduating class, solidifying NYU's reputation as a prestigious institution in New York.

 

New York University is currently ranked 38th in the World University Rankings for 2024. It has a significant percentage of international students, with 22.2% of the student body coming from abroad. Among these international students, there are 2,031 Indian students enrolled at NYU. The university represents over 138 countries and maintains a student-faculty ratio of 9:1. The acceptance rate is 13%, while the average annual tuition fees amount to $58,000. NYU offers various academic programs, including associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, doctorates (research/professional practice/other), less than one-year certificates, postbaccalaureate certificates, and post-master's certificates.


3. Northeastern University 


The Northeastern University is famous in Boston. The students have to face fierce competition to get admitted to this university, which receives over 75,000 applications annually and accepts around 18%. The most popular majors at this university are Bioengineering, Computer Science, Communication Studies and Business Administration. 

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Northeastern University is currently ranked 73 as per the Boston World Ranking 2024. The university comprises 33% of international students and 2,104 Indian students. The university has represented 135 countries, and the student-faculty ratio is 14:1. The acceptance rate is 18%, with an average annual tuition fee of $56,500. Northeastern University offers courses ranging from bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctorate degrees in research/ professional practice, and post masters certificates. 

 

4. Illinois Institute of Technology 

 

This institute is a technology-centric university based in the city of Chicago. It is one of the top 60 universities with the highest campus ethnic diversity, per the US News and World Report. Illinois Institute of Technology offers science, engineering, applied technology, architecture, business, law, design, and human sciences degrees. The university is ranked 443 by the QS World University Ranking 2023. About 42% are international students, and about 1,0009 are Indian students. The institute has represented 110+ countries, and the student-faculty ratio is 10:1. The acceptance rate is 66%, and the average annual tuition fee is $50,400. The institute offers bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctor’s degrees- research and professional practice. 

 

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5. University of Southern California 

 

The University of Southern California has an acceptance rate of 13%. This shows that the student must have a solid academic profile to be admitted to the university. The university has a student population of 49,500 undergraduate and graduate students. The university has more than 11,700 international students. The University of Southern California is ranked 116 by the University of Southern California World Ranking 2024. The university comprises 23.8% of international students and 1,735 Indian students. The university has represented 135 countries with a student-faculty ratio of 9:1. The average annual tuition fee is $60,400. The university offers a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, doctor’s degree in research/professional practice, and other post-baccalaureate and post-master’s certificates. 

 

6. Columbia University in the City of Newyork

India is the second country representing Columbia University students in New York. It has a student body of more than 30,000 students and comprises 18,000+ international students. It is very selective in offering admissions and is one of the top universities in the USA with the most Indian students. This university is ranked 23rd by Columbia University World Ranking 2024. Columbia University in the City of New York has 60% of international students and 947 Indian students. It has represented 150+ countries and has a student-faculty ratio of 6:1. The acceptance rate is 4% and offers an annual average tuition fee of $61,600. Columbia University in the City of New York provides Bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctor’s degree-research / professional practice and post-master’s certificates. 


The increasing number of Indian students pursuing education in the United States is experiencing rapid growth due to the country's esteemed education system. Students from India who study abroad in the USA will benefit from enhanced networking opportunities. The cities of New York, California, Texas, Illinois, and Massachusetts are exceptionally accommodating for Indian students. With a robust economy and thriving job market, the United States presents an appealing destination for Indian students seeking to improve their career prospects. For those looking to apply to these universities for their reputed Master’s programs, consider signing up for the IMS Admission Consultancy Program with its proprietary 10-step program that guarantees admission to a top 100 university. You can read more about it here and fill out this form - Study Abroad Admission Consulting - to hop on a call with one of our experienced consultants.