Rankings for International Students Methodology

College Factual’s Rankings for International Students were designed to help students who wish to study in the U.S. discover colleges and universities that will offer them a high-quality educational experience.

Core Ranking Principles

Quality is paramount to these rankings, which is why our quality ranking methodology is a heavily weighted factor. Students want to know they will be attending a college that delivers on its promises of advancing graduate’s careers and not leaving them drowning in debt.

We also include as factors:

• The number of international students studying at the school
• Whether the presence of international students is increasing

Why International Student Population Matters

We take it as a positive factor if there are a high number of international students on campus because:

• This means the school will be devoting resources to that group
• If the number is growing, it means the school likely has programs in place to encourage students from other countries to apply
• It indicates students are likely having positive experiences and recommending the school to others

Although international students are choosing U.S. colleges to experience an American education, it is also helpful for them to have other international students on campus they can bond with and share information. A school with a larger percentage of international students means more opportunities for students to connect with peers and help each other navigate new experiences in a foreign country.

Methodology Factors for Overall Rankings

High Importance

• College Factual’s quality ranking metrics

Medium Importance

• The total number of international students on campus

Low Importance

We consider the following factors to be positive indicators of quality (weighted of low importance, although not necessary for a school to be ranked):

• The percentage of international students on campus
• The rate of increase in the number of international students on campus

Methodology for Rankings by Country of Origin

In addition to overall rankings, we also feature rankings specifically catered to students from 50 different countries. These are the countries who are sending enough students to the U.S. that allows us to make meaningful use of the data.

High Importance

• College Factual’s quality ranking metrics

Medium Importance

• The number of students from that specific country on campus
• The number of total international students on campus

Low Importance

• The percentage of the student population from that specific country
• The percentage of the student population from any foreign country
• The rate of increase in the number of students from that specific country
• The rate of increase in the number of students from any foreign country

Go to Rankings for International Students