Understanding university options in major U.S. cities: What you need to know
Studying in the United States can shape your lifelong educational and personal journey. Attending a university in a major city – like Miami, New York City, Houston or San Francisco – can help build a global network for international students in the U.S. And it can also provide a fulfilling experience outside of the classroom. Here’s what to consider when studying in one of America’s major cities.
What are the benefits of studying in a major U.S. city?
America is often called a melting pot. As an international student, you can take full advantage of this melting of cultures when studying in a large U.S. city. Yes, you’ll spend a lot of time on campus. But don’t overlook the importance of immersing yourself in a major metropolis to grow personally and professionally.
International students studying in major U.S. cities reap the benefits of:
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- Professional opportunities. There are simply more people to network with. Plus, large cities can give you access to innovative companies and leaders in your industry.
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- Cultural events and entertainment. Urban areas have regular events and activities celebrating diverse backgrounds. You’ll also live closer to museums, historic sites, theme parks, shopping centers and a booming nightlife.
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- Big city adventures. Never taken a subway or flagged down a taxi? Have you been to a fashion show or attended an art gallery opening? Big cities are energetic and exciting at all hours of the day.
That said, living in a major U.S. city comes with increased costs, and feeling a sense of belonging might take longer.
Top universities and programs to consider for international students in the U.S.
Let’s explore some of the best universities in major U.S. cities located in some of the most populated states. You can also find some of the most popular degrees based on the 2024 U.S. News & World Report rankings for best graduate schools.
California universities*
California is synonymous with innovation and creativity. Major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego have diverse neighborhoods and academic opportunities at schools like:
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- University of Southern California (USC). Located in Los Angeles, USC’s engineering, law and business schools have a strong reputation.
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- San Diego State University (SDSU). SDSU has some of the best education and nursing master’s programs.
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- Stanford University. Just a short drive to San Francisco, Stanford ranks as one of the top business, engineering and computer science schools in the U.S.
Florida universities*
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, Florida’s warm climate and white, sandy beaches might be reason enough to choose a university in one of its major cities. Its history is rooted in Latin culture, which you can experience with its many festivals, restaurants and cultural attractions. Some of Florida’s university options include:
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- University of Miami. Popular postgraduate degrees at the University of Miami include nursing and psychology.
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- University of Central Florida (UCF). Located in Orlando, UCF’s top graduate programs include health professions and education.
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- University of South Florida (USF). Located in Tampa, USF’s top graduate schools include medical and engineering programs.
Texas universities*
As the saying goes, everything is bigger in Texas. It’s the second-largest state in terms of physical size and population. And Texans are certainly big on hospitality. The “Texas Triangle” contains the state’s largest cities (Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio). It provides ample opportunity for cultural experiences and academic pursuits at schools like:
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- University of Texas at Austin. Popular postgraduate programs include engineering, business and law.
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- Texas Christian University (TCU). Located in Fort Worth, TCU’s business school is ranked as one of the top in the country, including its part-time MBA program.
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- University of Houston. Its business, education and engineering schools received high rankings.
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- Trinity University. Located in San Antonio, Trinity University has one of the top healthcare management programs.
Universities in New York City*
New York City is often referred to as the cultural capital of the world. With iconic landmarks like Times Square, Central Park and The Met, you’ll always have somewhere new to explore. It’s also home to some of the most prestigious universities, including:
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- Columbia University. As one of the top universities nationally and globally, Columbia’s engineering, business and law schools are some of the best in the nation.
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- Fordham University. Fordham is only a short trip away from the city on public transportation. Popular graduate schools include business, law and social work.
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- New York University (NYU). NYU is known for its visual and performing arts programs. But it also has excellent business, education and engineering programs at the graduate level.
How to choose the right university for you
Deciding to study in a major U.S. city requires careful planning and consideration. Consider factors such as program reputation, campus culture and what the city offers outside of school activities. You also need to consider whether you prefer entering your program in the fall versus spring, as the latter can sometimes limit your options.
One of the biggest differences in choosing a large city over a small community is the cost of living and potentially higher tuition costs. So, figuring out how to fund your postgraduate study abroad experience should be part of the initial equation.
Research the cost of living in your desired city, including housing, transportation and daily necessities. To reduce costs, you’ll likely need to consider shared accommodations or living outside the city center.
Look for scholarships specifically for international students studying in America and grants and assistantships offered by U.S. city universities. Also, consider applying for scholarships with MPOWER and other organizations.
If you still need funds to cover the cost of your international education, MPOWER makes it easy to qualify for private student loans without a cosigner or collateral. Check out our network of schools in the U.S. and Canada to see which colleges and universities are eligible for MPOWER loans.
*Schools mentioned in this post do not endorse MPOWER’s loans and MPOWER is not affiliated with the schools noted in this message.
