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Great Universities in the Midwest and West for International Students

Looking for a great university with resources tailored to international students? Check out this list of options in the Midwestern and Western US.

The Midwest is known as the Heartland of America, with wide expanses of prairies, fields, and generally flat, rolling land that’s good for farming. And most people have an idea of the great West Coast—with the LA area and Seattle, international students would be hard-pressed to find a more American experience. But there are also many up-and-coming cities as well as colleges and universities that are looking for international students to join their campuses. One of the schools on the following list could be the right fit for you! Just click the “Connect me” button underneath the ones that sound interesting, then we’ll send your CollegeXpress profile information directly to the school so they can get in touch with you. The search for your best-fit university starts (or continues) now!

Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University Case Western Reserve University is a private research institution located in University Circle, four miles from downtown Cleveland, Ohio. The University offers more than 100 academic programs to 5,200 undergraduate students, including international students from dozens of countries and more than 20% of whom are citizens of a country other than the United States. International Student Services assists with immigration matters, provides intercultural exchange opportunities, connects students to CWRU resources, and helps the international community understand the social and academic culture at CWRU and in the US. 

Connect me with CWRU! 

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University–Prescott

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University logoEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a private university devoted to the field of aviation, with one of two campuses located in Prescott, Arizona—around 90 miles from Phoenix. ERAU offers not only the largest professional flight program in the nation but also programs like Meteorology, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Global Security & Intelligence Studies, Space Physics, Forensic Accounting & Fraud Examination, and Simulation Science & Gaming. International students thrive in a welcoming community where over 200 student clubs and organizations provide opportunities to connect with peers and develop professionally.

Connect me with ERAU–Prescott!

Miami University

Miami UniversityMiami University is a public comprehensive research institution in Oxford, Ohio. The University offers more than 120 majors and programs to prepare for pre-professional study in five academic divisions to more than 18,800 students, including international undergraduates from 84+ countries. Resources for international students include International Student and Scholar Services, the American Culture and English Program, International Student Orientation, several clubs with an international focus, and more.

Connect me with Miami U! 

Moody Bible Institute

Moody Bible Institute logoMoody Bible Institute is a private church-affiliated institution in Chicago, Illinois. Students can choose from more than 20 areas of study as well as participate in more than 40 student organizations. The International Student Office on Moody's Chicago campus facilitates all aspects of international student support including assisting with adjusting to life in the United States, keeping abreast of immigration regulations, and facilitating international student missionary groups.

Connect me with Moody!

Ohio University

Ohio UniversityOhio University is a public comprehensive institution located in Athens, Ohio—75 miles southeast of Columbus. More than 17,000 undergraduates from all 50 states; Washington, DC; Puerto Rico; and 113 countries from around the world come to OHIO to study 250+ programs offered through nine colleges and one academic center. The Office of International Student and Faculty Services offers support for arrival, advising, housing, and financing an Ohio University education, while the Ohio Program of Intensive English provides English preparation through one of the leading English-language programs in the United States.

Connect me with OHIO!

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis UniversitySaint Louis University is a private Jesuit, Catholic research university located in St. Louis, Missouri. The University’s nearly 13,000 total students come from all 50 states and 82 countries to study 90 undergraduate programs and 100 graduate and professional programs. SLU’s Office of International Services supports international students, scholars, and employees as well as students who wish to study abroad by promoting international student success and providing a global perspective for the University community.

Connect me with SLU!

University of Chicago

University of ChicagoThe University of Chicago is a private comprehensive university located seven miles south of downtown Chicago, Illinois. Over 6,800 undergraduates representing all 50 states and more than 100 countries (with 16% international students) pursue more than 50 majors and over 40 minors, with the ability to double-major, create your own major, or explore interdisciplinary opportunities. The Office of International Affairs provides advising services and supportive programming to the international student community in addition to the more than 400 student organizations encompassing athletics, the arts, community service, and Greek life available on campus. 

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University of Cincinnati

University of Cincinnati logoThe University of Cincinnati is a public research institution just two miles from downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. Maintaining a 96.4% international student retention rate, UC offers more than 130 baccalaureate programs as well as associate, master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees to more than 46,000 students. You’ll also find 500+ student organizations, co-ops and internships, study abroad and service learning programs, and extensive research opportunities. 

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University of Colorado Boulder

University of Colorado BoulderThe University of Colorado Boulder is a comprehensive public university on a 600-acre campus in Boulder, Colorado—27 miles northwest of Denver. There are more than 2,900 degree-seeking international students enrolled at CU Boulder, with 138 international first-year students from 100+ countries. International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) provides holistic services to support students throughout their programs, including immigration advising, assistance with cultural adjustment, advocacy on campus and with governmental agents and entities, and programming to foster involvement in the campus community.  

Connect me with CU Boulder!

University of Idaho

University of Idaho logoThe University of Idaho is a public comprehensive land-grant research institution in Moscow, Idaho—90 miles southeast of Spokane, Washington. The University offers more than 100 programs from the associate to doctoral level to 10,000+ students, including 700 international students, from every state and nearly 70 countries. International students are welcomed with open arms on campus and have a wide range of campus organizations and groups to choose from, including dedicated clubs specifically for them.

Connect me with U of I!

Connect with more schools that are looking for international students with our other featured global college lists.

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