Top US Universities for Chinese Students in 2026

The United States has long been one of the most popular destinations for Chinese students seeking a high-quality education and successful career opportunities. In this article, we highlight the most sought-after fields of study and explore which American universities Chinese students should consider in 2026.

Contents:

• Why Chinese Students Choose the US
• Most In-Demand Majors
• Top 7 US Universities for Chinese Students
• Support with Applying Abroad

Why Chinese Students Choose the US

In the 2024–2025 academic year, China was the second-largest source of international students in the US, after India, with 265,919 students — accounting for 22.6% of all international students enrolled in American universities.

Why do so many Chinese students choose to pursue higher education specifically in the United States?

A revealing study, Choosing American Colleges from Afar: Chinese Students' Perspectives (2024), analyzed data from 1,800 Chinese students admitted to US universities and identified several key factors influencing their college choice.

The most important factor was college ranking. Additionally, the reputation of the university and the match of academic rigor played a significant role.

The study also found that Chinese students tend to prefer large metropolitan areas. Unlike American students, for whom tuition cost is often a deciding factor, Chinese applicants generally place little emphasis on price. Many families in China can now afford to pay for overseas education and view it as a valuable investment in their child’s future career and quality of life.

However, financial aid significantly increases the likelihood of choosing a university that offers it, making it an important consideration for some families.

Finally, Chinese students are motivated by the desire to gain meaningful international experience. Living in a new cultural and linguistic environment, interacting with people from around the world, and practicing English not only broadens their horizons but also provides a competitive edge in the global job market.

Most In-Demand Majors

As of 2025, more than half of all international students in the US (57%) are enrolled in STEM programs. The second most popular field is Mathematics and Computer Science (26%), while nearly one in five international students (18%) chooses Engineering.

Other popular fields include Business and Management (14%), Physical and Life Sciences (8%), and Social Sciences (7%).

For Chinese students specifically, the distribution across majors is as follows. The top three fields are:

• Mathematics and Computer Science — 23.6%
• Engineering — 17.8%
• Business and Management — 11.2%

Other areas include:

• Physical and Life Sciences — 10.5%
• Social Sciences — 10.3%
• Fine and Applied Arts — 5.7%
• Education — 2.0%
• Health Professions — 1.5%

Top 7 US Universities for Chinese Students

The universities were selected based on the following criteria:

• College ranking and academic reputation
• Proportion of Chinese students and overall international community
• Availability of support services for international students (ISSS, OGS, etc.)
• Partnerships, exchange programs, or an on-campus presence in China
• Strong academic programs in high-demand fields (CS, Engineering, Business)
• Availability of scholarships and grants for international students

1. New York University (NYU)

NYU is the largest private university in the US and a leader in international student enrollment. In the 2023–2024 academic year, 27,247 international students from over 130 countries, including China, were enrolled at NYU. A large international population fosters integration and community support, making NYU particularly appealing to Chinese applicants. 

The university also provides dedicated support services for international students — the Office of Global Services and the International Student Hub (I-Hub) — which help newcomers adapt, organize cultural events, and run workshops. Furthermore, NYU has a branch campus in Shanghai (NYU Shanghai). This offers Chinese applicants a significant advantage: they can begin their studies closer to home, gradually adjust to the Western academic system, and later continue their education in New York if they wish.

2. Columbia University

Columbia University in New York City has a well-developed international community. In the 2024–2025 academic year, 13,745 international students from 145 countries were enrolled. 

A high proportion of international students creates a multicultural environment in which Chinese students can adapt more easily and rely on the university’s international student support services, reducing the social and cultural “shock” often experienced when moving abroad. Columbia is an elite research university and a member of the Ivy League, which appeals to students seeking high academic standards, prestige, and strong career prospects. Programs such as the MBA (Columbia Business School), Computer Science, Data Science, and AI are particularly popular among Chinese students. 

3. University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)

UC Berkeley has long been recognized as one of the world’s leading universities, with programs ranging from Engineering and Computer Science to the Natural and Social Sciences acclaimed internationally. Chinese students make up a significant portion of the international student body, creating a supportive community that helps newcomers adapt to campus life. 

Students at UC Berkeley have opportunities to participate in research projects, internships, and graduate programs (Master’s and PhD). The university’s prestige and strong international community also enhance career prospects after graduation, making Berkeley an attractive and forward-looking choice for Chinese students.

4. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)

UIUC is one of the leading public universities in the US for international student enrollment. It is particularly strong in technical and STEM fields, including Computer Science, Statistics, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, as well as Business and Management. A significant portion of students, including internationals, actively participate in research and internship programs.

The university offers a well-developed academic infrastructure: extensive research facilities, a business school, and numerous opportunities for hands-on learning. Chinese students benefit from developing globally relevant skills while being part of a large international community.

5. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

UCLA is one of the top public universities in the United States, offering a wide range of programs — from Engineering and Computer Science to the Humanities and Social Sciences. Its high academic standards make it an attractive option for Chinese students seeking a quality education, an internationally recognized degree, and strong career prospects. 

Thousands of international students study at UCLA, representing 107 countries, with a significant portion from Asia, including China. This diverse environment provides strong support networks and helps international students adapt both socially and academically.

6. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)

CMU is a global leader in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and interdisciplinary technological research. The university proudly holds the reputation of being the “Birthplace of AI”, as it was here that the first AI, robotics, and machine learning programs in the United States were established. 

Carnegie Mellon offers exceptional opportunities for students aiming to gain cutting-edge knowledge and work on innovative projects. Moreover, CMU is highly international: students come from over 100 countries, with international students making up approximately 23% of the student body. This diverse environment facilitates cultural adaptation and integration into a global academic community. 

7. University of Southern California (USC)

USC is one of the most international universities in the United States. As of Fall 2025, the campus enrolled 11,959 international students, including 5,760 from China, ensuring that Chinese students do not feel isolated. 

USC actively maintains international partnerships and has offices around the world, including in Shanghai and Beijing, which eases communication, administrative processes, and adaptation. The university offers programs across a wide range of fields — from Business to Film and Cinematic Arts. Its location in Los Angeles, a hub of international business and the entertainment industry, further enhances opportunities for internships, professional networking, and career development. 

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