As you are researching the top U.S. universities, it is important as an international student to consider which institutions will best support you in your employment journey. This ranking will help you identify which schools have the strongest reputation of international students securing employment related to their degree post-graduation.
In the U.S., you can legally work for up to a year after graduation through a work authorization called OPT. Working on OPT gives you more time to gain work experience in the U.S. and secure another visa to work and live in the country. Schools with a high number of students employed on OPT may indicate an excellent employer network and reputation for international students, and also offer a rich network of international peers. If your goal is to remain in the U.S. after graduation, considering the number of international students employed on OPT should be a crucial factor in your decision-making.
Top 10 U.S. Schools With the Most International Students Employed on OPT
- Northeastern University
- New York University
- Columbia University
- University of Southern California
- University of Texas at Dallas
- Arizona State University
- Carnegie Mellon University
- University of Texas at Arlington
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
- University of California, Berkeley
See the Full List of Rankings
Create a free Interstride account to see the full list of the top 100 U.S. colleges and universities with the most international students on OPT. With an account, you can also access more rankings of the top 100 U.S. schools with the most international students, international staff and faculty, international students employed on STEM OPT, and international alumni receiving green cards through U.S. employers.
About the Rankings
Interstride’s University Rankings show the top 170+ universities in the U.S. based on international student outcomes: employability. As an international student, you are making an important investment in your education. Choosing the right program and institution that fits who you are and your goals are key. What comes after your studies is especially important: career outcomes. We’re here to help you identify universities that are supporting international students like you to achieve your dreams in the U.S.
How We Created This Ranking
Data for Interstride’s 2022-2023 University Rankings for International Students come from 2021 records from the following sources:
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- U.S. Department of Education (DOE)
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Visit our methodology page for more detailed information about how we created these rankings.