With an overall score of 52.78 points, Atlanta came in third place as the best small to mid-sized city for international students, following Newark and Champaign. Here are some highlights: 

• Atlanta ranks 2nd in the “community and support” metric, which looked at the total number of international students the city managed to attract, as well as the number of support services available for them. With 235 student support establishments, Atlanta is only outranked by Newark and Hempstead. 

• Atlanta ranks 3rd lowest among the cities on the list regarding grocery prices which contributed to its 6th place finish across the cost of living & mobility index. 

• Home to over 15,000 recreation spots, Atlanta came in as the 4th city for the recreation and fun composite metric. 

For students worldwide seeking an extraordinary educational journey, the U.S. remains an unparalleled destination. Of course, it has long been the most popular study abroad choice, drawing ambitious minds with its prestigious institutions that consistently rank among the best worldwide. However, studying in the U.S. offers more than just academic accolades and career opportunities. It’s an invitation to fully immerse oneself in the vibrant energy of its cities, where classrooms serve as catalysts for life-changing experiences that enrich these transformative years.

Recognizing the significant influence that a student’s environment outside of the classroom can have on their overall success, we developed a ranking system to identify the most welcoming and supportive cities in the U.S for international students. Our evaluation considers a variety of factors that contribute to a positive student experience, such as the availability of community and support services; affordability, and lifestyle considerations. Furthermore, to ensure a fair comparison, we have created separate rankings for large cities (with populations exceeding 500,000 residents) and smaller or mid-sized cities (with populations up to 500,000 residents). 

The Ultimate College Experience: NYC #1 Thanks to Thriving Student Community & Entertainment Scene

New York City; Los Angeles; and Washington, D.C. are the top three destinations for international students. These cities captivate interest with their large international student communities, array of support services, and abundant opportunities for fun. On the other hand, Houston, Dallas, and Austin in Texas are budget-friendly cities that offer a great lifestyle and high-quality academic services at affordable rates.