The 2025–26 US News & World Report Best Global Universities ranking highlights the continued global leadership of American higher education. With over a dozen US institutions appearing in the top 20 out of more than 2,250 universities across 100+ countries, these schools stood out for their international reach, research output, and diverse student populations.
- Harvard University
Harvard University remains at the top of the global rankings. Despite recent political controversies surrounding campus protests, Harvard’s academic reputation continues to dominate. Offering courses in more than 100 languages and enrolling 27.2% international students during the 2024–25 academic year, Harvard demonstrates a strong commitment to international education.
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
MIT holds second place globally, known for its unmatched strength in STEM disciplines. The school’s global outlook is evident, with over 3,430 international students and 2,247 visiting scholars from 100 different countries in the 2023–24 academic year, showcasing its thriving international community.
3. Stanford University
In third place, Stanford University emphasizes real-world international experience through programs like the Global Studies Internship, which sends students to more than 20 countries on six continents. This, combined with its academic excellence, keeps Stanford firmly in the top tier of global universities.
4. University of California, Berkeley
Ranked sixth globally, UC Berkeley is one of the most internationally diverse campuses in the United States. Its “International House” hosts nearly 600 students and scholars from more than 70 countries, supporting a vibrant academic and cultural exchange environment.
5. University of Washington, Seattle
At eighth position, the University of Washington, Seattle excels in global engagement, particularly in health and environmental fields. With over 500 study abroad programs and more than 8,000 international students, the university takes a comprehensive approach to global learning.
6. Yale University
Yale University ranks ninth and has carved out a strong international role through initiatives like the Yale Young African Scholars program, which supports African high school students applying to U.S. universities. Its commitment to diversity and access has helped maintain its global standing
7. Columbia University
Columbia University completes the top 10 with its broad international programs, including study abroad, global internships, and service-learning opportunities. Despite political tensions and institutional challenges, Columbia remains a key player in international higher education.
8. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA, ranked thirteenth globally, is a research powerhouse with strong international partnerships. It supports 28 multidisciplinary research centers and maintains more than 192 academic exchange agreements worldwide, reinforcing its global academic influence.
9. Johns Hopkins University
At fourteenth, Johns Hopkins is globally renowned for its strengths in public health and international policy. The university collaborates with institutions in over 50 countries and offers more than 400 study abroad opportunities, along with specialized international programs through its health and policy schools.
10. University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania ranks fifteenth for its strong international focus, especially through “Penn Abroad,” a program that enables students to engage in study abroad, summer internships, service learning, and short-term global academic experiences.
11. Cornell University, Princeton University, and University of California, San Francisco
Tied at sixteenth globally, these three American universities each offer distinct global strengths. Cornell University stands out for its diverse student body and expansive international programs, even amid political scrutiny. Princeton University maintains its elite academic reputation and global research partnerships. UCSF, meanwhile, excels in medical education and research, with far-reaching global collaborations in health sciences.