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Studying abroad continues to be one of the most enriching experiences for college students, enhancing their global awareness and cultural understanding. In 2026, as the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the demand for study abroad programs remains strong. Educational institutions play a crucial role in facilitating these opportunities, helping students gain invaluable experiences beyond their local environments.
While many universities embrace the concept of studying abroad, not all institutions offer the same level of support or resources. Cost can be a significant barrier, and differences in educational standards and curricula can complicate credit transfers. As a result, some students may encounter challenges in integrating international courses into their degree programs. However, the enthusiasm for study abroad persists, with students eager to explore new cultures and perspectives.
Curious about which universities are leading the way in promoting study abroad programs? Using data from US News & World Report on student populations and study abroad participation rates, we’ve compiled a list of the top US schools that are most supportive of their students’ international educational journeys.
Here’s a quick overview of the top ten schools:
- Miami University
- George Washington University
- Syracuse University
- Boston College
- University of Denver
- Clemson University
- American University
- Stanford University
- Elon University
- Villanova University
Methodology
In creating this list, we relied on data from US News & World Report, which regularly publishes statistics about colleges across the United States, including the percentage of students participating in study abroad programs. By combining these percentages with the total student enrollment figures, we calculated the estimated number of students at each university engaged in study abroad initiatives.
1. Miami University
Location: Oxford, OH
Percent of Students in Study Abroad: 49%
Total Number of Students in Study Abroad: 9,652
School Description: Miami University, a public institution in Oxford, OH, has a rich history dating back to its founding by an Act of Congress. With nearly half of its student body participating in study abroad programs, it ranks at the top of our list. The university has evolved significantly and continues to foster a global perspective among its students.
2. George Washington University
Location: Washington, D.C.
Percent of Students in Study Abroad: 35%
Total Number of Students in Study Abroad: 9,506
School Description: Named after the first president, George Washington University is a prominent private institution located in the heart of the nation’s capital. While it ranks second in total study abroad participation, its substantial student population ensures that many students take advantage of international opportunities.
3. Syracuse University
Location: Syracuse, NY
Percent of Students in Study Abroad: 37%
Total Number of Students in Study Abroad: 8,129
School Description: Originally established as a Methodist institution, Syracuse University in New York is now nonsectarian but retains strong community ties. A significant percentage of its students participate in study abroad programs, reflecting its commitment to global education.
4. Boston College
Location: Chestnut Hill, MA
Percent of Students in Study Abroad: 58%
Total Number of Students in Study Abroad: 8,034
School Description: Boston College, a Jesuit Catholic university, maintains its religious traditions while encouraging a diverse global experience for its students. With over half of its student population engaged in study abroad programs, it stands out for its commitment to international education.
5. University of Denver
Location: Denver, CO
Percent of Students in Study Abroad: 68%
Total Number of Students in Study Abroad: 7,898
School Description: A private university in Denver, the University of Denver boasts the highest percentage of students studying abroad among research institutions, with nearly 70% of its student body experiencing international education before graduation.
6. Clemson University
Location: Clemson, SC
Percent of Students in Study Abroad: 33%
Total Number of Students in Study Abroad: 7,724
School Description: Known for its picturesque campus in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Clemson University provides a strong educational foundation. Approximately one-third of its students participate in study abroad programs, showcasing its commitment to global engagement.
7. American University
Location: Washington, DC
Percent of Students in Study Abroad: 53%
Total Number of Students in Study Abroad: 7,074
School Description: Situated in the political heart of the nation, American University encourages its students to gain international perspectives through study abroad programs, with over half of its student population participating.
8. Stanford University
Location: Stanford, CA
Percent of Students in Study Abroad: 40%
Total Number of Students in Study Abroad: 6,766
School Description: As one of the most prestigious universities in the US, Stanford has strong ties to Silicon Valley. Approximately 40% of its students study abroad, reflecting its emphasis on innovation and global engagement.
9. Elon University
Location: Elon, NC
Percent of Students in Study Abroad: 74%
Total Number of Students in Study Abroad: 4,987
School Description: Elon University is recognized for its strong commitment to experiential learning, evidenced by an impressive 74% of its students engaging in study abroad programs, making it a leader in international education.
10. Villanova University
Location: Villanova, PA
Percent of Students in Study Abroad: 42%
Total Number of Students in Study Abroad: 4,554
School Description: Established in the 1840s, Villanova University remains the oldest Catholic university in Pennsylvania. With nearly half of its students participating in study abroad programs, it exemplifies a strong commitment to global education.
In Summary
Our detailed list of study abroad participation highlights the universities that are paving the way for students to gain global experiences. For more insights and resources, visit Zippia.
If you’re a recent graduate contemplating relocation, discover which states attract the most college graduates. For additional articles on educational opportunities, explore the most accommodating schools for nontraditional students.
| School | City | 2026 Students Participating In Study Abroad Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Miami University–Oxford | Oxford | 49% |
| George Washington University | Washington | 35% |
| Syracuse University | Syracuse | 37% |
| Boston College | Chestnut Hill | 58% |
| University of Denver | Denver | 68% |
| Clemson University | Clemson | 33% |
| American University | Washington | 53% |
| Stanford University | Stanford | 40% |
| Elon University | Elon | 74% |
| Villanova University | Villanova | 42% |
| Wake Forest University | Winston-Salem | 57% |
| University of San Diego | San Diego | 51% |
| Case Western Reserve University | Cleveland | 33% |
| Lee University | Cleveland | 72% |
| Yeshiva University | New York | 60% |
| Quinnipiac University | Hamden | 35% |
| Calvin College | Grand Rapids | 75% |
| Dartmouth College | Hanover | 44% |
| Bethel University | St. Paul | 60% |
| Bentley University | Waltham | 50% |
| College of New Jersey | Ewing | 32% |
| St. Olaf College | Northfield | 76% |
| University of Richmond | Univ. of Richmond | 62% |
| Goucher College | Baltimore | 100% |
| Ithaca College | Ithaca | 32% |
| Susquehanna University | Selinsgrove | 97% |
| SUNY–Geneseo | Geneseo | 36% |
| Fairfield University | Fairfield | 38% |
| Colgate University | Hamilton | 66% |
| University of Dallas | Irving | 80% |
| Florida Southern College | Lakeland | 66% |
| Denison University | Granville | 80% |
| Franciscan University of Steubenville | Steubenville | 64% |
| St. Lawrence University | Canton | 68% |
| Bucknell University | Lewisburg | 46% |
| Endicott College | Beverly | 33% |
| Bryant University | Smithfield | 45% |
| George Fox University | Newberg | 40% |
| Queens University of Charlotte | Charlotte | 67% |
| Providence College | Providence | 32% |
| Messiah College | Mechanicsburg | 46% |
| Middlebury College | Middlebury | 58% |
| Babson College | Babson Park | 46% |
| Skidmore College | Saratoga Springs | 54% |
| Taylor University | Upland | 66% |
| Carleton College | Northfield | 67% |
| Gettysburg College | Gettysburg | 58% |
| Dickinson College | Carlisle | 56% |
| College of St. Benedict | St. Joseph | 69% |
| Union College | Schenectady | 61% |
| Macalester College | St. Paul | 62% |
| Augustana College | Rock Island | 51% |
| Bates College | Lewiston | 70% |
| Centre College | Danville | 85% |
| Muhlenberg College | Allentown | 50% |
| Eckerd College | St. Petersburg | 62% |
| Smith College | Northampton | 39% |
| Colby College | Waterville | 60% |
| St. John’s University | Collegeville | 56% |
| Kalamazoo College | Kalamazoo | 70% |
| Bowdoin College | Brunswick | 54% |
| College of the Holy Cross | Worcester | 33% |
| Williams College | Williamstown | 45% |
| Drew University | Madison | 45% |
| Washington and Lee University | Lexington | 44% |
| Hamilton College | Clinton | 50% |
| Grinnell College | Grinnell | 55% |
| Connecticut College | New London | 50% |
| Stonehill College | Easton | 37% |
| Mount Holyoke College | South Hadley | 39% |
| St. Michael’s College | Colchester | 40% |
| Illinois Wesleyan University | Bloomington | 50% |
| Concordia College–Moorhead | Moorhead | 41% |
| St. Mary’s College | Notre Dame | 50% |
| Occidental College | Los Angeles | 41% |
| Wheaton College | Norton | 50% |
| St. Mary’s College of Maryland | St. Marys City | 47% |
| Earlham College | Richmond | 70% |
| Pomona College | Claremont | 46% |
| Kenyon College | Gambier | 43% |
| Sewanee–University of the South | Sewanee | 39% |
| Gordon College | Wenham | 35% |
| Linfield College | McMinnville | 41% |
| Washington and Jefferson College | Washington | 45% |
| Beloit College | Beloit | 45% |
| Wartburg College | Waverly | 42% |
| Goshen College | Goshen | 71% |
| Bryn Mawr College | Bryn Mawr | 33% |
| Swarthmore College | Swarthmore | 36% |
| Alma College | Alma | 37% |
| Central College | Pella | 41% |
| La Roche College | Pittsburgh | 32% |
| Agnes Scott College | Decatur | 53% |
| LaGrange College | LaGrange | 47% |
| Soka University of America | Aliso Viejo | 100% |
| Cornell College | Mount Vernon | 43% |
| Franklin College | Franklin | 33% |
| Ripon College | Ripon | 32% |
| College of the Atlantic | Bar Harbor | 63% |
| Cottey College | Nevada | 42% |
Author
Ryan Morris was a writer for the Zippia Advice blog who tried to make the job process a little more entertaining for all those involved. He obtained his BA and Masters from Appalachian State University.
