When examining the hardest colleges to get into in the us for international students, the overall acceptance rate is what prospective students are concerned about the most. However, this single rate can obscure more nuanced and more revealing details, such as whether being an international student influences the acceptance rates at US Colleges. This is especially relevant for public universities, which often have specific enrollment targets for in-state students. Therefore, based on the latest CDS reports, we have identified 10 US colleges with the lowest acceptance rate for international students, which are particularly challenging for applicants from abroad. Let’s take a look.
Top 10 US Colleges with the Lowest International Student Acceptance Rates
When international students intend to apply to US universities, they will search for the acceptance rates of their dream schools. But this US college acceptance rate is often not accurate enough. Below are 10 universities that have a markedly lower acceptance rate for international applicants than their overall acceptance rates.
Top 10. Lehigh University
- Acceptance Rate for International Students: 4.7%
- Overall Acceptance Rate: 26%
- Location: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
- US News Ranking (Global): 989
- UG Enrollment: 5,911
- PGT Enrollment: 1,781
- Average Tuition Per Year: $67,920
- SAT Range: 1370-1500
Lehigh University is a private institution founded in 1865. While not so globally famous, it is a strong research university, particularly renowned for its engineering, business, and the arts and sciences. The low international acceptance rate is likely due to its high demand for STEM programs and cautious admissions strategies. Lehigh University is test-optional, but successful applicants often submit high SAT and ACT scores.
Lehigh occupies a small size but is among the lowest acceptance rate colleges, which means there are less spots and financial aid resources compared to larger institutions. Lehigh is looking for students who demonstrate a genuine interest. International students who treat Lehigh as a “safety school” often find themselves rejected or in the waiting list.
Top 9. Johns Hopkins University
- Acceptance Rate for International Students: 4.5%
- Overall Acceptance Rate: 6%
- Location: Providence, Rhode Island
- US News Ranking (Global): 14
- UG Enrollment: 6,356
- Average Tuition Per Year: $67,170
- SAT Range: 1520-1570
- ACT Range: 34-36
Johns Hopkins University is the globally famous US college for research, resulting in a 4.50% acceptance rate for international students. JHU has made efforts to expand its humanities and engineering reputation, it also remains the top choice for students aiming for medical careers or PhDs in the sciences. The competition among international students for Biology, Biomedical Engineering, and Neuroscience majors is ferocious.
The university values “hard” data and research experience. As for international applicant, even though having a 4.0 GPA, you might still be rejected if lacking significant laboratory experience or independent research projects. JHU wants to see students who are already contributing to their field of study.
Top 8. Brown University
- Acceptance Rate for International Students: 4.4%
- Overall Acceptance Rate: 5%
- Location: Providence, Rhode Island
- US News Ranking (Global): 150
- UG Enrollment: 7,910
- Average Tuition Per Year: $74,550
- SAT Range: 1510-1580
- ACT Range: 34-35
Brown University is distinguished by its Open Curriculum, which allows undergraduates to design individualized course schedule without general education requirements. International students can engage in its flexible and interdisciplinary academic environment. Brown’s strengths include Economics, Computer Science, Engineering, Biology, and Public Health, with an emphasis on student initiative and cross-disciplinary exploration. The Open Curriculum encourages intellectual curiosity and freedom, while small seminar styles promote close interaction with faculty. Although Brown University’s international student acceptance rate is low, it provides support for international students through cultural organizations, advising, and career services tailored to global careers.
Top 7. Vanderbilt University
- Acceptance Rate for International Students: 4.3%
- Overall Acceptance Rate: 6%
- Location: Nashville, Tennessee
- US News Ranking (Global): 66
- UG Enrollment: 7,211
- Average Tuition Per Year: $71,226
- SAT Range: 1500-1570
- ACT Range: 34-35
Vanderbilt University is a selective private research institution with an undergraduate acceptance rate typically around 6%. However, it’s one of the universities with the lowest international acceptance rates, with roughly 10–11% international students of the undergraduate population. Vanderbilt’s undergraduate programs span the College of Arts and Science, School of Engineering, Peabody College of Education and Human Development, and Blair School of Music. It is known for strong programs in Engineering, Economics, Education, and the Sciences. With a student-to-faculty ratio around 7:1, Vanderbilt provides personalized mentorship and opportunities for undergraduate research. Career development and global learning initiatives are emphasized, and the university supports international students through tailored advising and community organizations.
Top 6. Cornell University
- Acceptance Rate for International Students: 3.5%
- Overall Acceptance Rate: 8%
- Location: Ithaca, New York
- US News Ranking (Global): 16
- UG Enrollment: 16,128
- Average Tuition Per Year: $72,270
- SAT Range: 1500-1570
- ACT Range: 33-35
Cornell University, an Ivy League institution with a broad array of colleges and programs, . International acceptance rates at Cornell are generally in the low single digits, reflecting high competition for a limited number of seats. Cornell’s academic offerings are among the most diverse in the Ivy League, spanning Engineering, Agriculture and Life Sciences, Hotel Administration, and Arts and Sciences. Strong majors include Computer Science, Engineering, Biology, Business, and Hospitality Management. The university emphasizes hands-on research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global engagement. Cornell provides a range of support services for international students, including orientation programs, advising, and access to research opportunities throughout its many schools and departments.
Top 5. University of California, Berkeley
- Acceptance Rate for International Students: 3.4%
- Overall Acceptance Rate: 11%
- Location: Berkeley, California
- US News Ranking (Global): 6
- UG Enrollment: 33,469
- Average Tuition Per Year: $17,721
- SAT Range: 1330-1530
- ACT Range: 29-35
It often shocks applicants to see a public university this high on this list, but UC Berkeley is notoriously difficult for international students, with a 3.40% acceptance rate. Unlike private Ivies, Berkeley is a state-funded institution bound by California law to prioritize in-state residents. This leaves a very small sliver of spots available for out-of-state and international students. Furthermore, the UCB application system is unique. It focuses on “Personal Insight Questions” rather than the Common App essay, and it ignores letters of recommendation entirely. This means your grades and your self-reported activities carry immense weight. Its global reputation of its STEM and Engineering programs keeps the applicant volume massive and the acceptance rate low.
Top 4. University of Pennsylvania
- Acceptance Rate for International Students: 3.1%
- Overall Acceptance Rate: 5%
- Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- US News Ranking (Global): 15
- UG Enrollment: 10,013
- Average Tuition Per Year: $71,236
- SAT Range: 1510-1570
- ACT Range: 34-36
The University of Pennsylvania has an international acceptance rate of 3.10%, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and practical application of knowledge. For international students, the competition is fiercest for those applying directly to Wharton or the Engineering school, where the acceptance rates are even lower than the average. UPenn are looking for students who have already translated their academic interests into tangible actions, whether it is leading an activity, or conducting advanced research.
Top 3. Columbia University
- Acceptance Rate for International Students: 2.5%
- Overall Acceptance Rate: 4%
- Location: New York, New York City
- US News Ranking (Global): 10
- UG Enrollment: 9,111
- Average Tuition Per Year: $69,045
- SAT Range: 1490-1570
- ACT Range: 34-35
Located in the heart of New York City, Columbia University remains one of the hardest US colleges for international students. The university’s distinct “Core Curriculum” requires applicants to demonstrate a very specific intellectual fit. International students often struggle here if they cannot articulate why the Core is essential to their education.
The competition is exacerbated by Columbia’s location. NYC is a magnet for international students seeking internships at the UN, Wall Street, or major tech firms. Consequently, the applicant pool is flooded with highly ambitious students globally. Admissions officers here are looking for intellectual vitality and a “New York state of mind.” If your essays do not reflect a sophisticated understanding of how you will utilize the city and the campus, you will likely fall into the rejection pile.
Top 2. Princeton University
- Acceptance Rate for International Students: 2.1%
- Overall Acceptance Rate: 5%
- Location: Princeton, New Jersey
- US News Ranking (Global): 16
- UG Enrollment: 5,813
- Average Tuition Per Year: $65,210
- SAT Range: 1510-1580
- ACT Range: 34-35
Princeton University has a daunting acceptance rate for international students. The low acceptance rate is primarily due to its small class size compared to other large universities; there are simply fewer seats available. Known for its intense focus on undergraduate education and senior thesis requirements, Princeton looks for students who are intellectually curious and ready to contribute to a tight-knit residential community.
Princeton is need-blind for international applicants and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need. This policy makes it an incredibly attractive option for talented students worldwide, especially those from lower-income backgrounds, leading to a surge in applications. To get in, Being “well-rounded” is not enough; domestic and international students must show a deep commitment to academic research and leadership.
Top 1. Harvard University
- Acceptance Rate for International Students: 1.9%
- Overall Acceptance Rate: 4%
- Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
- US News Ranking (Global): 1
- UG Enrollment: 7,038
- Average Tuition Per Year: $64,796
- SAT Range: 1510-1580
- ACT Range: 34-36
As the most recognizable and top-ranking university in the world, it is no surprise that Harvard tops the list of the hardest colleges to get into in the US for international students. With an international acceptance rate of just 1.90%, Harvard receives tens of thousands of applications from the global elite.
For international applicants, high SAT scores and a 4.0 GPA are merely the entry tickets. To break through that sub-2% ceiling, you must demonstrate “spike” qualities, namely singular achievements that distinguish you from thousands of other qualified peers. Furthermore, Harvard is one of the few schools that is need-blind for international students, which on the contrary increases the competition volume.
Key Takeaways for International Students to Get into The Hardest US Colleges
Exploring the admissions landscape of the hardest colleges to get into in the US for international students can be a challenge. Here are the key strategies for international students:
- Academic excellence is the baseline. For these hardest US colleges for international students, top test scores and GPAs are merely the minimum requirement. To stand out, you must demonstrate a profound depth of achievement, research, or talent in a specific area that aligns with the university’s strengths.
- Demonstrate fit. Schools like Brown (Open Curriculum) and Columbia (Core Curriculum) seek students whose intellectual passions match their unique educational philosophy. Your application must articulate a clear, specific reason for choosing that particular college or course, showing how you will contribute to and thrive within their specific community.
- Start early and build a cohesive narrative.Competition for the limited seats at US colleges with low international acceptance rates means applicants ought toengage in meaningful extracurriculars, seek out substantive research or project experience, and craft essays that reveal your character, intellectual curiosity, and potential impact.
Hardest Colleges to Get Into in The US for International Students: Conclusion
This blog analyzed 10 hardest colleges to get into in the US for international students, all of which have exceptionally low acceptance rate for international students. Below is a summarized table.
| School Name | Acceptance rate for international student | Overall Acceptance Rate | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | 1.9% | 4.0% | 2.1% |
| Princeton University | 2.1% | 5.0% | 2.9% |
| Columbia University | 2.5% | 4.0% | 1.5% |
| University of Pennsylvania | 3.1% | 5.0% | 1.9% |
| University of California, Berkeley | 3.4% | 11.0% | 7.6% |
| Cornell University | 3.5% | 8.0% | 4.5% |
| Vanderbilt University | 4.3% | 6.0% | 1.7% |
| Brown University | 4.4% | 5.0% | 0.6% |
| Johns Hopkins University | 4.5% | 6.0% | 1.5% |
| Lehigh University | 4.7% | 26.0% | 21.3% |
Gaining admission to these top-tier schools is highly challenging. As we’ve explored, each university, whether Harvard or Brown, has a distinct identity and set of values. The remarkably low acceptance rate for international students at each institution reflects a combination of factors. Therefore, success requires a strategic and targeted approach. Beyond achieving stellar grades and test scores, applicants must deeply research their target schools, articulate a compelling personal narrative that aligns with the university, and demonstrate how their unique experiences and aspirations will contribute to the campus community. Remember, the goal is not just to become outstanding, but to be the right candidate of your chosen university. With meticulous planning and self-reflection, navigating the admissions landscape of these colleges with the lowest acceptance rates can become a focused and purposeful endeavor.
FAQs about Hardest Colleges to Get Into in The US for International Students
What is the hardest college to get into in the US?
The hardest college to get into in the US is Harvard University, especially for international students, with an acceptance rate of just 1.90%. This extreme selectivity results from its global prestige, need-blind admissions policy that attracts a massive applicant pool, and the search for candidates with singular, exceptional achievements beyond perfect grades and test scores.
What college is impossible to get into?
Harvard University is impossible to get into, with a 1.90% admission rate. This means over 98 out of 100 highly qualified applicants are rejected. The term reflects the extreme, nearly insurmountable odds faced by even the most accomplished students, rather than a literal impossibility.
