Which American Universities Are Worth Noting

While there are a number of universities in America that are so well known that they are recognized by name throughout the world, there are many that excelled in other ways. It is, understandably, appealing to attend one of the universities that everyone recognizes, but the problem with that is that you’ll often end up paying more money than you anticipated on tuition for nothing more than a reputation. Think about it: is that truly a wise thing to base your choice of school on?

Instead, it’s best to choose a school that excels in other areas such as economic standing and how well established they are.

First, consider the economic climate of the area where the university is located. This is something that is commonly overlooked by those choosing universities even within the country - and it certainly shouldn’t be. America has experienced significant economic recession in recent years, but that does not mean that it has hit all of the country. The “Heartland” of America (i.e. center of America) has been noted by many economic experts as being the area that has been hurt the least by this recession, with some areas seemingly being completely unaffected. Why does this matter to you? Simple: if you go to university in a town with poor economic standing, then it will be highly difficult to find a job while you’re in school to help with paying your tuition and living expenses.

Second, think about how well-established the university is. How long has it been around, and what are its founding roots? Universities that have been around for a long time already have a stable base to work from, and therefore have extremely low risks of being closed for financial (or any other) reasons - making your education something you can count on. The founding roots of a university would be the history of how and why it was founded - many universities in America are very proud of their roots, and if the founding principles are something you can relate to, then you’re more likely to “click” with that university.

Finally, make sure you go somewhere that has a full and well-established center for international students. You are going to need to have someone consistently available to answer questions, as there will likely be many during your stay. Differences between countries and the cultures can be very confusing, and being sure that you are surrounded with a supportive and helpful staff can ensure that you get your questions answered as promptly and fully as possible.

By: Dennis Dunham PhD

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Dennis Dunham, PhD is the Executive Director of International Services at the University of Central Oklahoma. He is credited with helping over 16,000 international students come to the United States. Dr. Dunham has received many awards in the field of international education. Dr. Dunham holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Technology and Masters of TESOL. Dr. Dunham, a former Peace Corps Volunteer, speaks Korean and French. Visit the UCO International Office to learn more about studying abroad in the USA at www.uco.edu/ioffice.