Why is Oxford University the Top Choice for US Students Studying Abroad? A Look at its Performance in THE and QS Rankings

Studying abroad has become an increasingly attractive option for many US students, particularly after graduating high school. Among the top destinations for these ambitious students, one name consistently rises above the rest: the

University of Oxford

. With its rich history, academic prestige, and consistently stellar global rankings, Oxford has cemented its position as the preferred choice for many

US students

seeking a

study abroad

experience.

The journey from an American high school to the hallowed halls of Oxford is not just about the prestige attached to the name, it’s about gaining access to a unique educational tradition that dates back over 900 years. For many young scholars, the blend of academic rigour and rich cultural heritage is an irresistible draw, making Oxford their top choice.
Oxford’s performance at THE World University Rankings 2025
Oxford’s continued status as a global academic powerhouse is not only anecdotal but is also consistently reflected in global university rankings. These rankings offer a glimpse into why Oxford holds such a strong appeal for

international students

, particularly those from the US.

In the recently released Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, University of Oxford has remained at the top rank globally for nearly a decade. Its overall score of 98.5 highlights the university’s consistent excellence across various critical metrics.
Teaching Quality and Student Support: Teaching quality is paramount for students when considering their educational experiences abroad. Oxford’s score of 96.8 in this category reflects the university’s commitment to high standards in education. This score indicates that students are receiving instruction from highly qualified faculty members who are experts in their fields.

Student-to-staff ratio: Oxford boasts a student-to-teacher score of 10.8 suggests a favourable environment for personalised academic support. With fewer students per faculty member, students benefit from more individualised attention.
Research environment: Oxford’s perfect score of 100 in a research environment is a significant draw for ambitious students. This metric signifies that the university provides an exceptional infrastructure and resources for conducting research across various disciplines. In addition to this, the industry score of 99.6 further highlights Oxford’s connections with various sectors, indicating that the research conducted has practical applications in the real world. This relationship between academia and industry provides students with opportunities for internships and collaborations, helping them bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
International outlook: Oxford has a diverse learning community, which is represented by the 43% of its student body that comes from outside the UK. This statistic emphasises the university’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.
Oxford’s performance at QS rankings
The

QS World Rankings

2024, where Oxford ranks third globally with an overall score of 96.9, provides further insight into why US students gravitate toward this institution.
Academic reputation: A key factor in university selection, earns a perfect score of 100. Oxford is widely recognized for its academic rigour and the quality of its faculty, ensuring that students receive an education that is respected worldwide.
International student ratio: The University of Oxford has a score of 97.7 in the QS World Rankings 2024. A high percentage of international students not only creates a vibrant campus culture but also prepares US students for a globalised workforce.
Employer Reputation and Employment Outcomes (100): Oxford’s graduates are highly sought after by employers worldwide, ensuring strong career prospects for students post-graduation. This makes an Oxford degree a valuable asset in a competitive job market.
Faculty-Student Ratio (100): Oxford offers personalized academic support with smaller class sizes, allowing for more interaction between students and professors, which is a significant draw for US students.
Citations per Faculty (84.8): This score highlights Oxford’s significant contribution to global academic research, indicating that faculty work is widely referenced and influential in various fields.
International Research Network (100): Students at Oxford benefit from extensive global research collaborations, providing them with opportunities to work on international projects, expanding their academic and cultural understanding.
International Faculty Ratio (98.1): Oxford’s diverse faculty brings varied teaching perspectives, offering students a global academic experience that broadens their learning and critical thinking abilities.
Studying at Oxford goes beyond mere academics
While Oxford’s academic reputation is undoubtedly a major draw, US students are also attracted to the university for its rich student life and unique traditions. The collegiate system, where students belong to one of the university’s many colleges, provides a strong sense of community and belonging. This system allows students to form close-knit groups, receive academic support, and engage in a wide range of extracurricular activities, from sports to debating societies.
Moreover, the university’s tutorial system, in which students receive personalised academic attention from some of the brightest minds in the world, offers an experience that many US students find transformative. It’s not just about attending lectures, it’s about engaging with knowledge on a deeper, more individualised level.