Top U.S. Universities with the Largest Arab and Muslim Student Populations

The United States is home to over 1.1 million international students, and a significant number come from Arab and Muslim-majority countries. Alongside them, thousands of American-born Muslim students pursue higher education across the country. For both groups, choosing a university is not just about academics—it’s also about finding a welcoming, inclusive environment that supports cultural identity and religious practice.

Here is a breakdown of the most popular universities in the U.S. among Arab and Muslim students, based on enrollment trends, campus services, student organizations, and community support.

1. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor (Michigan)

Located in Dearborn’s neighboring city—home to the largest Arab-American population in the U.S., the University of Michigan is a top destination for Arab and Muslim students.

• Muslim Student Association (MSA): One of the most active in the country.

• Halal dining and prayer rooms: Widely available.

• Academic Excellence: Top-ranked in engineering, medicine, and business.

• Community Support: Dearborn offers Arab supermarkets, mosques, and community centers.

2. University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA)

As a top public university in the U.S., UCLA has a growing number of Arab and Muslim students, both international and domestic.

• Active Muslim student life and interfaith support.

• Muslim spaces: On-campus prayer rooms and halal dining.

• Diverse student body: High cultural tolerance and global awareness.

• Strong Middle Eastern Studies and Islamic Studies programs.

3. Rutgers University – New Brunswick (New Jersey)

Rutgers attracts large numbers of Arab-American and international Muslim students from nearby communities in Paterson, Jersey City, and New York.

• Muslim cultural representation: Very strong.

• MSA activities include community service, dawah, and halaqas.

• Close to major Arab-American population centers.

4. George Washington University (Washington, D.C.)

With proximity to embassies and international organizations, this university draws students from the Gulf, North Africa, and the Levant.

• Well-funded MSA with frequent events and Ramadan programming.

• Political and international relations programs attract Arab students.

• D.C. has several mosques and halal restaurants.

5. Wayne State University (Detroit, Michigan)

Situated directly in the heart of the Arab-American community in Detroit and Dearborn, Wayne State offers an inclusive atmosphere for Muslim students.

• Many local students of Yemeni, Lebanese, Palestinian, and Iraqi descent.

• MSA and local mosques provide easy access to religious life.

• High acceptance of hijab, prayer, and cultural practices.

6. University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)

UIC draws many Arab-American and Muslim students from Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods, including Bridgeview and Orland Park.

• Muslim enrollment is high, especially in pre-med, pharmacy, and business programs.

• Active Muslim faculty and student groups.

• Easy access to Arab communities and masjids in Chicago.

7. Texas A&M University (College Station, Texas)

Texas A&M attracts students from Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait, due to its engineering programs and government-sponsored scholarships.

• Home to a large Saudi student population.

• Saudi Student Association and MSA work closely on events.

• Islamic center near campus and halal food availability.

8. Arizona State University (Tempe, Arizona)

ASU hosts a growing number of Arab and Muslim students, both from abroad and from the local Arab-American population in Phoenix and Mesa.

• Large international population.

• Halal and prayer accommodations.

• MENA (Middle East and North Africa) clubs offer cultural support.

Why Do These Universities Attract Arab and Muslim Students?

1. Cultural Inclusion: Diverse cities like Detroit, Los Angeles, and Chicago have visible Muslim communities, which makes adjustment easier.

2. Religious Accommodation: Availability of prayer rooms, halal food, and Ramadan support.

3. Academic Opportunity: These schools are strong in fields like engineering, business, political science, and healthcare.

4. Community Presence: Many universities are located near cities with established Arab-American populations, making off-campus life more comfortable.

While Arab and Muslim students are spread across hundreds of universities in the U.S., a few institutions stand out for their inclusivity, cultural awareness, and supportive student life. Whether through robust MSA chapters, Arab student unions, or Islamic studies departments, these universities provide an environment where Muslim identity can thrive alongside academic success.