2026 U.S. Undergraduate Selection Shake-Up, H-1B Surge Makes Staying Difficult!
On September 23, Beijing time, the world's most influential ranking institution—U.S. News & World Report officially released the 2026 U.S. university rankings.
As an authoritative list with over 40 years of history, the U.S. News university rankings have always been an important guide for Chinese families choosing schools for studying abroad.
Unlike international rankings such as ARWU, QS, and THE, U.S. News is more aligned with the realities of U.S. domestic education, with an indicator system more suitable for undergraduate applicants. Academic reputation, faculty level, and graduate income and employment are all included in the comprehensive evaluation.
The ranking indicators cover student retention rates, graduate debt, income levels, Pell Grant student performance, faculty resources, and academic reputation, among other dimensions. It can be said that this list not only reflects the comprehensive strength of universities but also provides a "authoritative reference" for families of international students choosing schools.
Comprehensive University Rankings
Princeton remains first;
The University of Chicago returns to the top ten, climbing to sixth place;
The University of Pennsylvania returns to seventh place;
California Institute of Technology, ranked 11th;
UCB surpasses UCLA, holding steady at 15th;
……
Overall, traditional elite schools like Harvard, Princeton, Yale, and Stanford still firmly occupy the top of the list, while some state universities have seen significant ranking increases due to improved student support and faculty investment.
However, beyond the list, what is more noteworthy is that U.S. immigration and study policies are undergoing dramatic changes.
New Policy Changes:
H-1B Price Increase and Trump's Golden Card
Just before the list was released, on September 19, U.S. time, two major news items emerged in the immigration field:
• An additional $100,000 fee for H-1B visas
The work visa channel, once seen as a "cost-effective stepping stone," is gradually losing its cost-effectiveness. The burden on employers and applicants has increased sharply, making it significantly harder to work in the U.S.
• Trump's Golden Card executive order formally signed
Individuals can obtain a regular green card status by investing $1 million. The executive order requires the Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of State, and Secretary of Homeland Security to establish and implement the program within 90 days.
This new "donation for status" model will occupy EB-1 and EB-2 category quotas, and future applicants may face extended waiting times.
On one hand, there is the "sharp cost increase" of traditional paths, and on the other, the "million-dollar donation still can't escape the queue" of the Golden Card new policy. For students and families dreaming of staying in the U.S., the future path is more complex.
Studying Abroad is Harder, Securing Status is Key
What do these two pieces of news mean for Chinese families?
• Relying on the traditional path of studying abroad + OPT + H-1B is more costly and offers fewer opportunities;
• Opting for the "donation for status" Golden Card involves significant spending, yet still faces waiting times and uncertainties;
• The U.S. immigration system is accelerating "survival of the fittest," and relying solely on education and work is no longer enough to ensure stable status.
More and more families realize: securing status first, then studying, is the most reliable study abroad strategy.
A green card not only makes children more competitive when applying to prestigious schools but also allows them to enjoy local tuition rates and internship opportunities, completely solving the "can they stay" issue.
The Most Reliable Path Currently
In the context of tightening policies, EB-5investment immigration has become the most reliable status channel currently:
• Mature legal framework: Over 30 years of history, with clear policies to follow;
• Stable and clear status: Meeting investment and employment requirements allows the whole family to obtain green cards, and the investment funds can be recovered;
• Window period advantage: Currently, new law applicants from mainland China have no waiting period, and submission secures a place;
• Grandfather clause protection: Applications submitted before September 30, 2026, are subject to current regulations and are not affected by future new policies.
The 2026 U.S. News rankings remind us once again:
Prestigious schools remain dazzling, but whether one can stay in the U.S. is the deepest anxiety for families.
In today's world where H-1B costs are soaring, and even spending on the Golden Card requires queuing, EB-5 investment immigration is the only stable, clear, and operable channel.
Securing an EB-5 green card quota in advance is like lighting a lamp on the path to prestigious schools for children.
Nineteen years of glorious journey, grateful to walk with you
WorldwayU.S. Investment Immigration 19th Anniversary Celebration Grand Opening
From September 1 to September 30, 2025
Handle U.S. immigration projects
Enjoy exclusive special offers
Seize the opportunity, act immediately, and handle it quickly!