<p>I recently read that University of Illinois has the largest international population when considering public universities, and 4th largest nation wide. I find this surprising when the university out of state population is only 17%, and also when thinking out other popular international schools such as Boston University.
So is there anything specific that attracts the internatioal population to Illinois, and any specific reason why Illinois out of state population is 17% compared to other universities. I ask these questions because I'm a prospective out of state student and consider how it could affect my chances. Though I do remember that University of Illinois did state that they grade out of state and in-state students equally.</p>
<p>U</a>. of Ill. a top target for foreign students -- chicagotribune.com</p>