Today the United States occupies the top lines of the world ratings of “soft power”. One of the most important criteria by which experts assess the degree of effectiveness of this mechanism is the level of involvement of the state on the world stage of its educational potential. Thus, education, along with public diplomacy and various cultural projects, acts as a key tool to achieve influence in modern international relations. Specific measures taken by the United States for the development of education in the international context, the main documents that have become the basis for this process, are considered. Also, special attention is paid to the direct directions of the international educational policy of the United States and the analysis of its implementation in the key areas included in the sphere of national interests of this state. The author draws a conclusion about the uneven degree of use of education as a “soft power” in different years, about a certain decline (expressed, including a decrease in funding) and under the current presidential administration. However, despite some instability, the United States continues to consider education as a key tool to spread its influence, implementing numerous programs and promoting various educational projects around the world.