Lana Oconnell
International students make up 5.6% of U.S. college students, with more than 1.1 million international students enrolled in colleges and universities in the United States in 2023/2024, a 7% increase from the previous academic year. This number includes 38,742 non-degree students enrolled in intensive English programs. International students enrich campuses, foster cultural exchange, and contribute significantly to the U.S. economy, with many paying the full cost of college, which helps lower costs for American students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total number of international students in the US | 1,126,690 (2023/2024) |
| Percentage of international students in the US | 6% of total US higher education population |
| Number of new international students | 298,705 (2023/2024) |
| Number of international graduate students | 502,291 (2023/2024) |
| Number of international students in OPT | 242,782 (2023/2024) |
| Number of international undergraduate students | 342,875 (2023/2024) |
| Number of international non-degree students | 38,742 |
| Top sending countries | India, China |
| Number of international students from India | 331,602 (2023/2024) |
| Number of international students from China | 277,398 |
| Percentage of international students from Asia | 75% |
| Number of international students in STEM programs | >50% |
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What You'll Learn
International students in the US: where are they from?
International students are vital contributors to the US economy, with impacts that extend beyond their educational institutions. Their spending supports job creation, stimulates local economies, and provides essential revenue to universities, underscoring their importance to the overall economic health of the country. In the 2022–2023 academic year, international students' financial contributions helped support over 368,000 jobs nationwide.
In 2023–2024, there were 1,126,690 international students in the US, a 7% increase from the previous academic year. This number includes 298,705 new international students, matching the previous year's total and pre-pandemic levels. India is the top-sending country, with 331,602 students, followed by China with 277,398 students. Together, these two countries make up over half (54%) of all international students in the US. Notably, India surpassed China as the leading place of origin for the first time since 2009, with a 23% increase in students from the previous year.
The majority of international students from India enrol in STEM fields. Out of the total Indian applicants in 2021, 33.5% chose to pursue engineering, while 34.8% opted for math or computer science. In contrast, Chinese students prefer to study in the US because US education focuses on quality rather than quantity, which aligns with traditional Chinese culture's emphasis on academic achievement. Students from wealthy and middle-class families in China can afford the expense of studying in the US, which also carries social prestige.
International students in the US must obtain a student visa, typically an F-1 Visa, which requires proof of financial ability to cover tuition, books, and living expenses. These students often pay higher tuition fees than domestic students, particularly at public universities, and their tuition payments help stabilise the financial health of higher education institutions. In addition to tuition, international students contribute billions through their living expenses, including housing, food, transportation, and health insurance. This spending benefits local businesses and drives economic activity in various sectors, such as real estate and retail.
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English language programs for international students
The United States is a top destination for international students interested in learning English or improving their English language skills. There are two types of English language training programs: "Stand-alone" schools that offer only English language training programs, and "Combined" schools that offer English language training programs as well as other academic programs.
English language courses in the US range from beginner to advanced levels. Some programs focus exclusively on English for academic purposes, while others serve as preparation for specific examinations or English skills for the workplace. Some US colleges and universities offer "bridge" or "pathway" programs that allow students to build English language proficiency while also earning academic credit toward their degrees. These programs facilitate a direct transfer into an academic program once students achieve sufficient language proficiency.
Kaplan International is an example of an organization that offers English language programs for international students in the US. They offer Intensive English courses, Business English courses, and Exam Preparation courses. They have schools in dynamic cities like New York, San Francisco, and Chicago, as well as in more peaceful seaside destinations like Santa Barbara and Los Angeles.
Students interested in English language programs in the US should research their options and consult an EducationUSA adviser to find the right program for their needs. It is important to ensure that the chosen school is SEVP-certified and accredited by a US Department of Education-recognized agency to enroll F-1 English language training students.
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The financial benefits of international students
International students have long been attracted to the United States for higher education, with more than 1.1 million international students in the country during the 2023-24 academic year. This influx of international students has brought about significant financial benefits for the US economy, as well as for individual states and communities.
Financial Benefits to the US Economy
International students contributed approximately $44 billion to the US economy during the 2023-24 academic year, according to the Association of American Universities (AAU) and NAFSA: Association of International Educators. This contribution supported more than 378,000 jobs across the country, with NAFSA's analysis indicating that for every three international students, one US job is created or supported.
Financial Benefits to Individual States
The economic impact of international students is not evenly distributed across the country but varies by state. NAFSA's data revealed that California, New York, Massachusetts, Texas, and Illinois were the top five states with the largest economic activity derived from international students. These states are home to some of the most prestigious universities in the US, including Stanford University, the University of California system, New York University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the University of Texas at Austin.
Financial Benefits to Local Communities
International students also bring financial benefits to the local communities surrounding their colleges and universities. They contribute to the local economy through their spending on accommodation, food, transportation, and other goods and services. Additionally, international students often bring their families, who also contribute financially to the local community. NAFSA's analysis specifically highlighted the economic contributions of international students and their families, recognizing the positive impact they have on the local level.
Financial Benefits of Optional Practical Training (OPT)
The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows international students to remain in the US temporarily to gain practical work experience after completing their studies. This program has seen a record high of international student participation, with a 22% increase from the prior year. By providing international students with work opportunities in the US, the OPT program not only benefits the students but also contributes to the US economy, as these students gain valuable work experience and spend their earnings within the country.
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International students in US STEM programs
International students are an integral part of the United States' higher education system, with over 1.1 million international students enrolled in its colleges and universities in 2023/2024, an all-time high. This influx of international students contributes significantly to the US economy, with a total of $34 billion added in 2025, a 20% increase from the previous year.
Among the various fields of study, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) programs are particularly popular among international students. The most sought-after STEM subjects include computer science, engineering, mathematics and statistics, and physical sciences. Other STEM fields that attract international students are biochemistry, biology, chemistry, environmental studies, and biomedical technology.
Some of the top universities in the US for STEM courses include the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in STEM. Another prestigious institution is the California Institute of Technology (CalTech), which is known for its small class sizes and strong focus on undergraduate education. The University of Michigan (UM) is also notable for its engineering and computer science programs, providing students with access to advanced facilities and research projects.
International students are especially prevalent in graduate STEM programs, with fields like computer science and petroleum engineering having high international student enrollment rates. In 2019, 72% of graduate students in computer science were international, and enrollment rates for international students in STEM MBA programs are boosted by the extended visa perk called STEM OPT (Optional Practical Training). This option allows international students to gain practical work experience in the US after graduation.
Overall, the presence of international students in US STEM programs enriches the academic environment, fosters cultural exchange, and contributes to the country's economic prosperity and global competitiveness.
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International students: undergraduate vs graduate
The United States is one of the best countries for international students to pursue their undergraduate or graduate studies. In 2023/2024, the total number of international students at US colleges and universities reached an all-time high of over 1.1 million, with 298,705 new international students enrolling for the first time. This figure includes both undergraduate and graduate students, with a breakdown provided by the Open Doors Report.
According to the 2023/2024 Open Doors Report, there were 502,291 international graduate students in the US, an 8% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, the number of international undergraduates remained stable at 342,875, with a moderate 1% decrease from 2022/2023. This data indicates that international graduate student enrolment is higher than that of undergraduates, with graduate students accounting for approximately 44.6% of all international students in the US.
The difference in enrolment numbers between undergraduate and graduate international students can be attributed to various factors. One reason may be the flexibility of undergraduate programs, which allow students to change their major or move to a different school relatively easily. In contrast, graduate programs tend to be narrowly specialized, making it more challenging to switch programs or institutions. Additionally, the eligibility requirements for graduate programs may vary significantly depending on the specific program, institution, and field of study, with most programs requiring a bachelor's degree or its equivalent.
The country of origin of international students also plays a role in the enrolment numbers. For instance, India has become the top-sending country for international students in 2023/2024, with a 23% increase from the previous year. Indian students primarily contributed to the increase in graduate-level enrolment, while Chinese students, the second-leading country of origin, showed a more modest increase in undergraduate enrolment.
Furthermore, the economic situation and job market may influence the decision to pursue graduate studies. Some fields of study may require a graduate program to obtain high-paying jobs, while others may offer similar opportunities with only an undergraduate degree. The specific benefits and opportunities associated with each level of education can vary depending on the candidate's goals and aspirations.
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Frequently asked questions
There were over 1.1 million (1,126,690) international students enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities in 2023/2024, a 7% increase from the previous academic year.
There were 298,705 new international students in U.S. colleges and universities in 2023/2024, matching the previous year's total and pre-pandemic levels.
India was the top-sending country, with 331,602 international students in the U.S. in 2023/2024, a 23% increase from the previous year.
Data from 2023-2024 shows that about three-quarters of international students in the U.S. are from Asia, with more than half from India and China.
