Janice Lozano
The United States is one of the most popular study-abroad destinations for international students. In 2023, the US hosted 1,126,690 international students from over 210 countries, a 7% increase from the previous year. The number of international students in the US has been increasing since 2003, reaching 1,095,299 in 2018, the highest it had been up to that point. International students contribute billions of dollars to the US economy, with many ending up as immigrants after graduation and contributing to the economy for decades. The majority of international students pursue STEM fields, with math and computer science being the leading field of study for international students in 2023-24.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students in the US | 1,126,690 |
| Number of places of origin | Over 210 |
| Number of new international students in 2023/2024 | 298,705 |
| Number of international graduate students in 2023/2024 | 502,291 |
| Number of international students on OPT in 2023/2024 | 242,782 |
| Number of international undergraduate students in 2023/2024 | 342,875 |
| Number of international non-degree students in 2023/2024 | 38,742 |
| Top country of origin | India (331,602) |
| Second country of origin | China (277,398) |
| Top field of study | STEM (56%) |
| Number of international students in California, New York, and Texas | N/A |
| Number of international students from India predicted for 2030 | Over 1 million |
| Number of international students in 2018 | 1,095,299 |
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What You'll Learn
International students in the US: where do they come from?
The United States has long been the top destination for international students, attracting the world's most promising talent through its higher education institutions. In the 2023-2024 academic year, the US hosted an all-time high of over 1.1 million international students from more than 210 places of origin, with India and China accounting for over half of this number.
During this period, 331,602 Indian students studied in the US, a 23% increase from the previous year, making India the leading place of origin. Indian students tend to favour STEM fields, with engineering, math, and computer science being popular choices. In 2023, approximately 268,923 Indian students chose the US for their higher education, and this number is projected to exceed 1 million per year by 2030.
China was the second-leading place of origin, with 277,398 students, despite a 4% decline. Chinese students are drawn to the US due to its focus on quality education and the high social status associated with academic achievement in Chinese culture.
Other popular places of origin include South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Canada. The top 10 states hosting international students include California, New York, Texas, and Massachusetts, which offer a combination of top-receiving schools and attractive local cultures.
International students in the US make significant contributions to the economy, injecting $43.8 billion and supporting over 375,000 jobs in 2023-2024. They pay higher tuition fees, subsidizing costs for domestic students, and their spending boosts local economies, particularly in sectors such as real estate and retail.
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Why do international students want to study in the US?
The United States has long been the top destination for international students, with more than 1.1 million international students in the country during the 2023/2024 academic year, a 7% increase from the previous year. This makes the US an incredibly multicultural place to study, with international students from over 210 places of origin.
There are numerous reasons why international students are attracted to studying in the US. Firstly, the US is home to many of the world's best universities, with approximately half of the top global universities located in the US, according to U.S. News & World Report. These universities offer strong academics, innovative research, and supportive faculty. The US higher education system also offers a high level of flexibility, allowing students to explore their interests before committing to a degree program.
Another advantage of studying in the US is the opportunity to build a strong global network. Universities such as St. John's University have large alumni networks that offer students and graduates mentoring, career advice, and job opportunities. US companies increasingly value diverse perspectives, so having studied in the US can be a unique advantage in the job market. Furthermore, international students can gain hands-on, real-world experience through experiential learning, co-ops, internships, and research projects, which can help build relationships with future employers.
The US also offers a wide range of academic options, with over 5,000 higher education institutions to choose from. This increases the chances of international students finding a quality education in their desired field of study. US universities also tend to offer excellent support services, helping students with the complicated immigration process and providing ongoing support to ensure their success.
Lastly, the US offers a culturally diverse environment, with many cities holding annual cultural festivals celebrating international traditions, food, music, and art. There are also many student-run organizations and societies focusing on cultural communities, which can help international students feel less homesick and adjust to American college life.
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How much do international students contribute to the US economy?
International students have long contributed to the US economy, and their numbers have been rising. The United States hosted an all-time high of more than 1.1 million international students in 2023/2024, a 7% increase from the previous academic year. The Fall 2024 International Student Enrollment Snapshot reports a further 3% rise in international student enrollment across U.S. institutions at the start of the 2024/25 academic year.
International students contributed a record-breaking $43.8 billion to the US economy during the 2023-2024 academic year and supported more than 378,000 jobs. This is a significant increase from the previous academic year's contribution of $41 billion. The economic contribution of international students is even more pronounced at the state level. In 2023/2024, twelve states broke the $1 billion mark in economic contributions from international students, with California, New York, Massachusetts, Texas, and Illinois being the top five states. International students enrolled in community colleges contributed $2 billion and supported over 8,400 jobs, a substantial increase from the previous year.
International students also contribute to the US economy in other ways. For example, about 62% of international students receive the majority of their funds from outside the United States, bringing in significant amounts of foreign capital. They also contribute to America's scientific and technical research, help prepare American undergraduates for global careers, and foster longer-term business relationships and economic benefits. International students' presence in US classrooms brings in diverse international perspectives and strengthens the country's global image.
The US government recognizes the value of international students and actively promotes their enrollment through various programs. The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) sponsors several exchange programs, including the Fulbright Program and the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarships, to improve foreign relations and strengthen the US's global leadership position. These initiatives also provide a broad range of domestic benefits by helping to break down barriers and improve cultural understanding.
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What do international students study in the US?
The United States has the world's largest international student population, with more than 1,000,000 students choosing to pursue higher education at a US college or university. The US has long been the top destination for international students, attracting the world's most promising talent. International students contribute enormously to their local communities and the US economy, injecting $43.8 billion and supporting 375,000 jobs in the 2023-2024 school year alone.
International students in the US have a wide range of academic options, from undergraduate to graduate programmes, and they can choose from various fields of study. During the 2023/2024 academic year, the majority of international students (56%) pursued STEM fields, with math and computer science being the leading field of study, chosen by 25% of international students. Other popular fields of study include business and management (14%), physical and life sciences (8%), social sciences (8%), and fine and applied arts (5%).
International students can also pursue religious studies, with many religious schools spread throughout the country, offering a unique educational experience that combines spirituality with academic pursuits. Additionally, online learning has become an attractive option for international students who cannot afford to leave home for years, providing flexibility and accessibility to earn a US degree from anywhere in the world.
When deciding where to study, international students may consider various factors such as the availability of their desired programme, the reputation of the institution, and the cultural and economic aspects of the location. The US offers a diverse range of options, with each state having its unique culture, climate, history, and economy.
International students in the US typically fund their undergraduate degrees with family support, while graduate degrees are often self-funded or partially funded through financial assistance from universities. Scholarships, grants, assistantships, and fellowships are also available at many institutions for those with limited financial resources.
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How does the US benefit from international students?
The United States has long been the top destination for international students, with 1,126,690 international students from over 210 countries studying at US higher education institutions during the 2023/2024 academic year. This is an increase of 7% from the previous year and almost four times the number in the 1979-80 school year.
International students contribute significantly to the US economy and local communities in several ways. Firstly, they inject money into the economy and support American jobs. During the 2023-2024 academic year, international students contributed a combined $43.8 billion to the US economy and supported more than 375,000 jobs. This contribution allows schools to increase domestic student enrollment and support larger graduate programs and research efforts. International students typically pay full tuition rates, providing valuable revenue that subsidizes the cost of attendance for domestic students.
Secondly, international students help the US to compete on the world stage, particularly in the "industries of the future" such as artificial intelligence, 5G, biotechnology, and quantum computing. The majority of international students (56%) pursue STEM fields, with math and computer science being the leading field of study. By attracting the world's most promising talent, the US gains a competitive advantage and can maintain its global economic leadership.
Additionally, international students create ties between the US and their home countries, develop friendships with Americans, and gain an understanding of American culture and society. They bring diversity to US universities and contribute to social mobility and national unity. When international graduates stay in the US long-term, they create jobs, start new businesses, and raise wages for US-born workers.
Overall, the US benefits economically, socially, and culturally from international students, and maintaining its attractiveness to international students is crucial for its global competitiveness.
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Frequently asked questions
There were more than 1.1 million international students in the US during the 2023-24 academic year.
In 2023, 268,923 Indian students chose the US for their higher education, and this number rose to 337,630 in 2024.
International students contributed a combined $43.8 billion to the US economy during the 2023-24 academic year.
