Lana Oconnell
The United States is a popular destination for international students seeking higher education. During the 2022-2023 academic year, there were over 1 million international students enrolled in US colleges and universities, comprising around 5-6% of the total student population. This number has been steadily increasing over the years, with a significant rebound following the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a sharp decline in international student enrollment. The US offers a diverse range of academic programs, cultural experiences, and research opportunities, making it an attractive destination for students worldwide.
What You'll Learn
The number of international students in US universities
International students have long been attracted to US universities, and their numbers have been climbing for decades. The US hosted more than a million international students during the 2022-2023 academic year, according to the Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange. This number represents a record 5.6% of the total student population.
The US has about 4,000 accredited institutions of higher education, and international students are spread across the country, with nearly half studying in California, New York, Texas, Massachusetts, and Florida. However, the number of international students in the US fell sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic, from about 1,075,000 in the 2019-2020 academic year to about 914,000 the following year.
International students are a boon to the US economy, contributing $40 billion and supporting 368,333 jobs during the 2022-2023 academic year. They also enrich the cultural environment on US campuses and enhance the educational experience for domestic students.
The number of international students in the US is rising again, with a surge in new international student enrollment of 14% in 2022-2023, on top of an 80% increase the previous year. This growth is driven by several factors, including increased outreach by US colleges, more student visas being issued, and the end of COVID-19 travel restrictions.
The US is a top choice for international students due to its academic excellence, research opportunities, innovative programs, state-of-the-art facilities, cultural diversity, and the chance to improve English language skills.
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The application process for international students
Start Early:
The application process can take a significant amount of time, so it is essential to start early, ideally 18 months before your intended start date. This will give you enough time to research institutions and programs, meet application deadlines, and complete all the necessary steps.
Build Your College List:
Create a list of 8-10 universities that align with your academic and professional goals. Consider factors such as acceptance rates, GPA and standardized test score requirements, tuition fees, and the competitiveness of admissions. Include a mix of reach, target, and safety schools.
Get Your Transcript Evaluated:
Contact the admissions office to inquire about their specific requirements for international students. Usually, international students are required to have their transcripts evaluated by a credential evaluator, who will determine if their foreign credentials meet the enrollment standards.
Prepare Recommendation Letters:
Letters of recommendation provide valuable insights into your character and academic performance. Reach out to teachers, principals, or counsellors who know you well and can speak to your strengths. Give them ample time to write strong and thoughtful letters.
Meet Language Requirements:
If English is not your first language, you will likely need to prove your proficiency by taking a standardized test like IELTS or TOEFL. Check the specific language requirements for each university on your list.
Standardized Tests:
In addition to language tests, US universities often require international students to take standardized admission tests such as the SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT. Research the tests required by your chosen universities and prepare accordingly.
Complete Application Forms:
Once you have your college list ready, start filling out the application forms, which can usually be found on the university's website. Attach all the required supporting documents, including transcripts, test scores, and any other relevant information.
Take the Entrance Exam:
Most US universities require prospective students to take an entrance exam. Research the specific exams required by your chosen universities and register for them.
Wait for Acceptance:
After submitting your applications and supporting documents, the only thing left to do is wait for a response. Universities will notify you of their decision via acceptance letters, typically sent out after the application deadline has passed.
Financial Considerations:
Applying to universities can be expensive, with application fees ranging from $35 to $100 per school. Additionally, consider your financial situation and explore options such as financial aid, scholarships, and student loans to fund your studies.
Student Visa:
As an international student, don't forget the important step of applying for a student visa. Common types of student visas include F-1, J-1, and M-1, each with its own requirements and restrictions. Allow ample time for visa processing to ensure a smooth transition to studying in the US.
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The impact of COVID-19 on international student numbers
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on international student enrollment in US universities, causing a decline in numbers. However, the latest data suggests a rebound, with increasing numbers of international students choosing US higher education institutions.
The pandemic disrupted international education, with travel restrictions and health concerns affecting the ability of students to pursue overseas study. The number of international students in the US fell from about 1,075,000 in the 2019-2020 academic year to approximately 914,000 in the following year. This decline had a financial impact on universities, as international students typically pay higher tuition fees. The loss of revenue led to concerns about job losses in the academic sector and a potential long-term decline in international students.
Rebound in International Student Numbers
Despite the initial negative impact of COVID-19, international student enrollment in US colleges and universities has been recovering. The latest data from the 2022-2023 academic year shows a significant rebound, with over 1.5 million international students, marking an almost 12% increase from the previous year. This growth is attributed to increased outreach by US colleges, a relative increase in capacity compared to other countries, and the easing of travel restrictions.
Impact on University Finances and the US Economy
International students contribute substantially to the US economy and support a significant number of jobs. During the 2022-2023 academic year, international students contributed approximately $40 billion to the US economy and supported over 368,000 jobs. The rebound in international student numbers is, therefore, beneficial to universities and the wider economy.
While the COVID-19 pandemic initially caused a decline in international student numbers, US colleges and universities have experienced a strong recovery in enrollment. This rebound has positive implications for both the financial health of educational institutions and the US economy as a whole.
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The economic impact of international students
International students have a significant positive economic impact on the United States. In the 2022-2023 academic year, over one million international students contributed an estimated $40 billion to the U.S. economy, a 19% increase from the previous year. This contribution supported 368,333 jobs, a 9.8% rise from the previous year.
International students are a major source of revenue for U.S. universities, as they typically pay higher tuition fees than domestic students. In 2018, the U.S. Department of Commerce reported that international students contributed $45 billion to the U.S. economy. This figure includes not only tuition fees but also spending on accommodations, transportation, food, and consumer goods.
The growth in international student enrollment in the U.S. has been driven by several factors, including increased outreach by U.S. colleges, limited capacity in other popular destinations such as Canada and the UK, and an increase in student visa issuances.
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The benefits of international students
International students are an integral part of the US higher education system, with over a million international students choosing US universities for their studies in the 2022-2023 academic year. This number marked an almost 12% jump from the previous year, the fastest growth rate in more than 40 years.
Economic Impact
International students contribute significantly to the US economy. During the 2022-2023 academic year, they contributed $40 billion to the economy and supported over 368,000 jobs. International students usually pay higher tuition fees than domestic students in public universities as they do not qualify for state residency tuition breaks. This revenue helps keep classes full, tuition revenue up, and institutions thriving.
Diversity and Cultural Exchange
International students bring diversity to campuses, enriching the educational experience for both domestic and international students. The interactions and experiences shared by students from different backgrounds have long-lasting impacts on personal, socioeconomic, and even political growth.
Research by Duke University found that US students who actively interacted with international students reported better self-confidence, leadership skills, quantitative skills, and overall intellectual growth. Later in life, these students were more likely to appreciate art and literature, re-examine their political and religious beliefs, and develop a more global perspective.
Enhanced Intellectual Environment
International students, particularly those from Asia, often choose STEM fields for their studies, with Computer Science and Business Administration being the most popular majors. This dominance in STEM fields enhances the intellectual environment on campuses and contributes to the US's global leadership in higher education.
Career Benefits for Domestic Students
In today's globalized economy, academic and social interaction with international students can provide domestic students with real educational and career benefits. International students bring diverse perspectives, and connecting with them can foster wonderful personal and professional connections that will benefit domestic students throughout their careers.
Capacity for International Students
The US has a large capacity for international students, with nearly 4,000 accredited institutions of higher education across all 50 states. This is in contrast to countries like Canada and the UK, which are nearing their capacity for hosting international students, with international students making up 22-30% of higher education enrollment in these countries.
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Frequently asked questions
During the 2022-2023 academic year, there were over 1 million international students enrolled in US universities, with some sources giving a more specific figure of 1,057,188.
The number of international students enrolled in US universities has been steadily increasing over the past few years, with the 2022-2023 academic year seeing an almost 12% jump from the previous year—the fastest growth rate in more than 40 years.
The majority of international students in the US come from Asia, with India and China being the top two countries of origin.
International students in the US tend to pursue degrees in STEM fields, with Computer Science and Business Administration being the most popular majors.
International students are drawn to US universities for a variety of reasons, including the opportunity to study at top-ranked institutions, the availability of specialized fields of study, state-of-the-art research facilities, cultural diversity, and the chance to improve their English language skills.
