International Students In The Us: A Comprehensive Overview

International students are a common sight in the United States, with the country hosting more than a million international students at its higher education institutions in 2023, an all-time high. International students are defined as non-immigrant visitors who come to the United States temporarily to take classes or take online courses virtually from anywhere in the world. They are vital contributors to the US economy, with their spending supporting job creation, stimulating local economies, and providing essential revenue to universities. In 2023, the US hosted over 1.5 million international students, with California, New York, and Texas welcoming the most students.

International students in the US: 1.1 million+ in 2023/2024

International students are defined as "non-immigrant visitors" who travel to the United States to attend classes or take online courses. In 2023/2024, there were over 1.1 million international students at US higher education institutions, an all-time high. This figure includes 298,705 new international students, matching the total number of new students in the previous year and pre-pandemic levels.

The United States is a popular destination for international students, with its higher education institutions hosting students from over 210 places of origin. California, New York, and Texas are the top three states that welcome international students. New York was the most popular state in the region, with nearly 170,000 international students in 2023, an 8% increase from the previous year. California hosted nearly 238,000 active students in 2023, a 6% increase from 2022.

In 2023/2024, India surpassed China as the top place of origin for international students, with a record-high 331,602 Indian students in the US. This represented a 23% increase from the previous academic year, with Indian students contributing $5.01 billion to the US economy in 2015-16. China was the second-leading place of origin, with 277,398 students, a 4% decline from the previous year. Together, India and China accounted for over half of all international students in the United States.

International students are vital contributors to the US economy, with their tuition fees and living expenses supporting job creation, stimulating local economies, and providing essential revenue to universities. International students bring new perspectives to US campuses and foster cultural exchange. The Open Doors 2023 Report emphasizes the resilience and importance of international education for universities and countries looking to support global innovation, collaboration, and peace.

Leading places of origin: India, China, Ghana, Italy, Nepal

The United States is host to more than 1.1 million international students at higher education institutions, an all-time high. In 2023/2024, India was the top place of origin for international students in the US for the first time since 2009, with a record-high 331,602 Indian students. This reflects a 23% increase from the previous year. The number of Indians granted study visas grew by 307% between 2019 and 2022, increasing from 34,261 to 139,539. In 2020, there were at least 207,000 Indian international students in the US, and in 2022, there were 211,930. Indian students pumped US$7.6 billion into the US economy during the 2019-20 period. Many international students from India perceive a US degree as a gateway to work visas and enhanced job opportunities. However, the financial burden of pursuing these degrees, coupled with uncertainties in securing employment, poses significant challenges.

China was the second leading place of origin in 2023/2024, with 277,398 students, a 4% decline. It remained the top-sending country for undergraduates and non-degree students, sending 87,551 and 5,517, respectively. Chinese students pursuing OPT increased by 12% to 61,552. However, the number of Chinese students in the US has been declining since the pandemic, and Trump-era policies have made it difficult for Chinese grad students and researchers to secure visas.

Ghana ranks 18th in the world for sending students to the US for graduate programs. The number of Ghanaian students in the US grew by 16% in the 2021-2022 school year and was part of a larger global trend following the Covid-19 pandemic, where new international student enrollment in the US grew by 4% overall. Ghanaian students pursue Bachelors, Masters, and PhDs, as well as take professional courses.

Italy also features in the list of countries that experienced strong growth in the number of students being sent to the US in 2023/2024. The Fulbright Commission Italy provides valuable information for Italian citizens looking for study opportunities in the US.

Nepal sent 11,607 students to the US in 2017, a 20.1% increase from the previous year, making it the 13th largest country of origin for international students in the US. Studying in the US is expensive, with colleges and universities costing between $12,000 and $65,000 per year. However, the US education system is attractive to Nepalese students because each school is autonomous and students do not take board exams. Differences in graduation requirements can make it take up to three years to complete a degree.

Top host states: California, New York, Texas

California, New York, and Texas are among the top host states for international students in the US. During the 2021-2022 academic year, California was the number one state for international students, with more than 130,000 enrolled across its colleges. The state's popularity is due to its diverse culture, top-ranked universities, and range of outdoor activities. California is the most populous state in the US, and its largest city, Los Angeles, is a popular destination for international students. The state is also home to several of the nation's top universities, including Stanford University and the University of California, Los Angeles. In 2019, the University of Southern California enrolled more than 17,300 international students.

New York, the third most popular state for international students, is known for its cultural diversity and prestigious educational institutions. It is one of the only American states to host multiple Ivy League schools, including Cornell University and Columbia University. The state's cultural attractions, historic landmarks, and world-class entertainment offerings also hold great appeal for international students. New York City, the most populous city in the US, is known for its rich cultural diversity, with approximately 8 million people of various ethnicities and cultures living or studying there.

Texas, the fourth most popular state for international students, is home to universities such as the University of Texas at Austin, which offers a range of services and support for international students, including health insurance plans and financial aid opportunities.

In total, the US hosted more than 1.1 million international students in 2023/2024, with India and China being the top two countries of origin.

International students' economic impact: billions in tuition and living expenses

International students are a significant contributor to the US economy, with their tuition fees and living expenses providing a substantial economic impact. In the 2021-2022 academic year, international students contributed $33.8 billion to the US economy, a figure that is expected to increase to $40.5 billion in the 2022-2023 academic year. This contribution supports job creation, stimulates local economies, and provides essential revenue to universities, highlighting the importance of international students to the overall economic health of the country.

Tuition fees paid by international students form a significant portion of this economic impact. International students often pay higher tuition fees than domestic students, especially at public universities where they do not qualify for in-state rates. These fees are a major source of revenue for universities, helping to fund scholarships for domestic students and support institutional development. The tuition fees paid by international students contribute to the financial stability of higher education institutions across the country.

Living expenses also contribute significantly to the economic impact of international students. These students spend billions of dollars on housing, food, transportation, health insurance, and other personal needs. Their spending supports local businesses in college towns and cities, driving economic activity in sectors such as real estate and retail. The multiplier effect of this spending benefits the broader economy, creating a positive impact beyond the immediate areas of residence and study.

The economic impact of international students extends beyond their direct spending. The presence of international students in US classrooms brings in diverse perspectives, enhances cultural exchange, and fosters long-term business relationships. Additionally, international students contribute to America's scientific and technical research, benefiting the country's innovation and global competitiveness.

In conclusion, international students make significant economic contributions to the United States through their tuition fees and living expenses. Their presence not only enriches US campuses culturally but also provides a vital financial boost to educational institutions, local communities, and the overall economy. As the US continues to be a top destination for international students, the economic impact of this sector is expected to grow, further highlighting the importance of international students to the country's prosperity.

Fields of study: majority in STEM, especially math and computer science

International students in the US are largely drawn to STEM fields of study. In 2019/2020, more than half of all international students in the US were enrolled in STEM subjects, with math and computer science being the most popular. This is compared to around 16% of international students studying business and management, and a similar number studying arts, social sciences, and humanities.

Math and computer science are particularly popular among international students in the US. In 2019, 34.7% of Indian students in the US were enrolled in math and computer science, the highest rate among the top 25 source countries. Similarly, 25% of Nepali students in the US were enrolled in these fields. Fields like petroleum engineering have even higher international student enrollment rates, with 81% of students enrolled in this field being international.

The US government has shown a commitment to expanding its AI workforce and AI education ecosystems, with STEM graduates being key to this. The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows international students to work for up to 12 months during or after their studies, is a particular draw for STEM students. STEM graduates can apply for an additional 24-month extension, which is an attractive perk.

The high number of international students in STEM graduate programs in the US is also due to the demand for skilled workers in these fields. US corporations rely on this pool of international graduate students as job demand is growing exponentially. The presence of STEM-focused international students, graduates, and scholars in the US is important for maintaining the country's competitiveness in the modern economy.

Furthermore, the US has seen a decline in mathematics scores among its students over the last decade, with scores for Black, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and American Indian or Alaska Native students persistently lagging behind those of their White and Asian peers. The nation's STEM enterprise, therefore, depends heavily on recipients of higher education degrees in STEM fields, with foreign-born workers making up 45% of doctoral workers in STEM occupations.

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