Lori Meadows
International students play a significant role in the economy and education system of the United States, which was the top host destination for international students in 2022, with around 950,000 international student enrollments. The number of international students in the US has been increasing, with 1,060,000 international students in the country in the 2022/23 academic year, contributing $40 billion to the economy. In the 2023-2024 school year, this number grew to 1,043,878, with international students contributing $43.8 billion to the economy and supporting more than 375,000 jobs. California, New York, and Texas welcomed the most international students, with the majority pursuing STEM fields.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students enrolled in the US in 2022 | 950,000 |
| Number of international students enrolled in the US in 2023 | 1,060,000 |
| Number of international students enrolled in the UK in 2022 | 630,000 |
| Number of international students enrolled in Canada in 2022 | 550,000 |
| Number of new international students enrolled in the US in 2023/2024 | 298,705 |
| Number of international graduate students enrolled in the US in 2023/2024 | 502,291 |
| Number of international students enrolled in OPT in the US in 2023/2024 | 242,782 |
| Number of international undergraduate students enrolled in the US in 2023/2024 | 342,875 |
| Number of international students from India enrolled in the US in 2023/2024 | 331,602 |
| Number of international students from China enrolled in the US in 2023/2024 | 277,398 |
| Number of international students enrolled in the US in 2023/2024 who studied STEM fields | 56% |
| Number of international students enrolled in the US in 2023/2024 who studied math and computer science | 25% |
| Number of international students enrolled in the US in 2023/2024 who studied engineering | 19% |
| Number of international students enrolled in the US in 2023/2024 who studied business and management | 14% |
| Number of international students enrolled in the US in 2023/2024 who studied physical and life sciences | 8% |
| Number of international students enrolled in the US in 2023/2024 who studied social sciences | 8% |
| Number of international students enrolled in the US in 2023/2024 who studied fine and applied arts | 5% |
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What You'll Learn
- International student enrolment in US colleges and universities in 2023/2024: 298,705
- International graduate students in the US in 2023/2024: 502,291
- International students in the US from India in 2023/2024: 331,602
- International students in the US from China in 2023/2024: 277,398
- International students in STEM in the US in 2023/2024: 56%
International student enrolment in US colleges and universities in 2023/2024: 298,705
International student enrolment in US colleges and universities reached an all-time high in the 2023/2024 academic year, with 1,126,690 international students enrolled. This number represents a 7% increase over the previous academic year and is a positive sign for US colleges and universities, demonstrating their commitment to keeping their doors open to international students.
The growth in international student enrolment is a result of multiple factors, including the Biden administration's efforts to welcome international students and the reversal of Trump-era immigration policies, which had caused uncertainty and fear among prospective international students. The pandemic also played a role, as many international students deferred enrolment during the peak years of COVID-19, opting to wait until conditions improved. The shift back to in-person classes or hybrid models at US colleges and universities has likely contributed to the rebound in international enrolment.
Another significant factor is the increase in students from India, which has driven up US college enrolment numbers. Indian students now make up nearly one-quarter of all international students in the US. This surge is attributed to India's growing population, limited higher education options at home, and poor job prospects, prompting many Indian students to pursue academic and career paths abroad.
The contribution of international students to the US extends beyond their enrolment numbers. According to NAFSA's complementary analysis, international students at US colleges and universities contributed US$43.8 billion and supported 378,175 jobs in 2023/24. This impact underscores the importance of international students to the US economy and the mutually beneficial relationship between host institutions and their international students.
Looking ahead, there is anticipation that the growth in international student numbers will continue in the 2024/25 academic year. However, competition for international students is increasing, and proactive policies are needed to attract and retain global talent in the United States.
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International graduate students in the US in 2023/2024: 502,291
The presence of international students in the US has a positive impact on the economy and local communities. In the 2023-2024 school year, international students contributed a combined $43.8 billion to the economy and supported more than 375,000 jobs across the country. They also pay full tuition rates, providing valuable revenue that helps subsidize the cost of attendance for domestic students.
International students face challenges such as homesickness and culture shock, and if they wish to stay in the US after graduation, they must navigate visa requirements and availability. Despite these challenges, the US remains the top host destination for international students worldwide, with around 950,000 students enrolled in higher education in 2022.
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International students in the US from India in 2023/2024: 331,602
International students have contributed significantly to the US economy and the growth of its higher education institutions. In the 2023/2024 academic year, there were 331,602 Indian students studying in the United States, a 23% increase from the previous year. This made India the leading place of origin for international students in the US for the first time since 2009, surpassing China, which saw a 4% decline in its number of students.
Indian students have contributed substantially to the US economy. According to Open Doors data, they contributed $5.01 billion in 2015-2016. Indian students tend to pursue STEM fields, with engineering, math, and computer science being the most popular choices. In 2023/2024, 56% of international students pursued STEM fields, with math and computer science being the leading field of study for one in four international students.
The increase in Indian students in the US can be attributed to the country's focus on international student recruitment. US institutions have prioritised graduate recruitment efforts in India, and India has become the top-sending country for graduate students, with 196,567 Indian students pursuing graduate studies in the US in 2023/2024, a 19% increase. Additionally, 97,556 Indian students participated in Optional Practical Training (OPT), a 41% increase, allowing them to gain practical work experience in the US.
The rise in Indian students in the US is part of a broader trend of increasing international student enrollment in the country. In 2023/2024, there were 1,126,690 international students from over 210 places of origin studying at US higher education institutions, a 7% increase from the previous year. This includes 298,705 new international students enrolling in US colleges or universities for the first time, matching pre-pandemic levels. The US continues to be a premier destination for global education, fostering cultural exchange and enriching its campuses.
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International students in the US from China in 2023/2024: 277,398
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. The United States is a popular destination for international students, and international students have long been one of the country's greatest competitive advantages. In the 2022/23 academic year, there were 1,057,188 international students studying in the United States, an increase from the previous year, which saw 948,519 international students.
In 2023/2024, there were 277,398 international students from China in the United States, a 4% decline from the previous year. Despite this, China remained the second leading place of origin for international students, with India taking the top spot with 331,602 students. China remained the top-sending country for undergraduates and non-degree students, with 87,551 and 5,517 students, respectively. The number of Chinese students pursuing Optional Practical Training (OPT) increased by 12% to 61,552. OPT is a post-graduation work program that allows international students to gain practical work experience in their fields of study. It is a major factor in attracting international students to the United States and encouraging them to remain after graduation.
International students contribute significantly to the US economy and local communities. In the 2023-2024 school year, international students contributed a combined $43.8 billion to the economy and supported more than 375,000 jobs across the country. International students typically pay full tuition rates, providing valuable revenue that helps subsidize the cost of attendance for domestic students. Additionally, international students support the growth and sustainability of US universities, particularly during challenging times.
The majority of international students in the United States pursue STEM fields, with math and computer science being the leading field of study in 2023/2024. California, New York, and Texas are the top three states that welcomed the most international students.
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International students in STEM in the US in 2023/2024: 56%
International students have long been a feature of the US higher education system, contributing billions to the US economy and supporting the expansion of universities. In 2023/2024, there was a total of 1.1 million international students enrolled in US higher education institutions, an all-time high. This figure includes 298,705 new international students, matching the previous year's total and pre-pandemic levels.
Among international students, India was the leading place of origin, with 331,602 students in the US in 2023/2024, a 23% increase from the previous year. China was the second-leading place of origin, with 277,398 students, despite a 4% decline. Together, India and China made up over half of all international students in the US. Other countries that experienced strong growth include Bangladesh, Colombia, Ghana, Italy, Nepal, Pakistan, and Spain. The total number of international students in 44 US states and territories increased year-over-year, with California, New York, and Texas welcoming the most international students.
In terms of field of study, the majority of international students pursued STEM fields (56%). Math and computer science were the leading field of study, with one in four students (25%) choosing this area. Nearly one in five (19%) studied engineering, while other popular fields included business and management (14%), physical and life sciences (8%), social sciences (8%), and fine and applied arts (5%).
Overall, the US continues to be a popular destination for international students, with a diverse range of countries represented and a strong presence in STEM fields.
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Frequently asked questions
There were 298,705 new international students in US colleges in 2023, with a total of 1,060,000 international students in the country that year.
There were around 950,000 international students enrolled in US colleges in 2022.
California, New York, and Texas enrolled the most international students in 2023.
The three Midwestern states of Missouri (+35%), Michigan (+14%), and Illinois (+13%) saw the greatest growth in international student enrollment in 2023.
331,602 international students from India enrolled in US colleges in 2023, making it the leading place of origin.
