Lori Meadows
International students have long been a feature of US colleges and universities, and their numbers have been increasing. In the 2023-24 school year, there were over 1.1 million international students in the US, almost four times the number in 1979-80. International students contribute significantly to the US economy, adding $43.8 billion and supporting 375,000 jobs in 2023-24. They also make up a large proportion of students in STEM subjects, earning nearly half of all Master's and Doctor's STEM degrees in 2023. However, the Trump administration's attempts to block foreign student enrollment at universities like Harvard have drawn attention to the potential drawbacks of international students in US colleges, including the impact on university economics and the possibility of intellectual property theft.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total number of international students | 1,126,690 |
| % increase from the previous academic year | 7% |
| Number of new international students | 298,705 |
| Number of international graduate students | 502,291 |
| Number of international students on OPT | 242,782 |
| Number of international undergraduate students | 342,875 |
| Number of international students enrolled in STEM programs | >50% |
| Number of advanced STEM degrees earned by international students since 2008 | 1 million |
| Number of Master's and Doctor's STEM degrees earned by international students in 2023 | 103,000 |
| Number of international medical graduates | 25% of licensed U.S. doctors |
| International students' contribution to the U.S. economy in 2023-2024 | $43.8 billion |
| Number of jobs supported by international students in the U.S. in 2023-2024 | 375,000+ |
| Top 5 states with the highest number of international students | California (12.5%), New York (12.1%), Texas (8%), Massachusetts (7.3%), Illinois (5.5%) |
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What You'll Learn
- International students contributed $43.8 billion to the US economy in 2023-2024
- International students account for 6% of the US higher education population
- International students are admitted on nonimmigrant visas
- International students are a major source of revenue for US colleges
- International students in the US are mostly enrolled in STEM programs
International students contributed $43.8 billion to the US economy in 2023-2024
International students have long been a source of competitive advantage for the United States, contributing significantly to the country's economy and supporting local communities. In the 2023-2024 academic year, the presence of international students in US colleges and universities reached an all-time high, with over 1.1 million foreign students enrolled. This influx of international students injected $43.8 billion into the US economy and supported more than 375,000 jobs across the nation.
The United States has consistently been the most popular destination for international students seeking higher education. This trend culminated in the 2023-2024 academic year, when 1,126,690 international students from over 210 countries and territories chose to pursue their studies in the United States. This remarkable internationalization of American higher education has brought about a 7% increase in enrollment compared to the previous year.
International students are drawn to the United States due to its reputation as a powerhouse of innovation and academic excellence. The country's higher education system is renowned for driving scientific research and development, producing highly educated experts who strengthen the skilled workforce both domestically and internationally. This talent pool is particularly prominent in STEM fields, with international students comprising only 5% of the total student population in the US but earning nearly half of all Master's and Doctor's STEM degrees in 2023.
The economic impact of international students extends beyond their tuition fees. Many international students remain in the United States after graduation to gain practical work experience through Optional Practical Training (OPT). In 2023-2024, the number of international students participating in OPT reached a record high of 242,782, a 22% increase from the previous year. These graduates often fill essential roles in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, where they comprise a significant portion of the licensed medical workforce serving rural and low-income communities.
The presence of international students in US colleges and universities also brings cultural diversity and fosters global connections. As Scott Weinhold, Senior Bureau Official for the Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, remarked, the experience of studying in the United States shapes not only the lives of individuals but also the future of international relations. The exchange of ideas and the formation of cross-border friendships during this formative period can have lasting impacts on business, trade, science, innovation, and government relations.
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International students account for 6% of the US higher education population
International students have long been a feature of the US higher education system, and their numbers have been increasing. In the 2023-24 school year, there were more than 1.1 million international students enrolled in US colleges and universities, an all-time high and a 7% increase from the previous academic year. This means that international students accounted for 6% of the total US higher education population.
International students come to the US from all over the world. In 2023-24, students came from more than 210 different places of origin. The states with the greatest shares of international students are California (12.5%), New York (12.1%), and Texas (8%).
International students are admitted to the US on student visas, such as the F visa for college, university, and high school students, and the M visa for students attending vocational programs. These visas are "nonimmigrant" visas, which means they do not provide a direct path to permanent residency. However, many international students end up immigrating to the US after graduation, and they contribute significantly to the US economy and job market. In the 2023-24 school year, international students contributed a combined $43.8 billion to the US economy and supported more than 375,000 jobs.
The presence of international students in US colleges and universities has benefits and drawbacks. On the one hand, international students bring diversity to US campuses and contribute to the generation of knowledge and intellectual exchange. They also bring billions of dollars to American colleges and universities and support local economies, particularly in college towns. Additionally, international students have been a source of talent in STEM fields, with more than half of international students enrolled in STEM programs and earning nearly half of all Master's and Doctor's STEM degrees in 2023. International students also fill essential roles in other fields, such as healthcare, with many foreign-born doctors serving in high-need areas like rural and low-income communities.
However, some argue that the presence of international students in US colleges and universities can be problematic. For example, the Trump administration has targeted international students at Harvard University, claiming that they take spots and financial aid opportunities away from American students. There are also concerns about the potential for international students to engage in activities that could be detrimental to US national security, such as stealing intellectual property.
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International students are admitted on nonimmigrant visas
International students play a significant role in the academic landscape of the United States, with over 1.1 million international students enrolled in US colleges and universities in 2023-2024, accounting for 6% of the total higher education population. This figure marked an all-time high and represented a 7% increase from the previous academic year.
For international students seeking to join this cohort, admission to US colleges and universities typically begins with the nonimmigrant visa process. This process involves several key steps:
Nonimmigrant Visa Application
International students must complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160. This form is a critical component of the visa application process and requires applicants to provide detailed information about their background, academic qualifications, and intended field of study in the US.
Visa Type Selection
The choice between an F visa and an M visa is determined by the student's intended course of study and the type of academic institution they plan to attend. An F visa, or Student Visa, is generally for academic or language training programs, while an M visa, or Vocational Student Visa, is for vocational or other non-academic programs.
School Certification
The selected academic institution must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Once accepted, the student will receive a Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," which confirms their acceptance and eligibility for a nonimmigrant student visa.
Visa Application Fee
After receiving the Form I-20, students must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee and obtain a receipt. This fee is associated with the maintenance of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) database, which stores vital information about international students.
Visa Interview
With the completed application, required documents, and fee receipt, students must schedule an interview at a US Embassy or Consulate. During the interview, students will be assessed based on their academic qualifications, financial stability, and intention to return to their home country after completing their studies.
Visa Approval and Entry
Upon successful completion of the visa interview, students will receive their visas. However, it is important to remember that a visa does not guarantee entry into the US. At the port of entry, a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official has the authority to permit or deny admission to the country.
The process outlined above provides a general framework for international students seeking admission to US colleges and universities on nonimmigrant visas. It is important to note that specific requirements and procedures may vary depending on the student's country of origin and the policies of the US Embassy or Consulate handling the application.
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International students are a major source of revenue for US colleges
International students are a significant source of revenue for US colleges and universities. During the 2023-24 academic year, there were over 1.1 million international students in the United States, accounting for 6% of the total higher education population. This number represents an all-time high and a 7% increase from the previous academic year.
International students contributed approximately $44 billion to the US economy during the 2023-24 academic year, according to the Association of American Universities (AAU). This contribution supported more than 378,000 jobs, with one US job created or supported for every three international students. The states with the largest economic activity derived from international students were California, New York, Massachusetts, Texas, and Illinois.
The high economic contribution of international students is due in part to the fact that they often pay full tuition fees and receive financial assistance at much lower rates than American students. Additionally, many international students remain in the US after graduation to work through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, contributing further to the economy. The number of international students participating in OPT reached a record high of 242,782 in 2023-24, a 22% increase from the previous year.
Beyond the direct economic impact, international students also bring diversity and a broader pool of applicants to US colleges and universities. This can lead to improved intellectual exchange, better research, and more significant discoveries. The presence of international students can also foster stronger relations between the US and other countries, as well as provide a source of future immigrants who contribute to the economy for decades with above-average salaries.
In summary, international students are a vital source of revenue for US colleges and universities, contributing billions of dollars to the economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs, and enhancing the academic and cultural environment on campuses across the country.
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International students in the US are mostly enrolled in STEM programs
International students are an integral part of the higher education system in the United States, with more than 1.1 million international students enrolled in colleges and universities in the 2023-24 academic year, accounting for 6% of the total US higher education population. This number rose to 1,126,690 in the 2024/25 academic year, a 3% increase from the previous year.
International students contribute significantly to the US economy, with a worth of over $50 billion. They enrich campuses, foster cultural exchange, and expose domestic students to diverse backgrounds and cultures, thereby enhancing their understanding of the world and dispelling stereotypes.
International students are particularly prominent in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs in the US. In 2019, 49% of all STEM master's degrees and 57% of all STEM doctorate degrees were awarded to international students. Fields such as computer science and petroleum engineering have particularly high international student enrollment rates, with 72% and 81% of graduate students being international in 2019, respectively. Overall, 56% of international students across academic levels in the US pursue STEM fields of study, with 25% studying math and computer science, and 19% studying engineering.
The high number of international students in STEM programs can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the rapid growth and competitiveness of STEM fields have created a high demand for talent, and American companies rely on international applicants to fill the gap left by lower numbers of domestic students enrolling in these disciplines. Secondly, the US has attracted international STEM students by offering smoother access to work opportunities after graduation, such as through Optional Practical Training (OPT). However, the US's share of international students is facing increasing competition from countries like the UK and Canada, which offer more welcoming visa and immigration policies.
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Frequently asked questions
There were more than 1.1 million international students in US colleges and universities in 2023, an all-time high.
More than half of international students in the US in 2023 were enrolled in STEM programs, accounting for 103,000 Master's and Doctor's degrees.
242,782 international students remained in the US to gain practical work experience through Optional Practical Training (OPT) in 2023, a record high and a 22% increase from the previous year.
