Savanna Hoffman
International students have long been attracted to the United States for its high-quality education, with the country hosting over 1.1 million international students in 2023/2024—an all-time high. This figure rose to over 1.5 million in 2023, including F-1 and M-1 visa students. International students are a boon to the US economy, contributing billions of dollars through tuition fees and living expenses, and they also bring new perspectives to US campuses. The majority of international students in the US pursue STEM fields, with math and computer science being the leading field of study for 25% of students in 2023/2024.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total number of international students in the US | 1,126,690 (2023/2024 academic year) |
| Number of international graduate students | 502,291 (2023/2024) |
| Number of international students in OPT | 242,782 (2023/2024) |
| Number of international undergraduate students | 342,875 (2023/2024) |
| Number of international non-degree students | 38,742 (2023/2024) |
| Top countries of origin | India, China, South Korea, Canada, Vietnam, Ghana, Nepal, Pakistan |
| Most popular fields of study | STEM (55-56%), Math and Computer Science (23-25%), Engineering (19-20%) |
| Number of international students in California | 238,000 (2023) |
| Number of international students in New York | 170,000 (2023) |
| Number of international students in Texas | 121,000 (2023) |
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What You'll Learn
International students in the US: 1.1 million+
The United States is a popular study-abroad destination for international students. In the 2023-24 school year, there were 1.1 million international students enrolled in US colleges and universities, an increase from the previous year's total of 1,057,188. This number has been increasing since 2003, with minor decreases in 2004, 2005, and 2019. The highest number was reached in 2018, with 1,095,299 international students.
International students are attracted to the US due to its outstanding reputation for quality education. The US higher education system focuses on quality rather than quantity, which is particularly appealing to students from countries like China, where academic achievement is highly valued. International students also contribute significantly to the US economy, bringing in billions of dollars through tuition fees, living expenses, and job creation.
The majority of international students in the US pursue STEM fields, with 55-56% of students majoring in these subjects. Math and computer science are the leading fields of study, with around 25% of international students choosing this path. Other popular fields include business and management (14-15%), physical and life sciences (8%), social sciences (8%), and fine and applied arts (5%).
The top countries of origin for international students in the US include India, China, South Korea, Canada, and Vietnam. India surpassed China as the top place of origin in 2023-24, with a record-high 331,602 Indian students in the US. Eight of the top 25 countries reached all-time highs, including Bangladesh, Colombia, Ghana, Italy, Nepal, Pakistan, and Spain.
International student enrollment in the US is expected to continue growing, with a 3% rise expected across US institutions at the start of the 2024-25 academic year. This increase is largely driven by a 6% rise in undergraduate enrollments, while graduate enrollments decreased by 2%.
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Top places of origin: India, China, Bangladesh
During the 2023/2024 academic year, more than 1.1 million international students from over 210 countries of origin studied in the United States, with India, China, and Bangladesh among the top places of origin. This number of international students marked an all-time high and a 7% increase from the previous academic year.
India
India has been the top source of international students in the US for the 2023-24 academic year, with over 3.3 lakh Indian students. This represents a 23% increase from the previous year. The Open Doors Report highlights that this increase is driven by top US universities, STEM-focused programs, OPT opportunities, and competitive Indian admission challenges. The prestigious reputation of US institutions, rigorous academic programs, and favorable job prospects have made the US a preferred study destination for Indian students.
China
Previously, China was the leading source of international students in the US, but India surpassed it in the 2023-24 academic year. While specific numbers for the 2023-24 academic year are not readily available, it is likely that China still contributes a significant number of international students to the US.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh has seen a significant increase in the number of students choosing to study in the United States. During the 2022-2023 academic year, there were 13,563 Bangladeshi students in the US, an all-time high and a more than 300% increase from the 2011-2012 academic year. This trend is supported by EducationUSA, which facilitates free access to information about study opportunities in the United States through advising centers across Bangladesh.
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Most popular US states: California, New York, Texas
California, New York, and Texas are among the most popular US states for international students. During the 2023/24 academic year, there were 1,126,690 international students in the US, a 7% increase from the previous year.
California
California is one of the largest states in the US and is known for its diverse and liberal nature. The state has a well-organized network of colleges and universities with an excellent reputation for providing quality education. The University of Southern California enrols the most international students each year compared to any other university in the US. The state offers a wide range of programs, including English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. California's vibrant culture, diverse population, and reputation as the center of the film industry make it a desirable destination for international students.
New York
New York is a global destination hotspot known for its rich history and cultural diversity. The state is home to multiple Ivy League schools, including Cornell University and Columbia University. International students in New York can choose from a range of prestigious public and private educational institutions, including the State University of New York (SUNY) and City University of New York (CUNY) systems. New York offers a wide range of attractions, from cultural landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and world-class museums to the vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene. It is also a financial center, providing unique opportunities for students interested in economics, finance, and capitalism.
Texas
Texas offers international students a blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse natural landscapes. The state has a population of over 24 million people and is known for its friendly and adventurous spirit. Texas is home to several reputable universities that welcome international students, including Texas A&M, Texas State, and the University of Houston. Students in Texas can explore a range of exciting activities, such as visiting the Texas State Arts & Crafts Fair, cruising through river canyons, and exploring the Caverns of Sonora.
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Majors: STEM, Math, Computer Science
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately half of the international students in the US are enrolled in STEM programs. International students make up only 5% of the total student population, but they earned nearly half of all master's and doctoral STEM degrees awarded in 2019, a total of 117,000 degrees. China, India, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia are the largest suppliers of STEM international students to the US. Iran, however, has the highest proportion of its students enrolled in STEM, with over 80% of Iranian students in the US enrolled in STEM programs in 2019/2020. India is the second-largest contributor of international students to US STEM programs, with 78.3% of Indian students enrolled in STEM.
Math is a core subject for many STEM programs. Typical core math classes include algebra, calculus, and mathematical statistics. Students interested in pursuing a career in teaching can opt for a double major in Mathematics and Education, such as the one offered by Felician College. Other undergraduate math programs offer tracks like Analysis or Algebra, allowing students to choose the field of study that best aligns with their intended career.
Computer science is a rapidly growing field, driven by the world's increasing reliance on technology. The US is a popular destination for international students pursuing computer science degrees due to its leading tech industry, top universities, research opportunities, and diverse academic community. The country is home to 6 of the top 10 schools for computer science, and the employment rate for computer science graduates is expected to increase by 22% between 2020 and 2030. International students in the US have a wide range of program options and specializations to choose from, ensuring they can customize their college experience.
International students in STEM fields, including computer science and math, benefit from smoother access to work opportunities in the US. This is due to policy changes that allow international student visa applicants to express interest in remaining in the country after graduation. These changes help the US maintain its competitiveness by attracting and retaining top talent.
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Benefits: Economic growth, intellectual exchange
International students have long been a feature of the US higher education system, with students from more than 210 places of origin choosing to study at US institutions. In the 2023/2024 academic year, there were 1,126,690 international students in the US, a 7% increase from the previous year. This number comprised 502,291 graduate students, 342,875 undergraduates, 242,782 students on Optional Practical Training (OPT), and 38,742 non-degree students.
Benefits: Economic Growth
International students have a significant positive economic impact on the United States. In the 2023-2024 academic year, international students contributed between $40 billion and $45 billion to the US economy, supporting more than 378,000 jobs. This is a notable increase from the $41 billion and 368,333 jobs of the previous year. International students typically pay higher tuition fees than domestic students in public universities, as they do not qualify for state residency tuition breaks. This has resulted in a record-breaking level of spending in the US economy.
Benefits: Intellectual Exchange
The presence of international students on US campuses enriches the intellectual and cultural environment for American students. Researchers at Duke University found that US students who actively interacted with international students reported better self-confidence, leadership, quantitative skills, and overall intellectual growth. Interacting with international students can help domestic students to broaden their perspectives, challenge their existing beliefs, and enhance their global awareness and cultural competence. This can lead to higher levels of international cooperation and peace-building, both within the US and beyond.
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Frequently asked questions
The US hosted over 1.1 million international students in 2023, an all-time high.
The majority of international students in the US pursue STEM fields. In 2023, 55-56% of international students studied STEM, with 23-25% studying math and computer science, and 19% studying engineering.
In 2023, the top countries of origin for international students in the US were India, China, South Korea, Canada, and Vietnam. India surpassed China as the top place of origin for international students, with a record high of 331,602 Indian students in the US in 2023.
In 2023, California, New York, and Texas were the top three states hosting international students, with nearly 238,000, 170,000, and 121,000 international students, respectively.
