Lana Oconnell
California, New York, and Texas are the top three states in the US that attract the most international students. In the academic year 2022/23, California was the most popular state for international students, with 138,393 international students studying there. In total, international students contributed about $43 billion to the US economy during the 2023-24 academic year.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| State with the most international students | California |
| Number of international students in California | 12.5% of all international students in the US |
| Other states with high numbers of international students | New York, Texas, Massachusetts, and Illinois |
| Percentage of international students in New York | 12.1% |
| Percentage of international students in Texas | 8% |
| Percentage of international students in Massachusetts | 7.3% |
| Percentage of international students in Illinois | 5.5% |
| Total number of international students in the US | Over 1 million |
| Number of countries represented by international students in the US | Over 210 |
| States with the greatest growth in international student population | Missouri (+35%), Michigan (+14%), and Illinois (+13%) |
| States with the highest number of international students in 2018/19 | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
California: the Golden State, with 9 top-ranked universities
California is the number-one destination for international students in the US. Affectionately known as the Golden State, California is home to 9 top-ranked universities, a rich cultural history, and a diverse population. The state's natural beauty, from its beaches to its backdrop, is also a big draw for students.
California's universities have produced graduates who have gone on to found some of the world's most well-known tech companies, including Yahoo, Snapchat, and PayPal. Many colleges in the state are "feeder" schools to top tech companies in Silicon Valley. California's universities are therefore particularly popular with students pursuing STEM fields of study, which is the most popular major for international students.
California's large international student population is part of a broader trend of international students being drawn to the most populated US states, or those with well-known universities. The US hosts over 1 million international students from more than 210 countries, with California accounting for about 12.5% of international students in the 2023-24 school year.
California's popularity is also part of a westward trend, with the state joining neighbours Washington and Oregon as top destinations for international students.
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New York: a hub for arts and culture
California, New York, and Texas are the top three states in the US that attract the most international students. During the 2023-24 school year, about 12.5% of international students in the US were enrolled in California schools, with New York close behind at 12.1%.
New York is a hub of arts and culture, with world-class museums, galleries, theatres, and historic sites. The state offers a wide range of cultural experiences, from the bright lights and applause of Broadway to the charming small-town galleries. Iconic stages such as Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and Shea's in Buffalo captivate audiences with their concerts, opera, jazz, and ballet performances. The finest works of art can be found in renowned museums such as the MoMA, the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, and the Brooklyn Museum.
New York State is also home to unique experiences like the Adirondack Theatre Festival, the Antique Boat Museum, and the Chautauqua Institution. The state showcases a diverse range of artistic expressions, including dramatic Shakespeare performances and electric dance celebrations.
The New York State Council on the Arts has a mission to foster and advance the state's arts, culture, and creativity. This commitment is evident in the support provided to artists and arts organizations, with grants totaling $82 million awarded in FY2025. New York's dedication to the arts and culture sector is further demonstrated by the announcement of an additional $81.5 million in funding for arts and culture organizations, artists, and capital projects.
With its rich cultural offerings, New York attracts students and visitors alike, providing a vibrant and creative environment that is renowned worldwide.
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Texas: BBQ and history
Texas is one of the top three states in the US that welcomes the most international students, with California and New York. International students accounted for 6% of the total US higher education population of over 1 million students from 210 countries in the 2022/23 academic year.
Texas-style barbecue, or BBQ, has evolved into four distinct styles within the state. The history of barbecue in Texas is a fascinating mix of cultures and techniques. Native Americans had been slow-cooking meat over open fires before European settlement, but the concept of "barbecuing" was likely introduced by Haitian slaves in the Carolinas, who roasted a whole hog in a pit. This tradition spread across the South to Texas, where African American families held barbecues and incorporated them into Juneteenth celebrations. In the early 1800s, the word "barbecue" was likely used for the first time in Texas, derived from the Haitian word "barbacot", meaning a framework of sticks for smoking or roasting meat.
In the mid-19th century, German and Czech settlers brought European meat-smoking traditions to Central Texas. They owned butcher shops and meat-packing plants, and would smoke any leftover meat to preserve it and extend its shelf life. As these smoked meats became popular, butcher shops began to specialise in them, and some eventually evolved into barbecue restaurants. In the early 1900s, African American and Mexican American cotton pickers, familiar with their own traditional pit-style cooking, would order sausage and ribs from these German butcher shops. To this day, the traditional German approach continues at Kreuz Market in Lockhart, where the meat is prepared and served almost exactly as it was 100 years ago.
Central Texas-style barbecue typically involves rubbing the meat with salt and black pepper, and cooking it over indirect heat from a pecan, post oak, or mesquite wood fire. Sauce is usually considered unnecessary, but it may be served on the side. The Central Texas pit-style barbecue was established in the 19th century in the towns of Lockhart, Luling, and Taylor, and has since spread around the world, especially to Southern California, New York City, Britain, and Australia.
West Texas-style barbecue involves cooking the meat over direct heat from mesquite wood, in a method similar to grilling. South Texas barbecue, also known as barbacoa, is influenced by Mexican cuisine and is typical of the border area between the South Texas Plains and Northern Mexico, which was historically the birthplace of the Texas ranching tradition. Mexican farmhands were partially paid with less desirable cuts of meat, such as the diaphragm and the cow's head. Barbacoa uses the cow's head, wrapped in wet maguey leaves and cooked in a pit of hot coals for several hours.
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Massachusetts: home to Harvard
The United States is home to over 1 million international students from 210 countries, with California, New York, and Texas hosting the highest numbers. International students make up 6% of the total US student population. Massachusetts is also a popular destination for international students, with 7.3% of all international students in the US choosing to study in the state.
Massachusetts is home to a number of top-tier institutions, including the famous Ivy League Harvard University. Located in Cambridge, Harvard is one of the oldest universities in the United States and is known for its academic excellence and prestigious reputation. With a low acceptance rate of around 5%, Harvard attracts talented students from all over the world, offering a diverse and enriching educational experience.
In addition to Harvard, Massachusetts boasts other highly regarded colleges that are attractive to international students. Tufts University, for example, is praised for its incredible professors and robust career services, which help students identify internship and job opportunities. Northeastern University in Boston is another excellent option, offering a rigorous academic environment and a unique co-op program that helps prepare students for the workforce. Bentley University is also worth mentioning, with international students highlighting the university's commitment to providing a rewarding educational experience.
The presence of these esteemed institutions makes Massachusetts a desirable destination for students seeking a world-class education. The state's vibrant cities, such as Boston, provide a dynamic backdrop to campus life, offering cultural, social, and economic opportunities that enhance the overall student experience.
International students in Massachusetts contribute significantly to the local economy, especially in the Boston area. Their spending habits, including rental properties and luxury purchases, have a noticeable impact on the consumer market. The cultural diversity brought by international students enriches the fabric of the state, adding to its appeal as a top choice for higher education.
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Illinois: the Prairie State
California, New York, and Texas are the top three states in the US with the greatest number of international students. In the 2023-24 school year, about 12.5% of international students were in California, 12.1% in New York, and 8% in Texas. However, Illinois is also a popular destination for international students, with a 13% increase in international students in 2022/23, the third-highest growth rate among the top 10 states.
Illinois, the Prairie State, is home to several top-tier institutions, including the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign, which ranks fifth in the US for international student enrollment. The University of Illinois and the University of St. Francis offer scholarships for students requiring financial aid. The state's universities are known as "cornfield" campuses, reflecting the state's agricultural heritage.
Illinois has a lot to offer international students beyond its academic institutions. The state is home to a McDonald's museum located on the site of the original hamburger joint outside of Chicago, as well as the world's largest ketchup bottle. Illinois has a rich cultural history and a diverse population, with students from all over the world, primarily from China. The most popular majors for international students in Illinois are statistics, computer science, and engineering, with over half of international students pursuing STEM fields.
Illinois's vibrant cities, such as Chicago, provide a great environment for students to explore and experience the unique charm of the Prairie State. The state's diverse landscape and attractions, including its famous "cornfield" campuses, make it a popular choice for those seeking a unique academic and cultural experience.
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Frequently asked questions
California was the most popular state for international students in the academic year 2022/23, with 138,393 international students.
New York is the second most popular state for international students, with Texas coming in third.
New York University (NYU) has one of the highest rates of international student enrollment, with over 13,000 international students, making up 10% of the international students in the state.
Massachusetts and Illinois are also popular among international students, with universities like MIT, Princeton, and Northeastern having high international student enrollment.
International students contributed about $43 billion to the US economy during the 2023-24 academic year, with the majority spent on tuition and housing.
