
Colleges and universities seek to attract international students for a variety of reasons. Firstly, international students contribute significantly to the economy, with foreign students in the US contributing $41 billion and supporting 458,290 jobs in the 2018-2019 academic year. International students also bring diversity of experience and geographic diversity to campuses, enriching the educational experience for all students and helping them to understand different perspectives. Additionally, with the American college-aged population not growing as rapidly as before, international students are important for keeping classes full and maintaining tuition revenue. Colleges and universities also benefit from the ability to showcase their diverse student bodies, which can enhance their reputations and attract even more students from around the world.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tuition revenue | International students bring in more tuition revenue, which is increasingly important as colleges face budgetary restrictions |
| Enrollment numbers | International students help keep enrollment numbers high |
| Diversity | International students bring diversity to campuses, which is beneficial for all students and helps universities create a dynamic environment |
| Global understanding | International students help American students who will work in a globalized world |
| Economy | International students contribute to the national economy and support jobs |
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What You'll Learn

International students bring in more tuition revenue
The US college-aged population is not growing as it used to, particularly in the northeast, as populations shift south and west. The number of high school graduates across the US is projected to increase by only 0.2% over the next nine years, compared to an increase of 6% over the previous nine years. This means that international students are vital to keeping tuition revenue up.
International students also contribute to the national economy and support jobs. According to NAFSA, colleges and universities contribute $39 billion to the US economy and support over 400,000 jobs. In New York State, more than 120,000 international students contribute $5 billion to the economy and support 58,000 jobs.
International students also bring diversity to campuses, which is beneficial for all students as it prepares them for life in the 21st century and careers in a global economy. It helps students learn to avoid stereotyping and form more informed opinions.
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They help keep classes full
Colleges and universities in the United States attract more than a million international students annually. International students are important to the success of colleges and universities, and one of the reasons is that they help keep classes full.
The number of college-aged Americans is not growing at the rate it used to, especially in the northeast, as populations shift south and west. The number of high school graduates across the United States is projected to increase by only 0.2% over the next nine years, compared to an increase of 6% in the previous nine years. This means that international students are becoming increasingly important to maintaining high enrollment numbers in colleges and universities.
International students bring in significant tuition revenue, which helps to fill budgetary gaps created by decreasing funding from state and federal sources. Colleges and universities in the United States generate $39 billion for the national economy, with international students in New York State alone contributing $5 billion.
In addition to the economic benefits, international students also contribute to a diverse campus environment, which is valuable for all students as it allows them to learn from different perspectives and broaden their cultural horizons. This diversity prepares students for life in the 21st century and for careers in a global economy.
Furthermore, international students who receive an education in the United States may return home to take on roles in academe, business, or government, fostering connections between the United States and other countries.
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They contribute to a diverse campus
International students bring a wide range of perspectives and experiences to colleges and universities, enriching the campus community and enhancing the educational experience for all students. Firstly, international students contribute to a diverse campus community, both socially and academically. They bring different cultural backgrounds, traditions, and viewpoints, fostering an environment of cultural exchange and mutual understanding. This diversity helps domestic students broaden their horizons, challenge stereotypes, and develop more informed opinions and perspectives.
A diverse campus also prepares students for the globalized world and economy. In today's interconnected world, the ability to work and collaborate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds is becoming increasingly important. By studying and living alongside international students, domestic students gain valuable cross-cultural skills and a global mindset, which will benefit them in their future careers and lives.
Additionally, international students bring academic excellence and a wealth of knowledge. They often excel in specific academic areas and contribute to a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment. The presence of international students on campus encourages healthy competition and raises the academic standards of the institution. Their diverse educational backgrounds and perspectives enrich classroom discussions, encouraging critical thinking and a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
Furthermore, a diverse campus enhances the reputation and prestige of colleges and universities. Institutions that successfully attract international students are seen as globally-minded and inclusive. This reputation can lead to higher rankings, increased research opportunities, and enhanced recognition worldwide. It also attracts top faculty members who are interested in working in a diverse and stimulating academic environment, further improving the quality of education.
Overall, international students play a crucial role in creating a diverse and vibrant campus community. Their presence enriches the social and academic fabric of colleges and universities, benefiting all students and preparing them for success in an increasingly globalized world.
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They help colleges maintain their global reputation
Colleges and universities in the United States attract more than a million international students annually. International students are important to the success of colleges and universities. Firstly, they help colleges maintain their global reputation.
International students bring diverse perspectives to the classroom, enriching the learning experience for all students. They contribute to a vibrant and diverse campus culture, fostering global understanding and helping students learn to avoid stereotyping and form more informed opinions. This diversity in the classroom is extremely important, as it prepares students for life and careers in a global economy. Universities that create a culturally diverse campus environment offer students authentic opportunities to learn about themselves and the world.
In addition to the educational benefits, international students also bring significant economic value. They contribute billions of dollars to the national economy and support hundreds of thousands of jobs. For instance, in New York State, more than 120,000 international students contribute $5 billion to the economy and support 58,000 jobs.
Furthermore, the presence of international students helps colleges and universities maintain their enrollment numbers. The college-aged population in the United States is not growing at the same rate as it used to, particularly in certain regions. International students help keep classes full and tuition revenue up, ensuring the institution's continued success.
Colleges and universities often refer to this as geographic diversity rather than focusing solely on the economic benefits. They may highlight their ability to recruit students from a wide range of countries, showcasing their global reach and appeal. This can be a factor in attracting top recruits and maintaining the reputation of being a prestigious institution.
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International students are good for the economy
Secondly, international students help maintain the financial health of colleges and universities, which face budgetary constraints due to decreasing funding from state and federal sources. International students' tuition fees help keep classes full, revenue up, and institutions thriving. This is particularly important given the slow growth of the college-aged population in some regions, such as the northeast of the United States.
Thirdly, a diverse student body, including international students, enhances the educational experience for all students. Academic and social interaction with students from different countries broadens perspectives, fosters cultural understanding, and prepares students for careers in an increasingly globalized economy. This diversity enriches campuses, making them more vibrant and dynamic, and better equips graduates for success in diverse workplaces and a global marketplace.
Lastly, international students contribute to the economy through their spending on accommodation, transportation, food, and other goods and services during their studies. They may also bring family members who contribute further to the economy through their consumption and employment. Many international students seek to gain work experience or find employment opportunities after graduation, becoming a valuable part of the host country's talent pool and contributing their skills and knowledge to the economy.
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Frequently asked questions
Colleges and universities want international students because they bring in important tuition revenue.
International students pay tuition fees, which colleges rely on more and more as funding from state and federal sources decreases.
Colleges and universities want to be seen as diverse and international institutions, so they actively seek out students from other countries. International students also bring different perspectives and experiences, which can benefit domestic students.
Yes. International students studying in the US generate $42 billion in revenue. Many international students also stay in the US after graduating, becoming a critical part of the American talent infrastructure.











































