Listen to this article in summarized format
Loading...
××
Subscribe to
Unlock AI Briefing and Premium Content
Subscribe NowWhat's Included
- Exclusive Stories
- Daily ePaper Access
- Smart Market Tools
- Curated Investment Ideas
- Ad-lite Experience
Subscription
The Open Doors 2025 Report on International Educational Exchange shows that US colleges and universities hosted 1.18 million international students in the 2024–25 academic year, a 5% rise from the previous year. International students made up 6% of the country’s higher education population. The US Department of Commerce reported that they contributed nearly $55 billion to the economy in 2024, while NAFSA estimated that they supported more than 355,000 jobs nationwide.
“International students come to the United States to advance their education and contribute to US colleges and communities,” said Jason Czyz, President and CEO of the Institute of International Education (IIE). “This data highlights the impact international students have in driving innovation, advancing scholarship, and strengthening cross-cultural understanding.”
Graduate Numbers Fall, Undergraduate Enrollment Rises
Graduate student enrollment declined by 3% to 488,481 after three years of growth. Undergraduate enrollment increased by 4% to 357,231, marking the first major rise since the pandemic. Optional Practical Training (OPT) participation grew by 21% to 294,253 students. Across academic levels, 57% of international students pursued STEM programs.
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
New international enrollments fell by 7% to 277,118. New undergraduate numbers rose by 5%, while new graduate enrollments declined by 15%.
India Leads Sending Countries
India remained the largest source of international students, with 363,019 students in the US, a 10% increase. China followed with 265,919 students, showing a 4% decline. Twelve of the top 25 sending countries reached their highest totals, including Bangladesh, Canada, Ghana, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Spain, and Vietnam.
Public Institutions See Most Enrollments, Community Colleges Grow Fastest
International students studied in all 50 states. Texas (+8%), Illinois (+7%), and Missouri (+11%) recorded the largest year-on-year increases. Public institutions hosted 59% of all international students, and community colleges posted the fastest growth at 8%.
More US Students Studying Abroad
In the 2023–24 academic year, 298,180 US students studied abroad for academic credit, a 6% rise from the previous year. Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and France remained the leading destinations, hosting 45% of all participants. Japan became the fifth-largest host, recording 16% growth. Seven destinations reached all-time highs: Denmark, Greece, Italy, Japan, Portugal, South Korea, and Spain.
“The Open Doors report provides a comprehensive picture of the destinations where US students study abroad,” said Dr. Mirka Martel, IIE Head of Research, Evaluation & Learning. “For US students, studying abroad is an integral part of the higher education experience that prepares them to thrive in a global economy.”
More than 825 higher education institutions took part in the Fall 2025 Snapshot, giving an early look at 2025–26 international student trends. They reported a 1% dip in total international enrollment. Undergraduate numbers increased by 2%, graduate enrollments fell by 12%, and OPT participation grew by 14%. New international enrollments dropped by 17%.
Many institutions said they remain focused on international recruitment, noting the value of diverse student perspectives (81%) and financial contributions (60%).
“International students come to the United States to advance their education and contribute to US colleges and communities,” said Jason Czyz, President and CEO of the Institute of International Education (IIE). “This data highlights the impact international students have in driving innovation, advancing scholarship, and strengthening cross-cultural understanding.”
Graduate Numbers Fall, Undergraduate Enrollment Rises
Graduate student enrollment declined by 3% to 488,481 after three years of growth. Undergraduate enrollment increased by 4% to 357,231, marking the first major rise since the pandemic. Optional Practical Training (OPT) participation grew by 21% to 294,253 students. Across academic levels, 57% of international students pursued STEM programs.
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
New international enrollments fell by 7% to 277,118. New undergraduate numbers rose by 5%, while new graduate enrollments declined by 15%.
India Leads Sending Countries
India remained the largest source of international students, with 363,019 students in the US, a 10% increase. China followed with 265,919 students, showing a 4% decline. Twelve of the top 25 sending countries reached their highest totals, including Bangladesh, Canada, Ghana, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Spain, and Vietnam.
Public Institutions See Most Enrollments, Community Colleges Grow Fastest
International students studied in all 50 states. Texas (+8%), Illinois (+7%), and Missouri (+11%) recorded the largest year-on-year increases. Public institutions hosted 59% of all international students, and community colleges posted the fastest growth at 8%.
More US Students Studying Abroad
In the 2023–24 academic year, 298,180 US students studied abroad for academic credit, a 6% rise from the previous year. Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and France remained the leading destinations, hosting 45% of all participants. Japan became the fifth-largest host, recording 16% growth. Seven destinations reached all-time highs: Denmark, Greece, Italy, Japan, Portugal, South Korea, and Spain.
“The Open Doors report provides a comprehensive picture of the destinations where US students study abroad,” said Dr. Mirka Martel, IIE Head of Research, Evaluation & Learning. “For US students, studying abroad is an integral part of the higher education experience that prepares them to thrive in a global economy.”
More than 825 higher education institutions took part in the Fall 2025 Snapshot, giving an early look at 2025–26 international student trends. They reported a 1% dip in total international enrollment. Undergraduate numbers increased by 2%, graduate enrollments fell by 12%, and OPT participation grew by 14%. New international enrollments dropped by 17%.
Many institutions said they remain focused on international recruitment, noting the value of diverse student perspectives (81%) and financial contributions (60%).
