What’s Driving the Spike in U.S. International Student Enrollments?

Players about to serve a volleyball in gym.

Unprecedented numbers of international students now flood U.S. universities, underscoring a remarkable post-pandemic resurgence.

At a Glance

Over 1.1 million foreign students enrolled in the U.S. for the 2023-24 academic year.
International students contribute more than $50 billion to the U.S. economy.
The Optional Practical Training program saw 500,000 students authorized in 2023.
Significant growth in international enrollments, with a 12% increase.

Record Numbers of International Students in the U.S.

The United States hit a record with over 1.1 million foreign students enlisting in the 2023-24 academic year, a significant rebound from 900,000 in 2020-21. This influx highlights the growing attractiveness of American universities and the valuable educational experiences they offer. According to the Open Doors 2023 Report, this trend affirms the U.S.’s position as a global educational hub.

Foreign students now constitute 6% of all U.S. college attendees, an unprecedented share, reflecting the worldwide appeal of U.S. higher education institutions. The economic boost from this demographic is substantial, with their contributions exceeding $50 billion.

The Fall 2023 Snapshot on International Student Enrollment indicates continued growth of international students studying at U.S. #highered institutions in the 2023/24 academic year.

Read the report at the link below: https://t.co/1MZ14enFfK #IEW2023 #IntlEd #OpenDoorsReport pic.twitter.com/5nsHeKzjTT

— Institute of International Education (IIE) (@IIEglobal) November 17, 2023

Optional Practical Training Growth

The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program witnessed a significant increase, with 500,000 foreign students authorized for practical training in 2023. This program is pivotal in allowing international scholars to harness their skills in the American workforce, reinforcing cross-cultural ties, and enhancing U.S. industries, notably STEM fields.

“The United States must adopt more proactive policies to attract and retain global talent. We cannot afford to lose international students’ meaningful, positive impact on American students’ global competence, our economies and our communities, particularly in the areas of STEM-related research and innovation,” said Fanta Aw, national director of The National Association of Foreign Student Advisers.

Proponents advocate for enhanced U.S. policies to further boost this progress. NAFSA has urged measures to attract and retain this crucial talent segment.

International student enrollment is on the rise in the U.S., despite longer-term concerns about rising costs and political tensions. Will it last?@BCLynchSchool Professor Chris Glass, who studies higher education trends, comments in @Nature.https://t.co/tEnXkZWKIN

— Boston College (@BostonCollege) December 30, 2022

A Diverse and Dynamic Demographic Landscape

China remains the leading source of international students, though its numbers have slightly decreased. India, on the other hand, has seen a surge of 35% in enrollment, a trend driven by its expanding college-age population. Students from Sub-Saharan Africa also exemplified growth, with an 18% increase in participation. These shifts reflect broader demographic trends and economic considerations affecting global mobility.

The Open Doors 2023 Report on International Educational Exchange has unveiled a transformative chapter in U.S. higher education, showcasing the United States as a global hub for students worldwide.”

Preliminary 2023 data also shows an 8% increase in international student enrollment development, with notable rises in undergraduate programs. Graduate programs experienced an accelerated 21% growth, suggesting a stronger appeal for advanced studies in the U.S.