The US attracted over one million students and generated over $40 billion in revenue for 2022/23. Here’s some of the highlights, in numbers:
International students in higher education increased by 12%, year-over-year, which is the fastest rate of growth in 40 years. This follows on from an increase of 4% in 2021/22, and is close to pre-pandemic levels.
For 2022/23, the US totalled 1,057,188 foreign students. Conversely, 2021/22 saw 948,519.
The growth is likely to keep going: in a survey, 630 institutions reported 8% more international students for the 2023/24 academic year.
India sent 35% more students (268,923) than last year. China narrowly beat them at 289,526, remaining the top market, but staying flat in terms of growth (-0.2%). Students from China and India continue to account for half of all international enrolments in higher education.
International students now make up 6% of the total student population, up 4.7%. The top fields of study were Math and Computer Science (+20%), Engineering (+8%), and Business Management (+7%).
For 2022/23, international students contributed over $40 billion to the economy. Compared to the previous year, the economic impact of international students increased by around 19% ($6.3 billion).
Analysis from NAFSA has suggested that for every three foreign students in the country, one job is created. International students supported over 368,000 jobs this year, compared to 335,000 the previous year.
Over $1 billion was contributed to nine separate states. The largest amount of economic activity was seen in California, New York, Massachusetts, Texas and Illinois.
Here’s looking forward to the next academic year!
