By Julia Funaki, Director, International, AACRAO
International Education Week (IEW) is celebrated yearly in the United States in the third week of November. IEW is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education that originated more than 20 years ago and is now celebrated by more than 100 countries worldwide.
IEW signals the release of the Institute of International Education’s (IIE) annual "Open Doors Report." This year marks the 75th anniversary of the independent publication of the results of the annual census of international students in the United States, which the IIE has conducted since its founding in 1919. Initially titled “Education for One World,” it reported on data for the 1948-1949 academic year. In 1954-1955, it was renamed the “Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange." It provides comprehensive information on international students and scholars studying in the United States and U.S. students studying abroad.
This year’s "Open Doors Report" for 2023-2024 did not disappoint. The report revealed a landmark achievement in international education, with over 1.1 million international students studying in the United States during the 2023-2024 academic year. This 6.6% increase from the previous year marks an all-time high, underscoring the enduring appeal of U.S. higher education institutions (HEIs) globally. According to the Open Doors Fast Facts sheet, international students account for 5.9% of the total U.S. higher education population of nearly 19 million students.
IIE also released the "Fall 2024 Snapshot on International Student Enrollment” report, which provides data on international student enrollment trends across U.S. HEIs at the start of the 2024-2025 academic year. Based on recent data collection, it provides a snapshot of the current international student population in the U.S. for the Fall 2024 semester.
The good news on the increases detailed in the "Open Doors Report" continues in the "Fall 2024 Snapshot," with growth continuing in international student enrollments derived from data from more than 680 U.S. HEIs. The "Fall 2024 Snapshot" reports a 3% increase in international student totals at the start of the 2024-2025 academic year. This growth trend is particularly notable in undergraduate enrollments, which saw a 6% increase, while graduate enrollments experienced a slight 2% decrease.
For the first time since 2009, India is the lead sending country of international students to the United States. While the recent trends and data had suggested this shift, the report provided the numbers. Students from India numbered over 330,000 in 2023-2024, increasing by 23% from the previous year. Notably, the number of graduate students from India, at over 196,000, and those pursuing Optional Practical Training (OPT), at over 97,000, led the surge to the top.
Along those same lines, the attraction of graduate education continues, particularly in the STEM fields and OPT across geographic areas. While graduate students did decrease slightly in the "Fall 2024 Snapshot," the "Open Doors" 2023-2024 data was an 8% increase, to over 502,000, from the 2022-2023 numbers. Additionally, the OPT program saw a significant 22% increase, reaching a record high of over 240,000 participants.
Geographically, there appears to be some movement in the locations where international students are landing to study in the United States. While California, Texas, and New York have hosted large numbers of international students, there was growth in several states, particularly in the Midwest region, with Illinois, Michigan, and Missouri all experiencing notable growth. In fact, the number of international students in 44 U.S. states and territories increased year over year.
Finally, international students contributed $43.8 billion to the U.S. economy and supported over 378,000 jobs during the 2023-2024 academic year. This economic boost extends beyond tuition fees, encompassing living expenses, research, and innovation.
The "Open Doors Report" and its very handy and addictive Fast Facts sheets contain more of these findings. Those interested can couple this information with the data from NAFSA: Association of International Educators on the economic impact of international students.
As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the "Open Doors Report," these trends underscore the resilience and attractiveness of U.S. higher education. Despite global challenges, the continued growth in international student numbers reflects the enduring value of American education and the opportunities it provides for cultural exchange, innovation, and economic growth.
U.S. HEIs should leverage this momentum to enhance their international programs further, ensuring they remain at the forefront of global education. By fostering an inclusive environment and highlighting the unique benefits of studying in the U.S., institutions can continue to attract diverse talent and contribute to America's educational leadership and economic prosperity.