# International Students Studying in the United States: Trends and Impacts 2025 ###### This Boundless report uses public data to analyze enrollment, economic contributions, and demographic trends among international students in the U.S. ###### KEY FINDINGS 01. **Rising Numbers:** International student enrollment in the U.S. reached 1.58 million in 2024, a 5.3% increase from 2023. 02. **Economic Impact:** International students contributed $43.8 billion to the U.S. economy — a 9.5% increase year-over-year — and supported 378,175 jobs during the 2023-2024 academic year. 03. **STEM Dominance:** Most international students are pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, with Computer Science and Business Administration the most popular majors. A record 165,524 total students participated in STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) in 2024. Of those, 95,384 received new STEM OPT authorizations, primarily from India (48%) and China (20.4%). 04. **Geographic Concentration:** California continues to host the largest concentration of international students, accounting for 14.6% (237,763) of the total in 2024. Nearly half of all international students are concentrated in California, New York, Texas, Massachusetts, and Florida. 05. **Diverse Origins:** Over 70% of international students came from Asia, with India (422,335) and China (329,541) leading as the top countries of origin. Together they represented 47.5% of all active SEVIS records in 2024. 06. **Work Experience:** In 2024, 194,554 students obtained work authorization through OPT, a 21.1% increase from 2023. Of those, 95,384 received employment authorization through STEM OPT (a 54% increase from 2023), marking a fourth consecutive year of growth. 07. **Top Employers:** Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Apple were among the largest employers of students participating in OPT and STEM OPT in 2024. 08. **Education Levels:** Approximately 91% of international students were enrolled in higher education programs (associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs). Master’s degrees remained the most popular, accounting for 46.5% of higher education degrees among this group. 09. **Gender Balance:** 44.5% of international students in 2024 identified as female, 55.5% as male. 10. **Fewer SEVP-Certified Schools:** The number of SEVP-certified schools decreased to 7,234 in 2024 (from 7,683 in 2023), reflecting school closures and program withdrawals. 11. **J-1 Exchange Visitors:** There were 300,940 J-1 exchange visitors in 2024, a modest 0.7% increase from 2023, showing continued demand for U.S. exchange visitor programs. The United States is strengthened by international perspectives. A key part of that equation involves supporting, investing in, and welcoming international students to college campuses. The U.S. has historically been a top destination for students, driven by opportunities for research, professional growth, and cultural exchange. ## A Look at International Students in the U.S. International student mobility refers to the enrollment of international students in proportion to total students in the host country. In 2024, there were more than 1.5 million international students enrolled in the United States, making up 5.5% of the total U.S. student body. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), part of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations division, identifies international students as “nonimmigrants” — that is, any foreign national who temporarily visits the United States to fulfill a specific purpose, such as business or study. Nonimmigrant students are eligible for the following [visas](https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/us-student-visas-explained/): - [**F-1 students:**](https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/f-1-student-visa-explained/) Those who enroll in an academic course of study at an SEVP-certified school or program - [**M-1 students:**](https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/m-1-student-visa-explained/) Those whose primary purpose is to complete a vocational course of study at an SEVP-certified school or program - [**J-1 exchange visitors:**](https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/j-1-exchange-visitor-visa-explained/) Those selected to participate in a U.S. Department of State-designated exchange visitor program In 2024, international students in the United States came from more than 229 countries and represented every continent in the world, with the exception of Antarctica. Due to the large number of students coming from China and India, more than 70% of international students in the U.S. were from Asia. All six continents saw an increase in the number of students coming to the United States. We explore some of the potential reasons below. ### Top Areas of Study for International Students Most international students come to the United States to enroll in higher education — specifically, SEVP-certified associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs. [The majority](https://opendoorsdata.org/data/international-students/fields-of-study/) pursue degrees in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and math), as well as business and management. In the 2023-2024 academic year, the 10 most popular fields of study, based on a student’s primary major, were as follows: ### Top Institutions for International Students To maintain their visas, F-1 students must attend schools that are SEVP-certified. In 2024, ten U.S. universities enrolled the largest numbers of international students, led by New York University, Northeastern University, and Columbia University. ### Where International Students Call Home in the United States International students study across the country, but nearly half are concentrated in California, New York, Texas, Massachusetts and Florida. ## Contributions of International Students in the U.S. The economic impact of international students is significant. They [contributed $43.8 billion to the U.S. economy](https://www.nafsa.org/policy-and-advocacy/policy-resources/nafsa-international-student-economic-value-tool-v2) and supported 378,175 jobs during the 2023-2024 academic year. But their influence extends beyond the economy; they also enhance the intellectual and cultural environment on U.S. campuses. “International students aren’t just filling seats in classrooms. They’re fueling our economy for the next generation, launching startups and solving problems in science, technology, and healthcare,” notes Xiao Wang, founder and CEO of Boundless Immigration. “Pushing them away is like turning off a tap that feeds American growth.” ### Optional Practical Training [Optional Practical Training](https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/optional-practical-training-explained/) (OPT) is a program that allows international students on F-1 visas to work temporarily in a field related to their major area of study. Students may apply for up to 12 months of OPT either during their studies (pre-completion OPT) or after completing their degree (post-completion OPT). For students in certain STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, there is an opportunity to extend the OPT period by an additional 24 months. OPT gives U.S. employers access to highly skilled international graduates from U.S. universities. These students bring fresh perspectives, specialized knowledge, and technical skills, particularly in high-demand fields like STEM. In 2024, 194,554 students participated in pre- and post-completion OPT, compared to 160,627 students in 2023 — a 21.1% increase. ## Changes in International Student Enrollment Over Time The COVID-19 pandemic had a marked impact on international student enrollment, but in 2024, enrollments continued to rebound. ### Why More International Students Chose to Study in the United States in 2024 After a drop in international student enrollments during the COVID-19 pandemic, numbers rose in 2023 and continued to climb in 2024, though at a slower pace. Several factors helped drive growth: 1. **Increased outreach:** 92% of colleges and universities said they hoped to increase their international student population. 2. **More capacity:** Other countries have a limited number of higher education institutions, or they are running out of capacity to accommodate international students. 3. **End of COVID-19:** Once global travel restrictions eased, U.S. campuses saw international enrollments rebound. 4. **Policy shifts and political rhetoric (historical context):** The Trump effect, net effect of the Trump administration’s policies, anti-immigrant rhetoric, and shifting requirements for both students and colleges. ### How the U.S. Compares to Other Top Study Destinations The U.S. continues to host the largest number of international students globally, with over 1.58 million in 2024, accounting for about 16% of the world’s internationally mobile students. ## Looking Ahead 2025 is shaping up to be a year of change for international student enrollment in the U.S. The combination of more restrictive immigration enforcement actions and politically charged narratives could prompt many to look to countries with less political volatility or more favorable visa policies. The implications of such a shift are far-reaching. A new report found that, without immigrants and international students, U.S. colleges could lose millions of enrollees and face widespread closures, particularly among regional and mid-tier schools. When students from diverse backgrounds come together on U.S. campuses, they enrich the academic environment and challenge their peers to broaden their perspectives. U.S. citizens and students also stand to benefit, gaining exposure to new cultures, belief systems, and ways of thinking.