MUMBAI: Even amid tougher U.S. visa scrutiny, longer processing times, and higher documentation demands, Indian students continue to head to American campuses in record numbers. India has once again become the largest source of international students in the U.S., according to the Open Doors 2025 Report released Monday—reinforcing its central role in U.S. higher education.
The report notes that U.S. institutions hosted 1.18 million international students in the 2024–25 academic year, up 5% from the previous year. International students now represent 6% of the total U.S. higher-education population.
Their economic impact remains significant. International students contributed nearly $55 billion to the U.S. economy in 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, and supported over 355,000 jobs, per estimates from NAFSA: Association of International Educators. The U.S. continues to be the world’s most preferred higher-education destination.
“International students come to the United States to advance their education and contribute to U.S. colleges and communities,” said Jason Czyz, President and CEO of the Institute of International Education. “This data highlights the impact they have in driving innovation, advancing scholarship, and strengthening cross-cultural understanding.”
Enrollment trends by degree level were mixed:
- Graduate enrollment fell 3% to 488,481, ending a three-year growth streak.
- Undergraduate enrollment increased 4% to 357,231—the first meaningful rise since the pandemic.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT) participation surged 21% to 294,253 students.
- STEM fields accounted for more than 57% of all international enrollments.
- New international enrollments dipped 7%, driven mainly by a 15% drop in first-time graduate students, while new undergraduate enrollments grew 5%.
Despite concerns over interview delays and higher rejection rates, India sent 363,019 students to the U.S. in 2024–25—a 10% increase. China remained second with 265,919 students, marking a 4% decline. Twelve countries, including Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Canada, Spain, and Vietnam, recorded their highest-ever numbers.
International students were present in every U.S. state. Texas (+8%), Illinois (+7%), and Missouri (+11%) saw the largest gains. Public universities enrolled 59% of all international students, while community colleges posted the fastest growth at 8%.
The report also highlighted outbound mobility: 298,180 U.S. students studied abroad for academic credit in 2023–24, a 6% increase. Europe remained the top destination, with Italy, Spain, the U.K., and France hosting nearly half of all American students. Japan entered the top five for the first time after a 16% surge. Seven countries—including Denmark, Greece, Japan, Portugal, South Korea, and Spain—reached all-time highs as study-abroad destinations.
“Studying abroad is an integral part of the higher-education experience that prepares students to thrive in a global economy,” said Mirka Martel, IIE’s Head of Research, Evaluation & Learning.
