IIE pioneers applied research and policy analysis in the field of international student mobility. Our research projects, including Open Doors, Project Atlas, and the Global Education Research Reports, help measure, and document trends in international academic exchange.
Economic Impact of International Students:
The continued growth in international students coming to the U.S. for higher education had a significant positive economic impact on the United States. International students contributed nearly $38 billion to the U.S. economy in 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Open Doors 2023 reports that 60 percent of all international students receive the majority of their funds from sources outside of the United States, including personal and family sources as well as assistance from their home country governments or universities. Students from around the world who study in the United States also contribute to America’s scientific and technical research and bring international perspectives into U.S. classrooms, helping prepare American undergraduates for global careers, and often lead to longer-term business relationships and economic benefits. Additional breakdowns of economic impact by state and Congressional District, calculated using Open Doors enrollment figures, are available on the NAFSA International Student Economic Value Tool website.
Fall International Student Enrollment Snapshot:
Fall Snapshot on International Student Enrollment Reports: The Fall 2023 Snapshot on International Student Enrollment presents current international student enrollment patterns based on data from over 630 U.S. higher education institutions. The findings from the Fall 2022 Snapshot reflect the resilience of the U.S. higher education system and provide an understanding of the current state of U.S. higher education institutions’ commitment to international student mobility.
Spring International Student Enrollment Snapshot:
Spring Snapshot on International Educational Exchange: The Spring 2023 Snapshot on International Educational Exchange continues the commitment of the Institute of International Education (IIE) to map the current state of international educational exchange to and from the United States. The most recent report presents data from more than 520 U.S. higher education institutions in two sections: (1) current trends in international students studying at U.S. institutions in spring 2023 and recruitment patterns for prospective students and (2) the realities of U.S. study abroad in summer 2023 and academic year 2023/24. Each section is supplemented by special analyses on underrepresented populations participating in international educational exchange. On inbound mobility, we present data on non-degree international students and refugees and displaced students. The study abroad section includes insights on data collection of underrepresented populations in study abroad, including students with high financial need, first generation students, and other populations.
Open Doors is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by IIE.
IIE’s mission is to help people and organizations leverage the power of international education to thrive in today’s interconnected world. IIE’s work focuses on advancing scholarship, building economies, and promoting access to opportunity.
The U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity.
EducationUSA is a U.S. Department of State network of over 430 international student advising centers in more than 175 countries and territories. EducationUSA is committed to promoting the diversity of U.S. higher education to help international students find their best fit.
USA Study Abroad is a U.S. Department of State entity focused on expanding and diversifying study abroad opportunities for U.S. students to gain critical skills in support of our national security and economic prosperity.
