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 $55 billion to the U.S. economy in 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Open Doors 2025 reports that over half 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:
The Fall 2025 Snapshot on International Student Enrollment findings are based on responses from 828 U.S. higher education institutions on current patterns in international student enrollment as of fall 2025. The report, conducted by the Institute of International Education (IIE) and ten partner higher education associations, complements the Open Doors® Report on International Educational Exchange.
Spring International Student Enrollment Snapshot:
The Spring 2025 Snapshot on International Educational Exchange presents data from 559 U.S. higher education institutions in two sections: (1) current trends and recruitment patterns with respect to international students for 2025/26 and (2) trends related to U.S. study abroad in 2024/25, as well as an outlook for 2025/26.
Promoting Access to U.S. Higher Education: International Students with Disabilities:
The Open Doors Special Report – Promoting Access to U.S. Higher Education: International Students with Disabilities – provides an initial foundation for stakeholders to understand the national landscape of information on international students with disabilities attending U.S. higher education institutions. The findings in this report reflect information from interviews and survey responses from 386 colleges and universities.
Community College Historic Analysis:
IIE has historically provided information on international students and U.S. study abroad at community colleges. Please click below to view data tables.
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.
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.
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