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The Melting Pot Continues: International Students in America
America is often characterized as a nation of immigrants. And nowhere is our melting pot identity more evident than on U.S. college and university campuses.
In 2006–2007, according to data compiled by the Institute of International Education, 582,984 students from all over the world were enrolled in American colleges and universities in a wide range of fields, but centered mainly on business, engineering and the sciences.
Numbers on the Rise
In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, the number of international students in America showed either a much lower rate of growth or an actual decrease until 2006–2007. But last year, as U.S. college total enrollment topped 15 million for the first time, international student enrollment nearly matched its all-time high of 586,323, set in 2002–2003. That means that 3.9 percent of all college students in the United States are from other countries.
Where Do They Come From?
The leading nations of origin for international students are India (83,833 students), China (67,723) and Korea (62,392). Among the top 20, the percentage of change compared to the previous year—in terms of sending more or fewer students to study in America—was fairly small. But No. 12 Saudi Arabia, No. 13 Nepal, and No. 20 Vietnam each registered major increases: Saudi Arabia, 128.7 percent; Nepal, 27.9 percent; and Vietnam, 31.3 percent.
Where Do They Go?
Coming as no surprise, the most populous state in the nation attracts more international students than any other state. In this latest year for which data are available, 77,987 international students were enrolled in colleges and universities in California, followed by New York (65,884), Texas (49,081), Massachusetts (28,680), Florida (26,875), and Pennsylvania (23,182).
Economic Impact
All told, their economic impact—tuition and fees, living expenses for themselves and their dependents, and U.S. support mainly from the schools they attend—totaled nearly $14.5 billion. As it has been year after year, more than 60 percent of their funding comes from their personal and family financial assets. The next largest funding source is the college or university they are attending.
John Carter is a writer who lives in Cincinnati, Ohio. He and his wife have a son in college and a daughter who will join the college ranks before long.
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