BETA
This is a BETA experience. You may opt-out by clicking here

More From Forbes

Edit Story

U.S. Colleges: The American Dream For International Students

Following
This article is more than 8 years old.

The world still sees America as the land of opportunity – for higher ed. This is why in 2014, there were some 1 million foreign students enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities, another peak in a string of all-time highs going back to 2000. China and India export the most students, followed by South Korea and Saudi Arabia.

GIF Credit: Nicole West and Kai Hecker

Currently, about 5.4% of America’s college students hail from outside the country – a 14% increase from last year and an 85% increase from just 10 years ago. The numbers aren’t just big, they’re valuable: The 1.2 million international students studying in the U.S. contribute about $34.6 billion total in tuition and other spending.

Though college costs around the world vary widely, U.S. tuition has the distinction of being one of the costliest and, not coincidentally, one of the least affordable based on median income. In many European countries such as Germany, France and Sweden, the price of college is virtually free. The cost is largely absorbed by taxpayer dollars.

College is tuition-free in Brazil, as well, but what’s most surprising is that the country has sent over 13,000 students to the U.S. to study – the 10th most of any country and also with the second-highest growth rate of 22%.

So, how do international students pay for expensive U.S. colleges?

According to 2014 Open Doors Data, 65% of college funding for foreign students comes from personal and family funds, but 78% also say the lure to the States comes from more active university recruitment efforts. In fact, 19% report that their U.S. college covered part of the costs with either pathway programs or foreign government scholarship programs.

Currently, about half of all international students hail from China, India and South Korea collectively. Whereas the top places of origin were all Asian at the start of the century, this year sees a mix of Asian, Middle Eastern and Canadian. Though China still boasts the largest number of students at 274,439 (23% of the total), Kuwait has seen the largest growth of students sent to the States at a 43% increase over the past year. Other Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia and Iran also have some of the highest growth rates, as do South American countries Brazil and Venezuela.

Asian countries have been formidable for their STEM advancements, and the data reflects this fact: Chinese students represent the largest portion of international students in engineering, math/computer science, and physical/life sciences. In addition to STEM fields, they also have the highest numbers in business/management, education, fine/applied arts, and social sciences. India contributes the most students to health professions, South Korea has the most in humanities, and Saudi Arabia has the highest in intensive English. Overall though, STEM sees the largest number of international students compared to any other field, with 42%.

While New York State hosts the most international students with Columbia University and New York University among the top five campuses for foreign students, the University of Southern California welcomes the most at about 12,500 students, about 2,000 more than most others. Other top host states include Texas and Massachusetts, other educational powerhouses.