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The Open Doors 2025 Report on International Educational Exchange, the leading annual benchmark for international educational exchange in the United States, announced that there were 363,019 international students from India in the U.S. in 2024-2025, reflecting a 10 percent increase from the prior year.

According to the report, U.S. colleges and universities hosted 1.2 million (1,177,766) international students in the 2024-2025 academic year, a 5 percent overall increase from the previous year.

Also Read: Indian student arrivals to U.S. fall 44 percent, biggest drop since pandemic: Report

India remains top-sending country

While India remains the top source country for international students, China followed with 265,919 students, a 4 percent decline. Twelve of the top 25 countries sending international students reached their largest totals to date: Bangladesh, Canada, Colombia, Ghana, India, Italy, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Spain, and Vietnam.

The United States remains the top destination for international students globally. “International students come to the United States to advance their education and contribute to US colleges and communities,” said Jason Czyz, Institute of International Education (IIE) President and CEO. “This data highlights the impact international students have in driving innovation, advancing scholarship, and strengthening cross-cultural understanding.” 

International students' contribution to economy

International students accounted for 6 percent of the total US higher education population and contributed nearly $55 billion to the US economy in 2024, according to the US. Department of Commerce, and supported more than 355,000 jobs across the United States, according to NAFSA.

International students studied in all 50 US states. Among the 45 states that saw increases in their international student totals, the largest growth was reported in Texas (+8 percent, +7,497 students), Illinois (+7 percent, +4,336 students), and Missouri (+11 percent, +3,694 students). Most international students (59 percent) attended public institutions, while community colleges experienced the fastest rate of growth (+8 percent) among institutions.

International student numbers vary by academic level

The number of graduate students (488,481) pursuing master’s or doctorate degrees decreased by 3 percent, following three years of growth. The number of undergraduate students grew by 4 percent to 357,231, marking the first significant increase at that academic level since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The number of international students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) reached 294,253 students, an increase of 21 percent from the prior year. More than half (57 percent) of international students across academic levels pursued STEM fields of study.

The total number of new international students—those enrolling at a US college or university for the first time in fall 2024—decreased by 7 percent (277,118). This varied by academic level—the number of new undergraduates grew by 5 percent, while the number of new graduate students fell by 15 percent.

Fall 2025 snapshot

Over 825 US higher education institutions participated in the Fall 2025 Snapshot, providing an initial look into international student numbers as of the 2025-26 academic year. These institutions report a 1 percent decline in international student totals in fall 2025.

Undergraduate enrollments are up by 2 percent, while graduate enrollments have decreased by 12 percent. OPT continued to increase by 14 percent. New enrollments of international students studying at their US college or university for the first time in fall 2025 decreased by 17 percent.

Many institutions are continuing to focus on international student recruitment, citing the value of international students’ perspectives on campus (81 percent) and their financial contributions (60 percent).

Open Doors is the most comprehensive information resource on international students and scholars in the United States and on US students studying abroad for academic credit. The Open Doors project is sponsored by the US Department of State with funding provided by the US Government and supported in its implementation by the Institute of International Education.