Indian Students Keep U.S. Universities Running Despite Challenges: Numbers Speak Volumes

Despite stricter visa regulations and tighter job rules, Indian students continue to dominate U.S. higher education, emerging as a key driver for American universities. According to the latest Open Doors Report, although foreign student admissions in 2025 dropped by 17% due to visa delays and travel restrictions, India remained the top source country for international students in the academic year 2024–25.

Indian Students Leading U.S. Enrollment

For the academic year 2024–25, 3,63,019 students from India went to the United States for higher education—a 10% increase compared to the previous year. This number surpasses China, which sent 2,65,919 students, reflecting a 4% decline in Chinese enrollments. In total, the U.S. hosts around 1.2 million international students.

Economic Contribution of Indian Students

The U.S. Department of Commerce reports that in 2024, foreign students contributed $55 billion to the American economy, generating over 350,000 jobs. Indian students alone accounted for $14 billion in contributions, supporting thousands of jobs across sectors.

Study Preferences and Locations

• 63% of Indian students are enrolled in public universities, while 37% attend private institutions with tuition fees often running into hundreds of thousands of dollars.
• Popular study destinations include Texas, New York, Massachusetts, California, and Illinois.

Despite global challenges, Indian students continue to be a cornerstone of U.S. higher education, fueling both academic growth and economic impact.