International students contribute contribute over $22.7 billion to the U.S. economy, through their in-country expenses, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. Higher education is among the United States’ top service sector exports.
According to the Open Doors report of the Institute of International Education, more than 60% of all international students receive the majority of their funds from personal and family sources. When other sources of foreign funding are included, such as assistance from their home country governments or universities, over 70% of all international students’ primary funding comes from sources outside of the United States. This is contrary to many stereotypes about the funding for foreign students.
Open Doors, supported by a grant from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, is a comprehensive information resource on international students and scholars studying or teaching at higher education institutions in the United States, and U.S. students studying abroad for academic credit at their home colleges or universities.