Studying in the United States is an experience like no other, which is why the country attracts students from all corners of the globe. With over 1 million international students from 210 countries during the 2022/23 academic year, the U.S. remains the top global destination.
However, the U.S. is vast, and international students often find it challenging to narrow down their preferences. To help prospective students, we analyzed data available on Open Doors Data to identify the emerging states with the highest growth in international student population, along with those boasting the largest overall numbers.
Take a look at the following insights and find the full ranking at the end.
These 5 States Saw the Biggest Increase in International Students
In the 2022/23 academic year, international student enrollment in the United States surged by over 12%. Among all U.S. states, these saw the biggest increase in international students in comparison to the previous year:
| Rank | State | International Students | Changes From Previous Year (%) | Estimated International Student Expenditure | Leading Country of Origin | Leading Institution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connecticut | 16,727 | 35.4 | $698K | India | Yale University |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 3,767 | 28.0 | $161K | India | Dartmouth College |
| 3 | Tennessee | 9,206 | 26.6 | $332K | China | Vanderbilt University |
| 4 | Missouri | 24,260 | 26.6 | $828K | India | Washington University in St. Louis |
| 5 | Delaware | 3,819 | 25.4 | $107K | India | University of Delaware |
Connecticut – 35.4%
Connecticut witnessed the highest growth rate in international student percentage for the 2022/23 academic year, with a total of 16,727 international students, representing a significant 35.4% increase from the previous year.
Ranked 19th in the United States for international student numbers, the state hosts a diverse student population, primarily from India (36.6%) and China (24.3%). The Constitution State is home to several top-tier institutions, including the famous Ivy League Yale University (Go Bulldogs!)
There’s nothing quite like New England charm and hospitality. When you’re in the state, explore the quaint coastal towns, admire the fall foliage, and check out attractions such as the Mystic Seaport Museum.
New Hampshire – 28%
Next on our list is New Hampshire, where, despite a relatively modest number of international students, the state experienced a remarkable 28% increase in the 2022/23 academic year.
With a total of 3,767 international students, predominantly from India (36.4%) and China (14.2%), New Hampshire is home to prestigious institutions like the Ivy League Dartmouth College.
Apart from academics, students in New Hampshire can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities like hiking and skiing, thanks to its beautiful landscapes, including the White Mountains and Lakes Region.
Tennessee – 26.6%
With a 26.6% increase in international students, Tennessee is an emerging destination. Ranking 27th in the U.S. for international student population, it hosts 9,206 students, with top countries of origin including China (24.2%), India (18.4%), and Saudi Arabia (4.9%).
Well-known universities in Tennessee include Vanderbilt University, the University of Memphis, and the University of Tennessee – Knoxville.
And when it’s time to unwind, cities like Nashville and Memphis offer vibrant music scenes, where you can soak up the rich musical heritage of country, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll.
Missouri – 26.6%
Missouri was the fourth fastest-growing state in international student numbers. There was a notable 26.6% increase from the previous year, bringing the total to 24,260 international students. Similar to trends in other states, the majority of international students originate from India (40.3%) and China (26.8%).
Missouri’s universities, including Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Central Missouri, are top picks for international students seeking quality education.
When they’re not hitting the books, students can enjoy the music culture, explore iconic landmarks like the Gateway Arch, and easily access major cities and attractions across the U.S.
Delaware – 25.4%
Ranking fifth with a notable 25.4% increase in international student numbers, the small state of Delaware hosts a community of 3,819 students from around the globe. Students from India (33.5%) and China (24.6%) form the majority of the international student population.
With esteemed institutions like the University of Delaware, Wilmington University, and Delaware Technical and Community College, students have access to top-tier education.
Yet, what truly sets Delaware apart is its tight-knit atmosphere, offering international students a sense of belonging. The state’s quaint towns, scenic beaches, and picturesque landscape are also a must-see.
U.S. States Hosting the Most International Students Overall
While many states saw substantial growth in international student numbers, the states that accommodated the highest proportion of international students in the 2022/23 academic year were:
| Rank | State | International Students | Changes From Previous Year (%) | Estimated International Student Expenditure | Leading Country of Origin | Leading Institution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 138,393 | 3.2 | $6 Billion | China | University of Southern California |
| 2 | New York | 126,782 | 11.5 | $5.8 Billion | China | New York University |
| 3 | Texas | 80,757 | 15.0 | $2.2 Billion | India | University of Texas – Dallas |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 79,751 | 12.3 | $3.6 Billion | China | Northeastern University – Boston |
| 5 | Illinois | 55,337 | 18.8 | $2 Billion | India | University of Illinois – Urbana – Champaign |
California
In the 2022/23 academic year, sunny California hosted 138,393 international students, maintaining its status as the U.S. state with the highest number of them, with a 3.2% increase from the previous year.
China leads as the primary source, accounting for 37.5% of the student population, followed by India at 18.4%. Apart from the laid-back culture, these students are drawn to prestigious institutions like the University of Southern California, the University of California – Berkeley, and others.
Additionally, 376 international students in California are Fullbright Program recipients for the 2022/23 academic year. The $6 billion estimated international student expenditure bolsters California’s status as the state with the highest GDP among U.S. states.
New York
Next up is New York, a state that symbolizes the American dream and that many people immediately associate with the U.S.
In the 2022/23 academic year, the Empire State welcomed 126,782 students from around the globe, marking an impressive 11.5% increase from the previous year. Notably, 602 of these students are Fullbright Program (22/23) recipients.
The majority of international students here hail from China (38.2%), India (21.5%), and South Korea (4.7%). Many of them study in prestigious institutions like New York University, as well as the two Ivy League universities, Columbia and Cornell University.
Texas
With 80,757 students from around the globe, Texas ranks among the top three states for international student population in the U.S. Leading the charge are students from diverse origins, with India(38.5%), China (12.2%), and bordering Mexico (5.8%) being the top contributors.
In Texas, universities like the University of Texas-Austin and Texas A&M University College Station provide diverse learning environments. Plus, there’s plenty more to explore for international students. Don’t miss out on enjoying delicious Southern comfort food, exploring Austin’s vibrant music scene, or discovering events like the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts is another international students hotspot—with 79,751 of them in 2022/23, up 12.3% from the year before. Of these, 29.1% originated from China, 28.1% from India, and 3.4% from South Korea. Additionally, the state proudly hosted 365 Fullbright scholars during this academic year.
With top institutions like the Ivy League Harvard University and MIT, international students in the Bay State have access to world-class education and groundbreaking research opportunities. When not in class, students can explore the rich cultural heritage of Massachusetts, from visiting historic sites like the Freedom Trail in Boston to relaxing on the scenic beaches of Cape Cod.
Illinois
Fifth on our list, Illinois warmly welcomed 55,337 international students in the 2022/23 academic year, an impressive 18.8% increase from the previous year. Among these students, 31.2% are from India, and 27% from China, with others joining from South Korea, Taiwan, and Nigeria.
Some of the universities hosting the most international students in Illinois include the University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign, University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and University of Illinois – Chicago. The state offers a range of unique experiences for students, from exploring Chicago’s iconic architecture to indulging in deep-dish pizza, a culinary specialty synonymous with the state.
U.S. States With Highest Number of International Students [Complete List]
Here’s the complete list of U.S. states, along with their international student population, changes from the previous year, estimated international student expenditure, leading country of origin, and leading institution:
| Rank | State | Number of International Students | % Changes From Previous Year | Estimated International Student Expenditure | Leading Country of Origin | Leading Institution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 138,393 | 3.2 | $6 Billion | China | University of Southern California |
| 2 | New York | 126,782 | 11.5 | $5.8 Billion | China | New York University |
| 3 | Texas | 80,757 | 15.0 | $2.2 Billion | India | University of Texas – Dallas |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 79,751 | 12.3 | $3.6 Billion | China | Northeastern University – Boston |
| 5 | Illinois | 55,337 | 18.8 | $2 Billion | India | University of Illinois – Urbana – Champaign |
| 6 | Pennsylvania | 48,593 | 9.5 | $2 Billion | China | Pennsylvania State University – University Park |
| 7 | Florida | 42,590 | 7.5 | $1.4 Billion | India | University of South Florida – Tampa |
| 8 | Ohio | 34,204 | 9.8 | $1.2 Billion | India | Ohio State University – Columbus |
| 9 | Michigan | 33,501 | 21.1 | $1.2 Billion | India | University of Michigan – Ann Arbor |
| 10 | Arizona | 30,054 | 17.0 | $1 Billion | India | Arizona State University – Campus Immersion |
| 11 | Indiana | 26,739 | 8.6 | $890K | India | Purdue University – West Lafayette |
| 12 | Georgia | 26,450 | 5.6 | $951K | China | Georgia Institute of Technology |
| 13 | Missouri | 24,260 | 26.6 | $828K | India | Washington University in St. Louis |
| 14 | North Carolina | 23,488 | 15.8 | $816K | China | Duke University and Medical Center |
| 15 | Washington | 23,100 | 9.3 | $830K | China | University of Washington |
| 16 | Maryland | 22,743 | 15.7 | $929K | China | Johns Hopkins University |
| 17 | New Jersey | 21,985 | 16.0 | $861K | India | Rutgers University – New Brunswick |
| 18 | Virginia | 19,365 | 8.5 | $702K | India | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University |
| 19 | Connecticut | 16,727 | 35.4 | $698K | India | Yale University |
| 20 | Minnesota | 14,321 | 6.1 | $459K | China | University of Minnesota – Twin Cities |
| 21 | Wisconsin | 13,650 | 14.1 | $486K | China | University of Wisconsin – Madison |
| 22 | District of Columbia | 11,457 | 8.2 | $525K | China | George Washington University |
| 23 | Utah | 10,019 | 8.5 | $302K | China | University of Utah |
| 24 | Colorado | 9,920 | 6.0 | $359K | India | University of Colorado – Boulder |
| 25 | Kentucky | 9,765 | 9.8 | $308K | India | University of Kentucky |
| 26 | Kansas | 9,353 | 13.1 | $246K | India | Wichita State University |
| 27 | Tennesse | 9,206 | 26.6 | $332K | China | Vanderbilt University |
| 28 | Alabama | 9,022 | 10.9 | $305K | India | Auburn University – Auburn |
| 29 | Iowa | 8,261 | 0.2 | $250K | China | Iowa State University |
| 30 | Oklahoma | 7,651 | 24.9 | $218K | India | Oklahoma State University – Stillwater |
| 31 | Oregon | 7,379 | -3.1 | $260K | China | Oregon State University – Corvallis |
| 32 | Louisiana | 6,626 | 9.3 | $246K | China | Louisiana State University and A&M College |
| 33 | South Carolina | 6,173 | 4.5 | $181K | India | University of South Carolina – Columbia |
| 34 | Arkansas | 5,680 | 24.0 | $146K | India | University of Arkansas – Fayetteville |
| 35 | Rhode Island | 4,786 | 8.7 | $257K | China | Brown University |
| 36 | Nebraska | 4,097 | 2.8 | $112K | India | University of Nebraska – Lincoln |
| 37 | Hawaii | 3,939 | 15.1 | $133K | Japan | Brigham Young University – Hawaii |
| 38 | Delaware | 3,819 | 25.4 | $107K | India | University of Delaware |
| 39 | New Hampshire | 3,767 | 28.0 | $161K | India | Dartmouth College |
| 40 | Idaho | 3,263 | 1.0 | $68K | Canada | Brigham Young University – Idaho |
| 41 | Mississippi | 2,960 | 8.3 | $73K | India | Mississippi State University |
| 42 | New Mexico | 2,633 | 11.1 | $71K | India | University of New Mexico – Albuquerque |
| 43 | West Virginia | 2,494 | 0.6 | $77K | Canada | West Virginia University |
| 44 | North Dakota | 2,102 | 12.5 | $43K | Japan | University of North Dakota – Grand Forks |
| 45 | Nevada | 2,031 | 4.5 | $60K | China | University of Nevada – Las Vegas |
| 46 | South Dakota | 2,018 | 20.8 | $44K | India | South Dakota State University |
| 47 | Maine | 1,703 | 14.1 | $69K | China | University of Maine |
| 48 | Vermont | 1,334 | 3.3 | $63K | China | University of Vermont |
| 49 | Montana | 1,241 | 3.4 | $40K | Philippines | University of Montana – Missoula |
| 50 | Wyoming | 805 | 3.2 | $18K | China | University of Wyoming |
| 51 | Puerto Rico | 498 | 16.9 | $12K | Colombia | University of Puerto Rico – Mayaguez |
| 52 | Alaska | 290 | -3.7 | $9.7K | Canada | University of Alaska – Fairbanks |
| 53 | US Virgin Islands | 106 | -8.6 | $3K | St Kitts and Nevis | University of the Virgin Islands |
Key Takeaways
As the U.S. swiftly recovers from pandemic-related enrollment stagnation and travel restrictions, international student numbers are on the rise again.
Prestigious universities remain attractive destinations, with the top-ranking states boasting five of the eight Ivy League institutions.
Notably, Chinese and Indian students continue to dominate the international student population, comprising 53% of all students in 2022/23.