Foreign student enrollment in U.S. colleges has reached historic levels, with more than 1.1 million international students during the 2023-24 academic year, marking a significant recovery from pandemic-era numbers.
This represents 6% of all U.S. college students, an unprecedented proportion. Of these students, approximately 884,000 are enrolled in classes, while nearly 243,000 participate in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, a work-study initiative for foreign students.
The Biden administration reports these students contribute more than $50 billion to the U.S. economy. However, this surge in international enrollment has sparked concerns about oversight and fraud. A notable case at Lehigh University involved an Indian student who admitted to falsifying application materials and working without authorization, raising questions about the system’s integrity.
The current structure of international student programs presents potential conflicts of interest. Colleges benefit financially as foreign students typically pay full tuition, unlike domestic students who often receive financial aid or in-state discounts. This dynamic may affect institutions’ willingness to maintain strict oversight.
The OPT program has experienced particularly dramatic growth, expanding from 20,000 participants in 2000 to approximately 500,000 authorized participants in 2023. This rapid expansion has drawn criticism from former immigration officials who warn of insufficient oversight and significant fraud risks. The program saw notable growth during the Obama administration, exceeded 200,000 participants in 2017-18, and despite a temporary pandemic-related decline, has rebounded strongly with a 44,000-person increase in the last academic year.
NAFSA, an international education advocacy group, supports expanding these programs, emphasizing their importance for global competence and STEM innovation in American education.
Read more: U.S. sets record with 1.1 million foreign students
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