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Indian students will spend nearly $14 billion on tuition, living expenses and other costs in 2024-25, up from $11.8 billion last year.
Undergraduate admissions for Indian students in the US increased by 11%, while postgraduate enrollments declined by 9.5%.
Indian students are strengthening their position as a major presence in the United States, with the latest data for the 2024-25 academic year confirming that India is the largest source of international students in the country. A total of 3,63,019 Indian students enrolled in US universities this year, which is 10% more than last year. While the pace of growth is slower than the 23% growth seen in 2023-24, the figures highlight India’s growing presence in global higher education.
The United States has now overtaken China, which has seen a steady decline in student numbers for the fifth consecutive year. The number of Chinese students fell by 4% to 2,65,919 in 2024-25. Overall, international student enrollment in the US declined by 7%, reflecting the tough global environment for foreign education.
Despite challenges such as rigorous visa interviews, extended appointment timelines and uncertainties around work permits, the Indian student population remains resilient. The financial impact of this demographic is substantial.
Indian students will spend nearly $14 billion on tuition, living expenses and other costs in 2024-25, up from $11.8 billion last year. Although China remains the leader in overall spending, India is rapidly closing the gap, indicating the serious investment being made by Indian families in overseas education.
Career prospects in the US are another significant attraction. Undergraduate enrollments for Indian students increased by 11%, while postgraduate enrollments declined by 9.5%. Notably, participation in Optional Practical Training (OPT) has increased by 47%, underscoring the growing interest among Indian students in gaining US work experience.
63% were admitted to public universities, with the remaining 37% admitted to private institutions. Popular states for Indian students include Texas, New York, Massachusetts, California, and Illinois.
The US Commerce Department reported that in 2024, foreign students will contribute approximately $55 billion to the US economy, supporting more than 350,000 jobs. This economic and cultural importance reinforces the US as a leading destination for higher education globally.
The 2024-25 academic year saw record enrollments from twelve countries, including Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria, Spain and Vietnam. Looking ahead, US universities are targeting India, Vietnam, Brazil and South Korea for undergraduate admissions, with India being the primary focus for postgraduate recruitment.
The Open Doors 2025 Snapshot revealed a 2% increase in undergraduate students, a 12% decline in graduate enrollment, but a 14% increase in OPT participation, indicating that career opportunities in the US remain a strong magnet for Indian students.
Commenting on this trend, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that Indian students excel wherever they go, which reflects both their talent and character. Jason Szig, President of the Institute of International Education (IIE), highlighted the important role international students play in enriching the U.S. education system, research landscape, and cultural diversity.
November 18, 2025, 4:10 PM IST
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