Strong recovery in new students for US universities in 2021/22, growth continuing this year

US colleges and universities saw a strong rebound in international higher education student numbers in the 2021/22 academic year with an 80 per cent increase in new enrolments according to the annual Open Doors report, while growth is continuing in the current year and institutions are committed to recruitment efforts.

The Open Doors 2022 Report, compiled by the Institute of International Education and funded by the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, is based on a survey of more than 3,000 higher education institutions.

Total students:

The report shows that there were 948,519 international students enrolled in total in 2021/22, a four per cent increase compared with the previous year, but still around 11 per cent below the pre-pandemic figure of 1,075,496 in 2019/20.

New student growth:

First-year enrolments increased by 80 per cent compared with the previous year to 261,961, suggesting a strong recovery from the impact of Covid-19.

The 2021/22 total of new, first-year students was within 10,000 students of the figures recorded in the three years prior to Covid-19. Growth of more than 50 per cent in new students was recorded by 44 out of 50 US states, the authors said.

“The incredible rebound we have seen in international student mobility demonstrates the United States’ and its higher education institutions’ unwavering commitment to welcoming students from around the world,” said IIE CEO, Allan E. Goodman.

“The Open Doors 2022 report emphasizes that, despite the complexity and uncertainty that accompany pandemics, international educational exchanges continue. Investment in international exchange remains the best way for educational institutions and countries to connect people and ideas around the world.”

Source markets:

China remained the top source country with 290,086 students, an 8.6 per cent decrease compared with the previous year, but second-placed India recorded growth of 18.9 per cent to 199,182 students, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

The top five was completed by South Korea (40,755, +3.2 per cent), Canada (27,013, +7.4) and Vietnam (20,713, -4.2). Of the top 25 source markets, 19 recorded an increase in enrolments in 2021/22 – 12 of those by double-digits.

The largest year-on-year growth among the top 25 came from Germany at 59.4 per cent, followed by Spain (41.2), and France (37.4).

Highest-ever totals were recorded by Bangladesh (the 13th largest source market), Pakistan (16th), Spain (19th) and Colombia (20th), while 10th placed Nigeria recorded its highest total since 1984/85.

Academic level:

By academic level, there was a 17 per cent increase in postgraduate students to 385,097 students – the second-highest total ever recorded, and the first time that postgraduate study has been higher than undergraduate for a decade.

Undergraduate students decreased by 4.2 per cent to 344,532, and non-degree students jumped by 61.4 per cent to 34,131, virtually matching the level of decrease in the previous year.

The number of students engaged in Optional Practical Training (OPT), the post-study work stream where international students remain registered with their institution while employed in a position related to their study, declined by 9.4 per cent to 184,759, the lowest level since 2016/17.

States:

By state, California remained the largest host of international students with 134,043 students, a one per cent increase compared with the previous year, followed by New York (113,666, +6.3 per cent), and Massachusetts (71,026, +7.2). All of the top 10 host states posted an increase last year.

Top host institutions:

New York University retained its position as the largest host of international higher education students with 21,081 enrolled, followed by Northeastern University (17,836), Columbia University (17,956), University of Southern California (15,729) and Arizona State University (15,293).

Academic fields:

At subject level, Math and Computer Science became the most popular study field with 200,301 students, a 10 per cent increase, followed by engineering (188,194, -1.3 per cent)) and business and management (147,293, +1.1). More than half of all international students were studying in STEM fields.

Current year growth:

Fall 2022 Snapshot: Meanwhile, the Fall 2022 International Student Enrollment Snapshot, conducted by IIE along with nine other organizations and completed by 683 institutions, indicates growth and pre-pandemic recovery continuing in the current academic year.

The total number of international students for the institutions surveyed increased by nine per cent with growth at all educational levels, while the number of new, first-year enrolments rose by a further seven per cent. An increase in new students was reported by almost two-thirds (64 per cent) of the institution surveyed.

Priority markets:

India, Vietnam, Brazil and China were identified as priority markets for student recruitment by the institutions surveyed.

“We are thrilled to see international student numbers on the rise, and to see the United States maintain its global leadership as the top destination of choice for international students,” said Lee Satterfield, Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs. “US colleges and universities are places of inspiration, innovation, and opportunity – providing the skills and networks necessary to solve global challenges.”