 "$14 billion: What Indian students spent on chasing the American dream")
The number of Indian students on American campuses continued to rise in the 2024–25 academic year, despite mounting visa challenges and tighter scrutiny at US consulates.
A new Open Doors report by the Institute of International Education (IIE) shows that 363,019 Indian students are currently enrolled in US institutions, marking a 10% increase from last year. The growth, however, is slower than the sharp 23% jump recorded in 2023–24.
India remained the largest source of international students in the United States for the second consecutive year, far ahead of all other countries. Analysts say the steady increase highlights both the enduring appeal of American universities and the determination of Indian students to navigate visa backlogs, longer processing times and intensified interview scrutiny.
A significant share of this student population is enrolled in graduate programmes and Optional Practical Training (OPT)—the work-authorisation route that allows international graduates to gain temporary employment in the US. The continued popularity of OPT reflects ongoing demand for US work experience, especially in STEM fields.
Indian students are leaving an even bigger financial footprint in the US than ever before.
According to the study, Indian students spent $14 billion on tuition, living costs and other expenses in 2024–25. This places India almost on par with China, whose students spent $14.6 billion, the highest among any country. The jump is significant compared to the $11.8 billion spent by Indian students in 2023–24, hinting at both rising enrollment and increasing costs.
Despite the persistent bottlenecks in the visa process—from delays and administrative checks to higher rejection fears—the data shows that Indian students remain undeterred. For US colleges, they continue to be a crucial source of revenue and talent at a time when domestic enrollments plateau.
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