These 20 States Host 81% of International College Students In the U.S.

“1 out of 3 international students studies in California, New York, or Texas.” – according to the Open Doors (2014-15) report of Institute of International Education (IIE).

IIE data illustrate that during the 2014-2015  academic year there were 974,926 international students in U.S. colleges and universities.   California had gained the most favor of 135,130 international students; an 11.1% increase from the previous year.  Second place was New York with 106,758  foreign students (up 7.9%), and Texas came in 3rd with 75,588 students (up 17.6%).  These three states alone comprise 32.5% of the total international college students.

Twenty of most popular states combined hosted 81% of the foreign students in the U.S.   The top 5 schools favored by international students in every state are also listed.   75% of these schools are public-supported and 25% are private.  International students also prefer bigger cities over small towns.