International Students Contribute $17.6 Billion to U.S. Economy

The Economic Benefits of International Education to the United States: A Statistical Analysis, 2008-2009

Annually, NAFSA calculates the economic impact of international students and their dependents on the U.S. economy. During the 2008-2009 academic year, NAFSA estimates that international students and their dependents contributed approximately $17.6 billion to the U.S. economy.

2008-2009 Economic Impact Statements

Please select a state to view its detailed report. You may click on the map or select from the list below.  You can also download a summary of the entire U.S. (137kb ).

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This conservative figure, $17.6 billion, is based on tuition figures from Wintergreen Orchard House, enrollment figures from the Institute of International Education's Open Doors 2009 report, living expenses calculated from Wintergreen Orchard House figures, and analysis of the data by Jason Baumgartner at Indiana University – Bloomington's Office of International Services.

This report does not rely on a "multiplier effect." Although this might provide a more accurate estimate of actual economic impact, there is no consensus on the appropriate size of such a multiplier. We make our assumptions clear in a methodological appendix attached to each report.

Along with our partners at IIE and Indiana University, we are committed to continuing efforts to improve our data and methodology. By any measure, international education makes a significant contribution to the U.S. economy.

View the 2007-2008 Economic Impact Statements.