Fact Check: "Foreign students make up over 15% of the total at nearly 200 U.S. universities."
What We Know
The claim that foreign students constitute over 15% of the total student body at nearly 200 U.S. universities is supported by data indicating a significant presence of international students in higher education. According to a report by the Institute of International Education (IIE), there were approximately 1,057,188 international students enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities during the 2022-23 academic year, which represented about 5.6% of the total higher education population in the U.S. (source-1, source-8).
However, the percentage of international students varies significantly by institution. An analysis reported by the Associated Press noted that foreign students make up more than 15% of the total student body at nearly 200 universities, particularly at selective institutions (source-7). This suggests that while the overall percentage of international students is lower, certain universities have a much higher concentration.
Analysis
The claim is nuanced, as it highlights the distinction between the overall percentage of international students across all U.S. universities and the specific percentages at individual institutions. The overall figure of 5.6% for international students reflects a broad average across nearly 19 million college students in the U.S. (source-8).
The assertion that nearly 200 universities have over 15% international student enrollment is credible, especially considering that many prestigious institutions, such as Harvard and NYU, have historically had much higher proportions of international students (source-3). This discrepancy indicates that while the average is low, certain universities are heavily reliant on international students for both diversity and financial support.
However, the reliability of the sources varies. The IIE is a reputable organization known for its comprehensive data on international education, making its findings credible. Conversely, the Associated Press analysis, while informative, may not provide the full context of the broader enrollment landscape, necessitating caution in interpreting its findings (source-4).
Conclusion
The claim that "foreign students make up over 15% of the total at nearly 200 U.S. universities" is Partially True. While it accurately reflects the situation at specific institutions, it does not represent the average across all U.S. universities, where international students account for only about 5.6% of the total enrollment. Thus, the claim is valid in a specific context but misleading if interpreted as a general statistic for all universities.
Sources
- International student enrollment soars, nears pre-pandemic levels - Georgetown University
- How many foreign students are at U.S. colleges? - Reuters
- These Are the U.S. Universities Most Dependent on International Students - The New York Times
- International student enrollment becomes a liability for Ivy ... - AP News
- Foreign student enrollment at U.S. universities fell 15% amid COVID-19 - Pew Research
- IIE Open Doors / Enrollment Trends - IIE Open Doors
- US student visa applications resume with new social media ... - AL.com
- International Student Enrollment Statistics - BestColleges - BestColleges
