Fact Check: Foreign students make up over 15% of total enrollment at nearly 200 U.S. universities.

Fact Check: "Foreign students make up over 15% of total enrollment at nearly 200 U.S. universities."

What We Know

According to a recent analysis by the Associated Press, foreign students indeed make up more than 15% of the total student body at almost 200 universities in the United States. This statistic is supported by federal education data from 2023, which indicates that a significant number of these institutions are private universities, including all eight Ivy League schools, as well as 26 public universities like the University of Illinois and Pennsylvania State University (source-4, source-6).

In total, there are approximately 6,268 SEVP-certified schools in the U.S., with a notable percentage hosting international students. The data shows that 64% of these schools enrolled between 1 to 50 international students, while a smaller fraction has a much higher percentage of foreign students (source-1).

Analysis

The claim that foreign students constitute over 15% of total enrollment at nearly 200 U.S. universities is corroborated by multiple reliable sources. The Associated Press's analysis, which draws from federal education data, provides a credible basis for this assertion. The data indicates that the majority of these universities are private, which typically have a higher proportion of international students compared to public institutions (source-4).

Moreover, the analysis aligns with findings from other reputable sources, such as Inside Higher Ed, which reported a significant surge in international student enrollment, further supporting the notion that foreign students play a crucial role in the U.S. higher education landscape (source-8).

The reliability of these sources is bolstered by their established reputation in reporting on educational statistics and trends. The Associated Press and Inside Higher Ed are both recognized for their thorough investigative journalism and adherence to factual reporting standards.

Conclusion

Verdict: True. The claim that foreign students make up over 15% of total enrollment at nearly 200 U.S. universities is substantiated by credible data from the Associated Press and corroborated by additional educational reports. The evidence indicates that this demographic is significant in the context of U.S. higher education, particularly in private institutions.

Fact Check: Foreign students make up over 15% of total enrollment at nearly 200 U.S. universities.