Top 10 states for foreign students in the U.S., 2016
Number of foreign students newly enrolled in associate, bachelor's, master's or doctorate degree programs
StateNumber of students
California60,000
New York41,000
Texas27,000
Massachusetts20,000
Pennsylvania18,000
Illinois17,000
Florida16,000
Ohio11,000
Michigan10,000
Washington10,000

Note: Foreign students are full-time students on F-1 visas approved to study in the United States. Students approved for F-1 visas are assumed to be enrolled for studies at their sponsoring school. Data are based on the calendar year.

Source: Pew Research Center analysis of U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement data from 2004-2012 and 2014-2016 received through a Freedom of Information Act request.

PEW RESEARCH CENTER