International Students in the U.S. by Education Level
More than 90% of all international students are enrolled in postsecondary education
Source: Manifest Law analysis of U.S. Department of Homeland Security data | Image Credit: Manifest Law
International students in the United States—including those participating in the post-graduation Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Practical Training (PT) programs—are overwhelmingly concentrated in postsecondary education. As of March 2026, master’s degree programs enrolled 512,841 international students, followed by 351,908 in bachelor’s programs and 188,184 in doctoral programs. An additional 65,802 students were enrolled in associate degree programs. Combined, these categories account for over 90% of all international students in the U.S.
Enrollment outside of postsecondary education is comparatively limited. Language training programs account for 49,240 students, while secondary schools enroll 32,972. Other categories—including flight training (4,340 students), primary school (2,506), and vocational programs (1,321)—represent only a small share of the total. International enrollment remains concentrated in degree-granting programs rather than earlier-stage or non-degree pathways.
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