By Nicole Lyons,
November 25, 2024
During an academic year with a record number of international students studying in
the U.S., the University of Central Missouri (UCM) is the leading institution for
international students in Missouri, as reported by the Open Doors 2024 Report on International
Educational Exchange.
The , published by the U.S. Department of State鈥檚 Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
and the (IIE), was released on Nov. 18 as part of International Education Week. The 2023-24
census includes international students attending classes full-time or part-time on
U.S. college and university campuses and students pursuing post-study work opportunities
on Optional Practical Training.
The report shows that the total number of international students at U.S. colleges
and universities reached an all-time high of more than 1.1 million in 2023-24, a 7
percent increase from the previous academic year. There was an 8 percent increase
in graduate students, while there was a modest 1 percent decrease in undergraduate
students.
鈥淎s we celebrate 75 years of Open Doors, we are thrilled to report that this year
marks a record high of international students in the United States,鈥 IIE CEO Allan
Goodman said. 鈥淚nternational students enrich our campuses, foster cultural exchange,
and contribute significantly to our economy, and we remain dedicated to supporting
these bright minds and ensuring that the U.S. continues to be a premier destination
for global education.鈥
The number of international students in 44 states increased year over year. Among
the top 10 states hosting international students, three Midwestern states saw the
greatest growth: Missouri (+35%), Michigan (+14%) and Illinois (+13%).
Missouri ranked 10th in the nation for international students, with almost 33,000
studying in the Show-Me State during the 2023-24 academic year. The majority of students
came from India, followed by China, South Korea, Nepal and Nigeria. UCM was the top
Missouri institution for international students in 2023-24, welcoming more than 6,000
students.
鈥淯CM's Open Doors ranking isn't a number; it is a testament to UCM's academic rigor
and, more so, the positive, welcoming, supportive community our students belong to--even
before they arrive on campus,鈥 said Phil Hull, director of International Student Services at UCM. 鈥淲e're certainly proud that UCM has achieved this distinction, but I am most
proud of the staff, faculty and students who make it possible.鈥
International students accounted for 6 percent of the total U.S. higher education
population and, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, contributed more than
$50 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023. saw $1.1 billion of that financial benefit. UCM was the No. 2 higher education institution
for economic impact in Missouri with $149.6 million supporting 679 jobs, second only
to Washington University with $322.2 million and 3,537 jobs.
At 3,935 students, Missouri ranked No. 26 for students studying abroad, with the leading
destinations being Spain, the United Kingdom, Italy, Ireland and Costa Rica.
also recognized UCM as part of its 75th anniversary. The university was awarded the
Open Doors 75 Seal of Excellence for reporting data to the organization since 1949.
UCM鈥檚 first report showed 13 international students in 1949, which has grown exponentially
to 6,069 in 2024.
鈥淯CM is committed to providing affordable access and opportunity to international
students in its academic programs,鈥 said Tim Crowley, UCM provost and vice president
for Academic Affairs. 鈥淥ur success in meeting the needs of the international market
in the 2023-24 academic year was the culmination of several successive years of double-digit
international student enrollment growth. Our faculty and staff worked hard to achieve
this milestone and this public recognition of their efforts is well deserved. UCM鈥檚
international footprint is significant and we look forward to expanding to new markets
in the coming years and welcoming international students from more countries.鈥
UCM was also recently recognized by StudyAbroadAide, a leading provider of resources
for international students, for being in the top 26 percent of the . The annual rankings seek to identify and celebrate the top-tier institutions that
provide exceptional educational experiences for international students. The 2025 ranking
marks a 4 percent improvement from 2024.
The World University Rankings take into account both the percentage of the international
student population and the institution's academic reputation. These two metrics are
used to determine the scores of each institution, followed by the ranking process.
For more information about International Student Services at UCM, visit ucmo.edu/iss.