By the numbers: A look at international students at Harvard and across the U.S.

Harvard University has emphasized the critical role of its nearly 7,000 international students from over 140 countries in shaping its academic community and contributing significantly to the U.S. economy—accounting for $43.8 billion in economic activity and employing more than 378,000 jobs during the 2023-2024 academic year. A record-breaking 1.1 million international students study in the U.S., with India and China leading as the top sources of international students. Harvard’s commitment to hosting these students through the F-1 visa program underscores a broader trend in the U.S. higher education system, which has long been vital for its global reputation and economic impact.