UCM Hosts More Than 6,000 International Students in 2023-24

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 annual Open Doors report, published by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education (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.

“As 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,” IIE CEO Allan Goodman said. “International 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.”

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.

“UCM'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,” said Phil Hull, director of International Student Services at UCM. “We're certainly proud that UCM has achieved this distinction, but I am most proud of the staff, faculty and students who make it possible.”

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. Missouri 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.

Open Doors 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’s first report showed 13 international students in 1949, which has grown exponentially to 6,069 in 2024.

“UCM is committed to providing affordable access and opportunity to international students in its academic programs,” said Tim Crowley, UCM provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “Our 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’s international footprint is significant and we look forward to expanding to new markets in the coming years and welcoming international students from more countries.”

UCM was also recently recognized by StudyAbroadAide, a leading provider of resources for international students, for being in the top 26 percent of the World University Rankings 2025 for International Students. 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.