The number of international students at U.S. colleges reached an all-time high this past academic year, says a new report.

According to an Institute of International Education report, in the academic year 2008-09:

• The number of international students increased by 8% — the largest increase in 25 years
• The total number reached 671,616
• India sent the most students to U.S. schools – 103,260 (a 9% increase compared to last year)
• China had the second highest number – 98,510 (a 21% increase)

The surge in international students – who bring $17.8 billion to the U.S. – is good news for colleges and universities. In a New York Times article, institute president Allan E. Goodman said, “A lot of campuses this year are increasing their international recruitment, trying to keep their programs whole by recruiting international students to fill their spaces.”

The biggest jump in numbers can be seen in students coming to the U.S. from China:

• Five years ago, China sent 8,034 undergrads and 50,976 graduate students
• Last year, there were 26,275 undergrads and 57,451 graduate students

Has your school seen a surge in international enrollment? Let us know in the comments section below.

Tags: Institute of International Education