The number of Indian students in the United States continued to rise in 2024–25, reaching 363,019, a 9.5% increase from the previous year. However, the headline growth hides a change in enrolment patterns, with the combined number of students in undergraduate, graduate and non-degree programmes declining by 6.3%.

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The increase has been supported by growth in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) population, which allows eligible international graduates to gain temporary work experience in the US. This suggests that the overall rise in Indian student numbers does not necessarily reflect stronger enrolment across traditional academic programmes.

Rising education costs are also becoming a major concern for Indian families. Some STEM master's programmes can cost between ₹45 lakh and ₹65 lakh in the first year, placing considerable pressure on household budgets. Tuition, accommodation, health insurance and other living expenses can make the total cost of studying in the US significantly higher.

Families are increasingly weighing the financial commitment against the potential benefits of an American degree. Visa uncertainty and questions about post-study employment opportunities are adding to those concerns.

For prospective students, choosing a university is no longer just about rankings or career opportunities. Affordability, access to work experience and the likelihood of recovering the investment after graduation are becoming equally important considerations.

The latest figures point to a changing picture of Indian education in the US: student numbers are growing, but the decision to pursue a degree is becoming more complicated as costs and uncertainty rise.