We strive to make MTSU a welcoming, safe place for international students and visitors. We do so by offering various programming to encourage student involvement in campus activities, enhance cultural experiences, and support academic success. Activities include student success workshops, cultural excursions to national parks, and international seminars and presentations. 

Aside from the academic and social benefits of increasing the presence of international students on our campus, there is also an economic benefit to the MTSU community. International students studying at U.S. colleges and universities contribute billions of dollars to our national economy and support hundreds of thousands of jobs. 

We are delighted to share promising news about the state of international education from the 2023 calendar year. The MTSU International Affairs Office is proud to report significant progress and growth. 

The SEVIS By the Numbers 2023 Report highlights a remarkable recovery in international student enrollment in the U.S., rebounding from the challenges posed by the 2020 pandemic. In 2023, the United States welcomed over 1.5 million active international students, marking a 10.4% increase from the previous year and the highest number recorded since 2019. Notably, the U.S. South experienced the most substantial growth rate, 13.4%. 

Moreover, the NAFSA: Association of International Educators announced that international students contributed over $40 billion and supported 368,333 jobs within the U.S. economy in 2023. Tennessee saw 9,206 international students, contributing $332.7 million and supporting 3,190 jobs. According to the SEVIS report, Tennessee was among the top three states in the Southern region, with the highest growth percentage of 13.8%. These figures affirm international students’ invaluable role in enriching our academic community and bolstering our economic stability. 

At MTSU, we have also experienced a significant increase in international student enrollment. Despite the challenges faced during the pandemic, our concerted efforts in leadership, active engagement, and international recruitment have yielded positive results. Last fall MTSU welcomed 449 undergraduate and 185 graduate international students, totaling 634 students from more than 73 countries. This represents an increase of over 100 students compared with the previous fall. 

The MTSU International Affairs Office is steadfast in attracting top-tier students from diverse backgrounds. While we have observed a decline in Chinese and Middle Eastern student numbers, there has been a notable rise in students from India, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia. Embracing students from such diverse cultures, religions, and backgrounds enriches our campus community and brings economic, cultural, and social benefits to our campus. 

MTSU is on an upward trajectory, poised to meet the challenges of international education in the 21st century. We are confident that MTSU will continue to shine as a premier destination for international students.