A study by the Association of International Educators (NAFSA) estimates that international students and their dependents contributed approximately $21.81 billion to the U.S. economy during the 2011-2012 academic year.

NAFSA estimates that during the 2011-2012 academic year, international students and their families contributed a net $304,923,000 to the Oregon economy. The figures are based on tuition and enrollment numbers published by the Institute of International Education’s Open Doors 2012 Report.

According to the study, the Fourth Congressional District, which includes the University of Oregon, Lane Community College and the Northwest Christian College had the highest contributions from international students with a total of $101,255,600.

While each of the five Congressional Districts in Oregon has a high performing university, the University of Oregon (UO) drew the highest level of contributions with a total $97,587,000 in tuition, fees and living expenses from international students.

"While the cross-cultural benefits that international students bring to UO classrooms and campus life can be seen and felt each day, it may be surprising to many just how much of an impact they also have in terms of a financial boost to our entire Eugene and Springfield communities," says Abe Schafermeyer, director of International Student and Scholar Services at the UO.

Schafermeyer expects the number of international students at the UO to increase in the years to come (and perhaps even double), attracting more global talent and dollars to the local economy.

With a total of 2,505 international students from 84 countries, the UO is the top contributor of foreign scholars to the Oregon economy.

For a copy of the report contact NAFSA.
 

By Chakris Kussalanant
Office of International Affairs