Indian Students Shift to Computer Science and Math in US

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Key Takeaways

Indian students increasingly shift from engineering to mathematics and computer science due to evolving industry demands and career opportunities.
U.S. universities see record Indian enrollments, with 23% growth in 2023-24, driven by STEM fields and OPT participation.
STEM fields dominate international preferences, with U.S. education offering flexible curriculums, top universities, and strong job market prospects.

The enrollment trends of Indian students 🇮🇳 in U.S. universities 🇺🇸 are changing noticeably, with interest moving from engineering to fields like mathematics and computer science. This was highlighted in the latest Open Doors report, showing clear shifts in the academic choices of Indian students. These trends not only reveal evolving interests but also underline how global industries are shaping educational priorities.

In the academic year 2023-24, 24.5% of Indian students opted to study engineering, a sizable drop from 29.6% two years earlier. This 5% decline reflects a reduced inclination toward traditional branches of engineering. On the other hand, mathematics and computer science have seen a surge, with 42.9% of Indian students selecting these fields during the same period. This is a remarkable increase, showcasing the growing appeal of these disciplines among Indian students at U.S. universities.

Indian Students Shift to Computer Science and Math in US

Several factors contribute to the rise of mathematics and computer science as preferred fields of study. According to Sachin Jain, the country manager for Educational Testing Service (ETS) India and South Asia, these areas align with technologies being used in industries like artificial intelligence (AI), data science, and machine learning. These rapidly growing fields require skills that mathematics and computer science programs especially prepare students for, making them highly attractive options.

This pattern of shifting preferences isn’t exclusive to Indian students. Dr. Shantanu Awasthi, an assistant professor of data analytics at Missouri Southern State University, noticed an increasing interest in mathematics, particularly statistical studies, among students from countries like China 🇨🇳 and Germany 🇩🇪. Mathematical skills are versatile, offering career opportunities across sectors like finance, tech, and analytics, explaining this global trend.

Unlike engineering, other fields such as management studies have seen more stable interest levels among Indian students. Management courses attracted 11.5% of Indian students in 2023-24, compared to slightly different figures of 11.6% in the previous year and 13.3% in 2021-22. This consistency contrasts sharply with the more dramatic shifts seen in engineering and mathematics and computer science enrollments.

The number of Indian students in the U.S. overall is experiencing strong growth. In the 2023-24 academic year, around 331,602 Indian students enrolled in American universities—an impressive 23% increase from the previous year. This surge was steered by growing figures at the graduate level, which saw 196,567 students enroll, up by 19%, and by Optional Practical Training (OPT) participation, with 97,556 students joining, reflecting a 41% boost. This increase further showcases the enthusiasm of Indian students for U.S.-based educational and career opportunities.

Notably, for the first time since 2009, India 🇮🇳 surpassed China 🇨🇳 as the top source of international students studying in the United States. The overall number of international students in the U.S. also reached a record high, with over 1.1 million learners in 2023-24, a significant portion of them being from India. According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, this further strengthens the position of Indian students as key participants in U.S. higher education.

STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields continue to dominate international students’ choices, with 56% of students in these areas during the 2023-24 year. Among them, mathematics and computer science attracted 25% of all international students, while engineering accounted for 19%. These figures underline the growing importance of math and computer science relative to engineering in recent years.

Why do so many Indian students choose U.S. universities despite high tuition fees? A combination of educational opportunities, professional prospects, and supportive visa options makes the United States a top destination. Some of the key factors include:

Having a flexible curriculum and access to many top-ranked universities.
The F-1 visa, which allows students to stay and study in the U.S., and the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which lets STEM students work in the U.S. for up to 3 years after graduation.
Opportunities in tech-driven industries that are actively hiring graduates trained in STEM fields.
Scholarships, financial aid, and graduate-level research assistantships that help with expenses.
A strong focus on future-proof fields like AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity.
Global opportunities for Indian graduates trained at world-class U.S. institutions.

The growing appeal of fields like mathematics and computer science reflects the job market’s current demands. Graduates from these areas enjoy promising career prospects in industries like AI development, data science, big data analysis, and digital security. These disciplines will remain key contributors to global technological innovation and economic progress.

Dr. Awasthi highlights the importance of statistics within subjects like data science. He argues that statistical tools allow scientists to study large and complicated datasets to spot patterns or trends. This is valuable because it answers real-world problems using large sets of data from industries like healthcare, finance, or marketing. Given how powerful and useful these skills are, the rising interest in these academic areas makes sense.

Meanwhile, the drop in engineering enrollment among Indian students reflects changes in the job market. Traditional branches like mechanical and civil engineering are no longer attracting as many job opportunities as they once did. Instead, areas like AI-based engineering and green technologies are emerging but are still relatively new. This imbalance has likely led students to consider career paths in mathematics, programming, and related tech fields more seriously.

The strong U.S. labor market for mathematics and computer science majors further explains why these disciplines are becoming so popular. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the need for mathematics-related jobs will grow by at least 30,000 positions each year through 2030. In 2023, mathematicians in the U.S. earned a median salary of $116,440 annually, showcasing the financial benefits available in these careers. These trends make math and computer science courses especially compelling to international students aiming for financially secure futures.

Another reason Indian students increasingly choose universities in the U.S. relates to competitive exams in India. Every year, hundreds of thousands of students in India compete for a small number of engineering college spots. Studying abroad provides an alternative—and often less competitive—way for students to achieve their higher education goals. The growing availability of student loans designed specifically for international education has also made U.S. universities more accessible.

The future outlook remains positive for Indian student enrollments at U.S. universities. According to the Fall 2024 International Student Enrollment Snapshot, overall student numbers rose by 3% in the 2024/25 academic year’s first semester. Undergraduate enrollments grew by 6%, although there was a slight (2%) decrease in graduate student numbers. OPT participation continues to soar, with a 12% upward swing. These encouraging numbers signal sustained interest in U.S. study options.

In response to these shifting trends, U.S. universities are strategically changing their approach to recruiting international students. Undergraduate recruitment campaigns are targeting students from countries such as India 🇮🇳, Vietnam 🇻🇳, China 🇨🇳, and South Korea 🇰🇷. For graduate-level programs, a special emphasis is being placed on India, as well as China, Nigeria 🇳🇬, and Ghana 🇬🇭. This focused effort aims to attract and retain the best international talent in varied disciplines.

In conclusion, the academic preferences of Indian students studying in the United States are shifting, reflecting changes in industry demands and career opportunities. The move from engineering to mathematics and computer science highlights an alignment with cutting-edge technological fields that promise better job prospects and higher salaries. As this trend continues, we can expect it to have a lasting effect not only on U.S. educational institutions but also on global industries reliant on these graduates’ advanced technical skills. For further details on visa options and academic pathways for Indian students, the U.S. Department of State’s student visa page offers additional information.

Engineering loses ground as Indian students favor computer science, math in U.S.

Indian students in U.S. universities are pivoting from traditional engineering disciplines to mathematics and computer science, according to the latest Open Doors report. In 2023-24, 42.9% of Indian students chose these tech-centric fields, compared to only 24.5% opting for engineering—a nearly 5% drop in two years.

Why it matters:
This shift highlights a response to the growing demand for skills in emerging areas like AI, machine learning (ML), and data science, reshaping academic trends and career trajectories for Indian students abroad.

By the numbers:
– 331,602 Indian students were enrolled in U.S. universities in 2023-24, a 23% increase from the previous year.
– 42.9% pursued computer science and math, overtaking engineering at 24.5%.
– Management courses held steady at 11.5%, showing no major fluctuations year-over-year.
– Across all international students, STEM enrollment was dominant, with 56% in STEM fields and 25% in computer science/math.

The big picture:
India surpassed China as the top source of international students in the U.S. for the first time since 2009. This shift reflects not only the increased mobility of Indian students but also evolving economic and technological priorities.

What they’re saying:
– Sachin Jain, ETS India: Fields like AI and data science are driving this move, offering “future-proof skills and lucrative career options.”
– Dr. Shantanu Awasthi, Missouri Southern State University: “The growing importance of statistics in industries makes mathematics broadly appealing to students globally.”

Between the lines:
Traditional engineering fields like mechanical and civil are seeing fewer job opportunities, while AI and green technology are still emerging areas, shifting interest to more dynamic, tech-driven disciplines.

Yes, but:
While math and computer science dominate, engineering isn’t disappearing. It still represents nearly a quarter of Indian student enrollment in the U.S., a substantial segment.

State of play:
Higher education institutions in the U.S. are adjusting their recruitment strategies:
– India, Vietnam, and South Korea are priorities for undergraduate outreach.
– India, Ghana, and Nigeria are top targets for graduate recruitment.

The bottom line:
Indian students are increasingly aligning their education paths with global job market trends, shifting away from traditional engineering to tech-focused fields like mathematics and computer science. This trend underscores the pivotal role of U.S. universities in supplying a workforce ready for future-driven industries.

Learn Today

Enrollment trends: Patterns or changes observed in the number and preferences of students enrolling in specific educational programs over time.
Optional Practical Training (OPT): A U.S. program allowing international students to work in their field of study after graduation for up to three years.
STEM: Acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; key academic fields critical to technological advancements and economic growth.
F-1 Visa: A U.S. student visa type allowing international students to pursue education and participate in post-study work options like OPT.
Data science: An interdisciplinary field using statistical and computational tools to analyze large datasets, uncover patterns, and solve practical problems.

This Article in a Nutshell

Indian students are reshaping U.S. enrollment trends, shifting from engineering (24.5%) to booming fields like mathematics and computer science (42.9%). Driven by AI, data science, and tech opportunities, this pivot aligns with industry demands. Surpassing China in student numbers, India’s growing presence highlights its pursuit of innovative, globally relevant education and careers.
— By VisaVerge.com