According to the latest analysis from NAFSA: Association of International Educators, during the 2023-24 academic year, international students studying at the University of Iowa (UI) contributed $73.6 million in spending in the higher education, accommodation, dining, retail, transportation, telecommunications, and health insurance sectors, and supported 594 jobs. This is up from $66.3 million and 572 jobs, respectively, in 2022-2023.
"International students at the University of Iowa not only contribute millions to our local economy through direct spending on tuition, housing, food, and transportation, but they also support job creation in sectors like retail, hospitality, and education,” said Nancy Bird, president & CEO of Greater Iowa City, Inc. “Beyond their economic impact, they enrich Iowa’s cultural and social fabric by sharing diverse perspectives, traditions, and ideas that foster cross-cultural understanding and strengthen our communities. Visits from their families further boost tourism and hospitality, making their presence a vital part of Iowa’s economic growth and vitality."
With over 2,000 international students, the UI accounted for more than a quarter of the financial contributions from international students in the state of Iowa last year. These students also play a crucial role in enhancing Iowa’s academic, social, and cultural landscape. Their presence fosters diversity, which broadens the educational experience for local students and enriches the community by providing a global perspective.
“Our international student community continues to add significant social and economic impact to our community,” said Josh Schamberger, president & CEO of Think Iowa City. “These students have played a big part in the successes we have celebrated over the years. Most recently when we welcomed 18 nations to Coralville and Iowa City for the United World Wrestling Freestyle and Women’s Wrestling World Cups. These students joined our team in serving as ‘local ambassadors’ for their host nations that were in town for the internationally broadcast event. Because of the diversity of our university, we were able to find students from each of these nations to provide a warm and ongoing welcome to these visitors.”
Each year, NAFSA shares the results of an analysis of the economic contributions of international students and their families to the U.S. economy. A full state-by-state breakdown can be found here.
International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement. IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.