Study: Purdue ranks high in international student enrollment

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) - A new study shows Purdue University ranks among the nation's top 10 universities for the largest number of international students.

Purdue has the eighth-largest international student population among private and public universities in the U.S., according to the 2017 Open Doors study conducted by the Institute of International Education, the Journal and Courier reported.

Purdue saw a 6.9 percent increase in international students for the 2016-17 school year. Although that increase was small, overall enrollment of new international students in the U.S. decreased by about 10,000 students, according to the report.

Michael Brzezinsk, the university's dean of international programs, said Purdue wants a diverse student body to enhance everyone's college experience. He said Purdue's international students largely come from China, India and South Korea.

"The students from abroad, in some sense, give our students from the U.S., particularly those from Indiana ... a study abroad experience right here on our campus," Brzezinski said. "It's an opportunity to engage with people who think differently, have different values, different ways in solving problems. It creates a very diverse and learning experience for all."

Purdue has nearly 11,300 international students who make up about 22 percent of the school's total enrollment, according to the report. The numbers include currently enrolled students and those who obtained employment eligibility in the U.S. and are still affiliated with the school.

The university receives about 12,000 to 13,000 international student applications annually.

"The strength of (international) students coming to Purdue is as strong as ever," said Bryant Priester, Purdue's international admissions and recruitment director.

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Information from: Journal and Courier, http://www.jconline.com