This report examines the economic and workforce contributions of international students in Ohio, highlighting their role in addressing local labor shortages and driving economic development. Over the last decade (2013–2022), 62,638 Optional Practical Training (OPT) participants worked in the state. Data shows that 84% of these workers were STEM majors and 79% held graduate degrees, reflecting a high level of specialized talent. In addition to strengthening the workforce, these students contribute approximately $1.3 B to the regional economy and support hundreds of jobs through their spending on housing and services. This report portrays the global student community as a key driver of the state’s prosperity and industrial development.

This report examines the economic and workforce contributions of international students in Kentucky, highlighting their role in addressing local labor shortages and driving economic development. Over the last decade (2013–2022), 11,150 Optional Practical Training (OPT) participants worked in Kentucky. Data shows that 75% of these workers were STEM majors and 72% held graduate degrees, reflecting a high level of specialized talent. In addition to strengthening the workforce, these students contribute approximately $295.5 M to the regional economy and support hundreds of jobs through their spending on housing and services. This report portrays the global student community as a key driver of the state’s prosperity and industrial development.

This report examines the economic and workforce contributions of international students in Illinois, highlighting their role in addressing local labor shortages and driving economic development. Over the last decade (2013–2022), 144,682 Optional Practical Training (OPT) participants worked in Illinois. Data shows that 85% of these workers were STEM majors and 79% held graduate degrees, reflecting a high level of specialized talent. In addition to strengthening the workforce, these students contribute approximately $2.4 B to the regional economy and support hundreds of jobs through their spending on housing and services. This report portrays the global student community as a key driver of the state’s prosperity and industrial development.

This report examines the economic and workforce contributions of international students in Indiana, highlighting their role in addressing local labor shortages and driving economic development. Over the last decade (2013–2022), 36,753 Optional Practical Training (OPT) participants worked in Indiana. Data shows that 85% of these workers were STEM majors and 75% held graduate degrees, reflecting a high level of specialized talent. In addition to strengthening the workforce, these students contribute approximately $997.5 M to the regional economy and support hundreds of jobs through their spending on housing and services. This report portrays the global student community as a key driver of the state’s prosperity and industrial development.

This report examines the economic and workforce contributions of international students in Nebraska, highlighting their role in addressing local labor shortages and driving economic development. Over the last decade (2013–2022), 10,165 Optional Practical Training (OPT) participants worked in Nebraska. Data shows that 76% of these workers were STEM majors and 65% held graduate degrees, reflecting a high level of specialized talent. In addition to strengthening the workforce, these students contribute approximately $121.4 M to the regional economy and support hundreds of jobs through their spending on housing and services. This report portrays the global student community as a key driver of the state’s prosperity and industrial development.

This report examines the economic contributions of immigrant entrepreneurs in St. Louis, highlighting their role in business creation and economic growth. In 2024, immigrant business owners generated approximately $284 M in total personal earnings, with average annual earnings of $86,433. They are especially active in Foods and Services, Construction, and Management and technical consulting, while the largest groups of entrepreneurs were born in India, Mexico, and Vietnam. By documenting these contributions, the report demonstrates how immigrant-owned businesses strengthen local economies and provides evidence to support a more accurate narrative of immigrants as entrepreneurs, employers, and drivers of regional prosperity.

This report examines the economic contributions of immigrant entrepreneurs in Kentucky, highlighting their role in business creation and economic growth. In 2024, immigrant business owners generated approximately $509 M in total personal earnings, with average annual earnings of $89,155. They are especially active in Accommodation & Food Services, Transportation & Warehousing, and Construction, while the largest groups of entrepreneurs were born in Mexico, Cuba, and Korea. By documenting these contributions, the report demonstrates how immigrant-owned businesses strengthen local economies and provides evidence to support a more accurate narrative of immigrants as entrepreneurs, employers, and drivers of regional prosperity.