Report: International Students Generate $1.4 Billion in Annual Spending in Michigan

Photo credit: Michigan State University

DBusiness

Apr. 2, 2026

R.J. King

Global Detroit, a regional economic development organization that develops and implements immigrant-inclusive policies, practices, and programs, has released the first Michigan data report to utilize new federal data tracking international students working after their graduation.

The findings show such international students are a large source of high-skilled talent, helping Michigan employers to fill tens of thousands of critical STEM positions.

“Attracting and retaining the talented students at Michigan’s world-class universities is key to filling the jobs of the future, growing the economy, and building on Michigan’s heritage of innovation,” says Glenn Stevens Jr., Executive Director of MichAuto at the Detroit Regional Chamber. “Global Detroit’s research provides a helpful foundation on which we can bolster the high-tech talent pipeline.”