The flood of Chinese students entering universities in the United States is not just improving the students' education and increasing international understanding; it is helping the universities balance their budgets.

Education and training ranks fifth on the list of US services for export, bringing in more than $21 billion a year, according to the commercial services division of the US Department of Commerce.

International students benefit not only the host universities, but also local economies, as students pay for room and board, books and supplies, transportation, health insurance, and support for accompanying family members, according to a recent report by the Institute of International Education.