The number of graduate students from India has increased by 50 students since fall 2015 and by 200 students since fall 2014, accounting for 60 percent of the international graduate population.

Out of the 4,900 students enrolled in a graduate program at NIU, about 17 percent of the students were from foreign countries — the second highest group to enroll after Illinois residents. Since 2012, international student graduate program enrollment has increased by 450 students, according to 2014-15 NIU Institutional Research.

Chris McCord, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, said more international students are interested in a graduate program because the degree for the graduate program is cheaper than an undergraduate degree and U.S. higher education is highly valued internationally.

Of the 843 international students enrolled in a graduate program this semester, 500 are from India and 105 are from China, said Stephanie Brown, associate director of the International Student and Faculty Office.

Tuition is typically double for a non-Illinois resident compared to an in-state student.

Bradley Bond, dean of the Graduate School, said recruitment for international students occurs through word of mouth by NIU international students and faculty, and recruitment is advertised with NIU’s online presence.

On-campus organizations reflect the increase in international student population like the growth of the Indian Students Association, which helps incoming Indian students initially settle at NIU, said Satya Abhilash Chintala, Indian Students Association president.

The Indian Students Association has 800 members and about 600 people attend semi-annual events. Chintala has had a hand in encouraging 20-25 peers to enroll at NIU since December, Chintala said.

The association has become a network of facilitating the travel of new students coming from India by arranging pick-up times at the airport, setting up temporary homes and giving cultural advice, Chintala.

Utkarsh Ahuja, first-year engineering graduate student, said he came to NIU in December after learning about NIU through the Internet and friends who attended NIU.

Ahuja said international students like himself are treated with less respect than natives and some employees at NIU are not patient with him and don’t explain things well.