U.S. Educational Services Sold More Than $XX Billion, Exceeding Natural Gas and Coal Exports Last Year

In a recent discussion about the U.S. economy, it was highlighted that colleges and universities are among the nation's most competitive international exporters. In dollar terms, the United States sold more educational services to foreign markets last year than it did in natural gas and coal combined. This assertion was echoed by various commentators, including Larry Summers, who emphasized the dominance of the higher education sector in attracting international students. He noted that students from around the world have historically sought education in the U.S. for its prestigious institutions and the potential for lucrative job opportunities. However, some critics argue that this dominance is a result of substantial subsidies provided to the education sector, which they claim is funded by the American workforce's contributions.