The US is attractive to Chinese students and their parents, not just tourists. The Institute of International Education reported that the number of Chinese studying abroad increased 23 percent last year, but those working toward undergraduate degrees in the US rose 43 percent.

EIC Group, an overseas study consultancy, said the appreciation of the renminbi against the dollar made their tuition and living expenses cheaper.

Li Nannan, a consultant with New Oriental education group, said a bachelor's degree in the US now costs at least 1.5 million yuan ($238,000) and a master's degree at least 1 million yuan.

Different from the past, when many Chinese students relied on scholarships, "an overwhelming majority of Chinese parents now pay for the tuition and living expenditure," she said.

That, and the fact foreign students generally pay much higher tuition than in-state students, makes these students welcome as income generators for US colleges and universities.