Firstly, students are still getting accepted, there are many USA schools that want students, F1 Visas are being issued, and you should not give up. There are some interesting tings to learn below. Fel free to email me if you have an y questios. f1visahelp@gmail.com
Statistics for students rejected are not provided. In fact the USA government does not release how many applicants apply for F1 Visas or receive 214(b) rejections.
If you have ever gone to an interview you may see many walking away from the window with their rejection paper 214(b) letter stating they appear to be an immigrant.
When I am there I usually see many more fail than succeed. That is why I am so passionate about my work. I know a higher percentage of my students do not make fatal mistakes and have a better chance of getting a visa.
The statistics that are easier to find and use are from the government regarding the past enrollments and visas issued, from the schools (really good), and from data for each country.
Statistics do not really tell the whole story. From 2015 to now Indian visas issued has declined compared to new visas. If one looks closely they will find that this is because USA started to issue 5 year visas!.
The images below are from the travel state USA official government websites and facts. The interpretations, observations, and statements are from experts, F1 Visa Interview, and hopefully give you a complete picture of what is happening.
1. As always studying in graduate programs is strong in the USA.
2. African countries are seeing more students getting visas.
3. Nepal, Vietnam, Cambodia and other countries are increasing students studying abroad.
4. As prices for studying in the USA rise Canada and China are repidly developing their own programs.
5. OPT (Optional Professional Training) which allows students to get experience working in teh USA outpaced worker visas H1-B approvals. This means it may be easier to stay and work in the USA if you are already a student.
6. So many schools have certifications to accept International Students thatcurrently don;t have many or none. You could ghet your best deal at a smaller and less known school.
7. Larger, open enrollment schools may continue to be looked upon negatively for appling and getting F1 Visas.
8. During the current political anti-immigrant sentiment for immigrants, Strong Ties for F1 Visa may become the most important question during the interview.
9. Many and most Americans do not share this anti immigrant sentiment because we (Americans) are all or were all immigrants at one time.
10. Students and applicants that have thier endgame, or lif workplan in place before choosing a school will perform better at the interview than students given a school and a major as part of an attempt to study in the USA.
Smaller schools had 75% of the Visas. Smaller and schools under 500 students had about 95% of the visas! I often am very worried when students using a service or have already applied ask for help and have applied at the schools trying to get too many international students. These are often open enrollment schools, and at times are not looked on as good options by the Embassy.

76% of the schools who have 50 0r less students. Smaller schools with under 50 students are dominating the International Student Visa Market.
There are 8,744 Schools that are certified to have international students. The capacity is much higher than the amount of students coming to the USA. Schools either do not know how to get students, Do not want or know how to do the extra paperwork. Do not have the social and counseling staff to accommodate international student needs.

International Students are studying throughout the USA. California, Texas, Massachusetts and other areas are still very popular. Trends saw some areas decline however there are study opportunities everywhere. Students should be careful about where they schools to study.
A huge trend is the increase in secondary students. More students are studying younger. This may be because many recruiters feel it is easier to pass the interview because of strong ties issues with older students.

STEM majors are still popular however.... I am seeing more different disciplines getting visas such as business, hospitality, and the arts. I used to be afraid for students to say they wanted to study their passion because STEM seemed so strong. Now it is encouraging that students can follow their dreams.

Students are Studying:
7.1% Associate
33.5% Bachelors
31.9% Masters
12.4% Doctorates
I cannot speak for anyone else but myself but I always get a lot of students who got 214(b) rejections looking for help who have applied to 2 year programs at open enrollment schools. The figures and facts do not support this as a good plan.
Services may be selling these becaue of business relationships and commissions and ease of acceptance.
I think you should apply to several closed enrollment schools that are good and choose the best one for you. In some ways this verifies that you are a "real student".

Students are Studying:
Everywhere but California, Texas, Florida, Massachusetts, and New York still the strongest Study Abroad Programs.