International Student Numbers Drop Sharply in America

International student enrollment at U.S. colleges and universities has fallen sharply this year

sarah

Nov 17, 2025 - 22:49

International Student Numbers Drop Sharply in America

According to new data released Monday by the Institute of International Education, a nonprofit organization that promotes overseas study, new international student enrollment at U.S. institutions is projected to decline by 17% in the fall of 2025, the largest non-pandemic decline in 11 years. This figure, based on a preliminary report covering a small number of institutions, follows a 7% decline in new international enrollment for the 2024-25 academic year.

According to the IIE's Open Doors report, more than half of the 825 U.S. higher education institutions surveyed in the fall of 2025 reported a decrease in new international enrollment.

"The US is no longer the central destination where students want to come," said Fanta Aw, CEO of the non-profit group NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Aw attributed this decline to difficulties obtaining US visas, saying these problems have made the US "less competitive" on the global stage.

Visa-related problems predate President Donald Trump's tenure, as Aw attributed the 7% decline in the 2024-25 academic year to high visa rejection rates in countries like India and sub-Sarahan Africa. However, the Trump administration halted new student visa interviews in May, leading to a long backlog of applications.

This decline in enrollment has profound economic consequences; a NAFSA report published on Monday estimated a $1.1 billion loss to the US economy due to fewer international students. According to NAFSA, international students contribute approximately $43 billion to the US economy and create more than 355,000 jobs by the 2024-25 academic year.

Au said international students not only contribute through tuition fees, but also boost local economies by purchasing services and products, renting apartments, purchasing health insurance, and bringing international visitors. NAFSA estimates that for every three international students, one US job is created or supported.