Summary
The number of Ph.D. spots at U.S. universities is decreasing quickly. Universities are cutting admissions due to costs and other countries are filling the gap by attracting more international students. There is a worry that this trend could harm the U.S.'s position in science and technology.
Key Facts
- U.S. universities are reducing Ph.D. slots in several departments due to budget constraints and shifting priorities.
- Harvard has decreased Ph.D. admissions by 75% in sciences and 60% in humanities.
- MIT and the University of Washington are also limiting Ph.D. admissions, while Brown University is pausing admissions in some fields.
- International students are choosing countries like Australia, China, and the U.K. over the U.S. for their studies.
- Approximately 70% of Americans believe higher education is not heading in the right direction.
- President Trump's administration cut federal research funding and has imposed stricter visa policies that impact international student enrollment.
- These changes raise concerns about losing U.S. leadership in graduate education and innovation.
