Summary
A report from the Institute of International Education shows a 17% drop in new international student enrollments in U.S. colleges this fall, the largest since the COVID-19 pandemic. The overall number of international students declined by 1%, as the U.S. government pushes to reduce reliance on foreign students. This shift impacts both tuition revenue and economic contributions from these students.
Key Facts
- New international student enrollments in U.S. colleges fell by 17% this fall.
- Overall international student numbers in the U.S. decreased by 1% from last year.
- There were 1.2 million international students in the U.S. for the 2024-25 academic year.
- International students accounted for 6% of the total higher education population in the U.S.
- These students contributed almost $55 billion to the U.S. economy in 2024.
- 57% of surveyed schools reported a decrease in foreign student numbers this fall.
- Many schools noted visa issues and travel restrictions as reasons for the decline.
- President Trump supports foreign student enrollments, citing economic benefits.
