CSU enrollment inches up 4,000 students, but number of non-Californians declines

"California State University's fall 2025 headcount ticked up 4,000 students compared with this time last year, thanks to in-state student increases that outpaced a smaller drop in out-of-state and international enrollment, preliminary data released by the system show. That growth amounts to less than a percentage point increase at CSU, bringing the total across the 22-campus system to about 465,000 students."

"The preliminary figures are welcome news after a significant enrollment downturn following the COVID-19 pandemic. But concerns remain that the Trump administration's immigration policies may stifle international enrollment or discourage undocumented or mixed-status students from applying for financial aid and going to college. CSU reported a roughly 1,300-student decrease in out-of-state headcount. A CSU spokesperson said data on international student enrollment were not yet available."

"An analysis released by NAFSA, the association of international educators, predicts a 30% to 40% decline in new international student enrollment across the U.S. because of a previous pause in visa interviews by the Trump administration and other trends that might keep away foreign applicants. The California Student Aid Commission reported in June that financial aid applications for mixed immigration status and undocumented high school seniors were down in the 2025-26 cycle."

California State University’s fall 2025 headcount rose by about 4,000 students, a less-than-one-percent increase, bringing total enrollment across 22 campuses to roughly 465,000. The increase was driven by in-state student gains that outpaced smaller declines in out-of-state and international enrollment. CSU reported about a 1,300-student drop in out-of-state headcount and said international enrollment data were not yet available. Forecasters predict sizable drops in new international students and state data show fewer financial aid applications from mixed-status and undocumented seniors. Overall enrollment remains below the 2020 peak and varies unevenly across campuses.

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