CSU fall enrollment increases for second year, while foreign student enrollment declines

"Fall student enrollment across California State University grew for the second year in a row while international student enrollment dropped, according to newly released university data. Data released Monday revealed a 2% increase in the number of students enrolled at California State University for the fall 2025 semester, with 471,451 total students up from 461,612 students last year. The second year of increased enrollment follows two years of post-pandemic declines."

"The second straight year of enrollment growth signals that the CSU is moving forward with strength, stability and a clear commitment to expanding opportunity for California students, said Dilcie D. Perez, deputy vice chancellor of strategic enrollment management and student success, in a statement Monday. This momentum reflects continued confidence in the power of a CSU to open doors, uplift families and communities and build the state's future workforce."

"But while the university system saw a second year of steady enrollment growth, international student enrollment dropped for the third year in a row. Foreign students typically pay full tuition, as federal and state financial aid is not available for international students an important factor for the cash-strapped university system, which currently faces a $2.3 billion budget deficit. According to the data, international student enrollment dropped 7.8%, with 13,718 international students enrolled for fall 2025 compared to 14,882 students for fall 2024."

Fall 2025 enrollment at California State University increased 2% to 471,451 students, up from 461,612 the previous year, marking a second consecutive year of growth after post-pandemic declines. San Jose State University reported a 6.5% enrollment increase. International student enrollment declined 7.8% to 13,718, down from 14,882, representing the third straight annual decrease. International students typically pay full tuition and are ineligible for federal and state financial aid, reducing a key revenue source for a system facing a $2.3 billion budget deficit. Recent U.S. visa revocations have heightened concerns about international enrollment nationwide.

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