International Graduate Student Enrollment Drops

"New data from the Department of Homeland Security from the Student Exchange and Visitor Information System for October shows an overall 1 percent decline of all international students in the U.S. SEVIS data includes all students on F-1 and M-1 visas, including those enrolled in primary and secondary school, language training, flight school, and other vocational programs. According to DHS data, bachelor's degree enrollment among international students is down 1 percent from October 2024 to October 2025;"

"Campus-level data paints a more dramatic picture; an Inside Higher Ed analysis of self-reported graduate international student enrollment numbers from nine colleges and universities finds an average year-over-year decline of 29 percent. Some groups, including NAFSA, the association for international educators, have published predictions of how international student enrollment would impact colleges' enrollment and financial health. NAFSA expected to see a 15 percent decline across the sector and greater drops for master's degree programs."

Federal actions to limit immigration influenced many international students' enrollment decisions for the fall, coinciding with declines in overall international enrollment. Department of Homeland Security SEVIS data for October shows a 1 percent overall drop in international students. Bachelor's enrollment among international students fell 1 percent while master's enrollment fell 2 percent year over year. Associate degree programs increased by 7 percent and doctoral enrollment rose 2 percent. Campus-level self-reported data show sharper drops, with an Inside Higher Ed analysis finding an average 29 percent decline at nine institutions. NAFSA expected a 15 percent sectorwide decline and larger losses for master's and STEM programs. The University of Wisconsin–Madison reported a 22 percent drop in master's enrollment and a 1 percent decline in Ph.D. enrollment.

Read at Inside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs