New international student enrollment fell at colleges this fall, report finds

"New international student enrollment plummeted 17% at U.S. colleges and universities this fall, a report by the Institute of International Education has revealed. The report comes after the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration extended to international students, leaving colleges across the nation concerned about the impact on enrollment. Since March, the U.S. State Department has revoked more than 6,000 international student visas, a department official told news outlets over the summer."

"The Trump administration has also directed diplomats to expand the screening process for student visa applicants by combing through their social media, which applicants are now required to make public for security checks. In the Fall 2025 Snapshot on International Student Enrollment released Monday, 57% of the 828 U.S. colleges and universities surveyed reported a decrease in new international student enrollment at their institution, while 29% reported an increase."

New international student enrollment plummeted 17% at U.S. colleges and universities this fall. Since March, the U.S. State Department revoked more than 6,000 international student visas. Diplomats expanded screening for student visa applicants to include combing through public social media for security checks. Among 828 U.S. colleges and universities surveyed, 57% reported decreases in new international enrollment while 29% reported increases. Total international enrollment fell 1%, marking the first annual decline after four years of post-COVID growth. Undergraduate international enrollment rose 2% while graduate enrollment declined 12%, though graduate numbers remain above pre-pandemic levels. Ten higher education associations and a global nonprofit conducted the survey as part of a federally sponsored data project.

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