U.S. Colleges See Sharp Drop in International Student Enrollment Amid Policy Uncertainty

WASHINGTON, DC - October 7, 2025 U.S. colleges and universities are experiencing a notable downturn in international student enrollment, with early data suggesting a 2.4 percent year-over-year decline in fall 2025. Many institutions report steeper losses at the graduate level, especially among first-year international graduate students.

At DePaul University, international student enrollment plunged roughly 30 percent this fall, triggering immediate budgetary responses including hiring freezes and cuts to discretionary spending. Across the country, universities such as Illinois and Buffalo also registered declines, though to varying degrees - from modest dips to double-digit drops.

Analysts link the trend to restrictive visa policies, more intensive scrutiny of student applications (including social media screening), and delays in visa processing. In particular, the suspension of visa interview appointments in late spring 2025 is seen as a turning point that disrupted the pipeline of incoming students.

Projections are grim: a modeling exercise by NAFSA (Association of International Educators) and JB International indicates that a 30–40 percent fall in new international enrollments could translate to an overall 15 percent drop - potentially costing U.S. institutions ~$7 billion and 60,000 jobs.

Smaller and regional colleges appear especially vulnerable. Unlike elite institutions that have been more insulated from declines, these institutions often rely heavily on full-tuition international students for financial stability, making them more exposed to the current contraction.

Many higher education leaders are calling for reforms: expedited visa processing, greater predictability in policy, and federal relief for affected programs. As the fall enrollment season progresses, institutions are under pressure to adapt or face deeper financial stress.

*Sources: *https://thehill.com/homenews/education/5542614-international-student-enrollment-down/