A new national survey has revealed a steep 17% decline in newly enrolled international students at U.S. colleges and universities — one of the most significant drops seen outside of global crises such as COVID-19. The findings underscore growing uncertainty among prospective international students and looming financial and academic implications for institutions nationwide.

The survey, conducted across hundreds of U.S. institutions, shows that more than half experienced declines in new foreign-student enrollment this year. For many campuses, the decrease is being linked to a mix of factors: tightening visa policies, processing delays, shifting geopolitical sentiment, and increasing competition from countries like Canada, Australia, and the U.K.

While total international student numbers remain high — thanks in part to existing students and those staying in the U.S. through optional practical training (OPT) — the drop in new entrants is raising alarms. Without a steady pipeline of incoming students, institutions may soon feel the strain in enrollment projections, graduate program capacity, research support, and long-term financial planning.

This trend particularly affects U.S. graduate programs, which rely heavily on international talent in STEM, business, and research fields. Graduate enrollment was already slowing in the past two years, and this latest decline deepens concerns about the country’s ability to attract and retain global expertise.

The financial impact is also significant. International students contribute an estimated $40+ billion to the U.S. economy annually through tuition and spending. For many institutions — especially regional publics and tuition-dependent private colleges — international enrollment plays a key role in stabilizing budgets.

For deeper insight into how U.S. immigration and visa policies affect international students, explore research from the Migration Policy Institute.

At the same time, this moment highlights the need for institutions to rethink their global strategy. Several campuses are exploring new international partnerships, diversified recruiting pipelines, and enhanced visa-support services to rebuild student confidence. Others are investing in belonging initiatives and retention strategies to ensure that the students who are arriving feel welcomed and supported.

For more on how academic leaders are navigating enrollment shifts and designing more resilient strategies, explore our Insight Into Academia analysis on how institutions are turning innovation into measurable change.

The 17% decline is more than a number — it’s a signal that the global landscape of higher education is shifting. How institutions respond now will shape their competitiveness, diversity, and academic vitality for years to come.