The latest findings from the Institute of International Education indicate a significant drop in new international students enrolling in U.S. colleges, even as the number of domestic students continues to climb.

This autumn, enrollment has decreased by 17%, a trend that could potentially cost the U.S. economy an estimated $1.1 billion and result in the loss of approximately 23,000 jobs nationwide, as projected by the report.

This notable reduction in foreign student numbers comes in the wake of several immigration policy changes under the Trump administration, which have made securing student visas more challenging.

Colleges have been encouraged to limit the intake of international students, compounded by a travel ban affecting 19 countries. This ban, in place for roughly six months, has halted student visa interviews and led to outright visa cancellations, significantly complicating the process for international students aiming to study in the U.S.

Polina Igumnova, a Russian anthropology student who joined Hamilton College in New York during the summer of 2023, observes that international students are increasingly opting for institutions in Europe and the Middle East over American universities.

“Based on recent developments, they don’t necessarily feel welcome or safe coming here,” she shared.

She says she hasn’t seen her family since she came to the states. The risk of having to reapply for a visa is too great.  

‘I haven’t been able to leave the country since Trump came into office because of my visa… It takes some people up to half a year to get visa interviews in some cases,’ Igumnova said. ‘I obviously won’t be going home for the holidays.’

The number of new international college students in the United States has plunged by double digits, a new report by the Institute of International Education reveals — even as domestic student numbers continue to rise

Georgia State Patrol officers detain a demonstrator on the campus of Emory University during a pro–Palestinian demonstration

PhD students process through yard during Harvard University’s 374th Commencement in May, 2025

Closeup of a sample of the Form I–20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status

In late May 2025, universities began openly rebuking the administration’s tightening restrictions on foreign students. Harvard filed a lawsuit on May 23 after the government attempted to block it from enrolling international students. 

Two hundred college presidents also put out a joint-statement after the administrations education changes, warning that the mounting travel and visa barriers threatened academic freedom and the country’s research pipeline.

‘Sometimes it feels like the US is turning into Russia… so I guess I feel at home,’ Igumnova added sarcastically. 

An Iranian student who asked to remain anonymous tells Daily Mail her university in Chicago has seen zero new students from Iran this year. Usually, she says there were around 100 new fellow Iranians that made her feel like she had a community. 

‘It’s upsetting. They don’t try to come anymore either,’ she said.   

Some experts warn that the trend could weaken the US economy in the long run, noting that immigrants often drive entrepreneurship and research efforts.

They also predict that next year could show even lower numbers as students decide to go elsewhere for their college experience. 

Though the 17 percent slide is smaller than the 30 to 40 percent drop NAFSA predicted earlier this year, the organization’s chief executive, Fanta Aw, issued a stark warning about America’s slipping competitiveness. 

‘The pipeline of global talent in the United States is in a precarious position,’ said Fanta Aw, NAFSA executive director and CEO. ‘This fall, there are alarming declines that we ignore at our own peril. Other countries are creating effective incentives to capitalize on our mistakes,’ she added.

A US official from the State Department defended the stricter process, saying, ‘A US visa is a privilege, not a right… As President Trump has said, we want to have great students here. The United States remains the global leader in higher education as the number one destination for international students… while ensuring only the top talent enter our nation’

Graduating MIT students wait in line to enter the OneMIT Commencement Ceremony

Federal data also revealed where the steepest declines are coming from. 

An August International Trade Administration report found that Iran experienced an 86 percent drop in student visitors, followed by Syria at 63 percent and Haiti at 53 percent. Travel restrictions also impacted enrollment from Venezuela and Russia, both US adversaries.  

Neal McCluskey, the Director of the Center for Educational Freedom at the Cato Institute, said the decline was predictable.  

‘It has since moderated that message, but I think the damage was already done for this academic year,’ McCluskey noted. 

A White House official said new guidelines cap international students at 15 percent of a university’s undergraduate population, with no more than 5 percent from any single country.

‘When the students don’t come, neither does the money,’ McCluskey pointed out.

He does, however, see signs of change coming down the pipeline.

‘I think the trend is swinging back to greater openness… I think that is in recognition of the value to the country of international students coming to our institutions and, often, staying and becoming important parts of the workforce,’ McCluskey said. 

He also noted, ‘I think if the original goal was to discourage foreign enrollment, that goal might be changing.’

The White House argues that its policies are improving higher education by ‘restoring merit.’

Universities, the White House official added, must also share relevant information about foreign students, including discipline records, when requested by the Department of Homeland Security or the Department of State

‘He is simultaneously strengthening our country’s visa programs to put American national security first,’ said White House spokesperson Anna Kelly.

A State Department official defended the stricter process, saying, ‘A US visa is a privilege, not a right.’