17% Drop in International Student Enrollment at US Colleges Due to Visa Restrictions and Trump Policies

According to a recent report, new international student enrollments at US colleges and universities have decreased by 17% this fall, following the implementation of new visa restrictions and other policies from the Trump administration.

The Institute of International Education gathered data from 825 higher education institutions across the United States. Among those reporting enrollment declines, an overwhelming 96% identified visa application concerns as a significant factor, while 68% pointed to travel restrictions as contributing to the drop.

The Trump administration has implemented various policies targeting international students as part of its broader scrutiny of legal immigration, including measures aimed at limiting their enrollment at American universities.

Furthermore, the US State Department has empowered consular officers to request visa applicants to make their social media profiles public to identify potential security threats. Some student visas have been canceled, and new applicants have experienced significant processing delays.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stated that President Trump is "strengthening our country's visa programs to put American national security first." The Department of Education did not immediately respond when asked for comment.

Many institutions reported in Monday's findings that visa delays, including extended wait times and the temporary suspension of visa issuance earlier this year, significantly impacted students' ability to obtain necessary documentation.

The report emphasized that concerns regarding the visa application process, including delays and denials, have consistently been the primary factor cited by institutions for declining enrollment numbers.

Approximately 1.2 million international students studied in the United States during the 2024-2025 academic year, according to NAFSA: Association of International Educators estimates. These students contributed roughly $55 billion to the US economy as of 2024, based on Bureau of Economic Analysis data.

International students often pay full tuition as many are ineligible for financial aid, providing a crucial revenue stream for institutions facing declining domestic enrollment, rising operational costs, and reduced government funding.

The report revealed that about 29% of institutions experienced an increase in new international enrollment, 14% maintained stable numbers, while 57% recorded a decrease.

Most institutions noted declines specifically among Indian students, likely driving the overall national decrease. India remains the primary source country for international students at US higher education institutions.