International student enrollment at U.S. colleges drops 17% in 2025

The number of international students enrolled at U.S. universities has fallen to its lowest level in more than a decade, according to a new report released Monday.

International student enrollment at U.S. universities for the fall 2025 semester fell 17%, NBCNews.com reported.

The figure represents “the largest non-pandemic decline in the past 11 years,” the report said, citing data from the Institute of International Education (IIE).

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The number of international students enrolled in U.S. schools saw a sharp decline for the fall 2025 semester, according to a new report. (The Washington Post/Getty)

This decline marks a steeper decline than the previous year, which saw a decrease of only 7% in international student enrollment.

About half of the 825 U.S. institutions surveyed by IIE reported declining enrollment among international students.

Fanta Aw, CEO of the international education nonprofit NAFSA: Association of International Educators, told NBC that “the United States is no longer the central location that students aspire to.”

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People hold signs at the Harvard Students for Freedom rally in support of international students on the campus of Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts, May 27, 2025. (Rick Friedman/AFP via Getty Images)

The expert highlighted the new challenges prospective students face in obtaining student visas.

The Trump administration suspended scheduling new visa interviews in May, which NBC reported caused “long application delays” for international students wanting to study in the United States.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a rule in August limiting the length of time people on student visas can stay in the United States to four years.

A DHS press release says the proposal aims to combat “visa abuse” and increase the agency’s ability to “properly monitor and supervise these individuals.”

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A new report says the number of international students enrolled at U.S. universities has declined for the fall 2025 semester. (Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The agency said foreign students have “taken advantage of American generosity” and become “forever students” by remaining enrolled in universities so they can remain in the United States.

Aw said these and other visa issues have made the United States “less competitive” compared to other countries where international students pursue higher education.

According to NAFSA, the 17% decline in enrollment represents a loss of about $1 billion to the U.S. economy, with international students contributing $43 billion last year.

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The White House and Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.