Archive · 21 Nov 2025
US Sees Mixed Trends in International Student Enrollment
In the US, more international students are studying in America than ever before, but fewer new students are coming each year.
Most students come from India and study science, technology, engineering, and math.
The top states for international students are California, New York, and Texas.
Overall international student enrollment in the US grew by 5% to 1.18 million in 2024-25.
New international student enrollment decreased by 7% to 277,118.
India remained the top source country with a 9.5% increase in students.
Most students studied in STEM fields (57%).
US universities in California, New York, and Texas attracted the most international students.
- Who
- International students and U.S. colleges and universities
- What
- Mixed trends in international student enrollment
- When
- Academic year 2024-2025
- Where
- U.S. colleges and universities
- Why
- Increased scrutiny of immigration policies, visa application concerns, and travel restrictions
Decreasing New Enrollment
Growing International Presence
Reasons for Decline in New Enrollment
Decreasing New Enrollment
The 7% drop in new international student enrollment is attributed to increased scrutiny of legal immigration, new restrictions on student visas, and other policies. These include efforts to cap enrollment, consular officers asking for social media access, visa application concerns (delays, denials, long wait times), travel restrictions, and fears of hostility towards the U.S.
Growing International Presence
While enrollment has declined, international students remain a significant economic contributor, with an estimated 1.2 million students studying in the U.S. during the 2024-2025 academic year, contributing approximately $55 billion to the U.S. economy. These students often pay full tuition, providing a crucial revenue source for universities facing declining domestic enrollment and budget cuts.
Enrollment Trends Across Institutions
Decreasing New Enrollment
The majority of institutions (57%) reported a decrease in new international enrollment. These declines are significantly driven by a decrease in students from India, the largest source country for international students in the U.S.
Growing International Presence
Conversely, approximately 29% of institutions registered an increase in new international enrollment, and 14% reported that enrollment numbers held steady, indicating that not all institutions are experiencing negative trends.
- Total international students in the US (2024-2025)
- 1,177,766
- Percentage increase in total international students
- 5%
- New international student enrollment (2024-2025)
- 277,118
- Percentage decrease in new international student enrollment
- 7%
- Top source country for international students
- India
- Percentage increase in Indian students
- 9.5%
- Percentage of students studying in STEM fields
- 57%
- Top states for international students
- California, New York, Texas
Sources
International student enrolments in US universities drop by 17% in 2025-26: IIE
‘Tremendous raw talent’: IITs see opportunity in Trump’s H-1B curbs
Nearly 60% US universities report decline in foreign students despite steady enrollments
Canada study permits for Indians collapse 60%; new foreign student arrivals also tank
International Student Enrollment Drops After Trumps Visa Overhaul
Indian Students Surge Even as International Enrolments Drop Across US Colleges: Open Doors Report
International student enrolments in US fall 7%, India continues to be largest exporter
International student enrolments in US fall 7%, India continues to be largest exporter
New student enrolments in US drop 17%, India remains top source
Immigrant Student Enrollment is Dwindling at Schools Across US Amid Immigration Crackdowns
US colleges see 17% drop in newly enrolled international students, report finds
US colleges see 17% drop in newly enrolled international students, report finds
US colleges see 17% drop in new international students amid visa curbs and sharp declines from India, report finds
US records 7% decline in new international students as Indian numbers surge 10%
Majority of US colleges see decline in Indian student enrollment in 2025
