Forbes: Sharp Decline in International Student Arrivals Signals Enrollment Changes
October 06, 2025
Immigration data show nearly a 50% drop in students from India arriving in July and August 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. This decline points to a likely reduction in international enrollment for the 2025–26 academic year, raising concerns for U.S. universities that rely on these students for talent, research, and financial stability.
Key Points
- India Arrivals: Down 44.5% from August 2024 to August 2025 (74,825 → 41,540) and 46.4% from July 2024 to July 2025 (24,298 → 13,027).
- Timing Significance: July and August figures primarily reflect new enrollments, as students may only arrive within 30 days of program start.
- Policy Impact: Trump administration measures, including suspended visa interviews and stricter immigration rules, contributed to the decline. Many universities urged current students not to travel abroad to avoid reentry issues.
- Broader Declines: Overall international arrivals (excluding Canada and Mexico) fell 19.2% in August (380,579 → 307,419) and 28.5% in July (106,993 → 76,519).
- Country-Specific Drops: Declines include 12.4% from China, 10.9% from South Korea, and 17.2% from Vietnam between August 2024 and 2025.
- Campus Impact:
- Saint Louis University: 45% fewer international students in Fall 2025.
- University of Cincinnati: 25% decline in international graduate enrollment.
- University at Buffalo: Loss of 1,000+ graduate STEM students, offset slightly by higher undergraduate intake.
- University Concerns: Reduced international enrollment threatens both talent pipelines and financial sustainability, as international students subsidize tuition and support expanded course offerings.
SOURCE: www.forbes.com/sites/stuartanderson/2025/10/01/immigration-data-indicate-indian-student-enrollment-may-plummet/