International student enrollment at universities across the United States is declining this fall as visa delays, tighter immigration restrictions and growing competition from other study destinations make the country less attractive to international students.
The decline is raising concerns among higher education institutions about falling tuition revenue, reduced research capacity and the country’s ability to attract global academic talent.
According to preliminary projections by NAFSA: Association of International Educators and research firm JB International, the United States could lose as many as 111,000 international students during the 2026–27 academic year, representing an estimated 9.5 per cent decline. The projected reduction could cost the US economy approximately $3.4 billion in economic contributions and put nearly 40,000 jobs at risk.
Several major universities have already reported declining international enrollment. Ohio State University, one of the country’s largest public universities, recorded a 12.7 per cent decrease in international students at its main campus compared with fall 2025. Its international student population fell to 5,234, despite an overall 1.4 per cent increase in university enrollment. The university also reported a 20.7 per cent decline in students from China, one of its major international student groups.
Other institutions are experiencing similar challenges. International enrollment at Indiana University dropped 15.6 per cent year over year, while the University of North Texas lost more than 1,300 international students between fall 2025 and fall 2026. The Universities of Wisconsin system also reported a decline, with international students accounting for nearly two-thirds of its overall enrollment losses.
Visa appointment delays, increased immigration scrutiny and uncertainty surrounding student immigration policies are among the major factors contributing to the downturn. Students from several countries have faced difficulties securing timely visa appointments, preventing some admitted applicants from arriving before the beginning of the academic year.
The changing immigration environment has also created uncertainty for students considering long-term academic programmes, particularly doctoral degrees, as well as those hoping to gain professional experience in the United States after graduation.
Declining international applications are adding to the pressure. Data cited by NAFSA indicate that applications to US doctoral programmes fell 21 per cent for fall 2026, contributing to a 17 per cent decline in international admissions at participating research universities. International submissions through the Common App also declined by 9 per cent for the 2026–27 application cycle.
The situation is creating opportunities for other countries competing to attract international students. Destinations such as Germany, Spain and Japan are increasingly benefiting from students reconsidering their plans to study in the United States amid concerns about visa accessibility and immigration policies.
Education experts warn that the consequences extend beyond university finances. International students contribute to academic research, campus diversity, innovation and local economies through tuition payments, housing, transportation and other spending.
NAFSA has urged the US government to improve student visa processing, reconsider restrictions affecting international students and preserve Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows eligible international graduates to gain temporary professional experience in the country.
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As universities compete globally for students and research talent, the continued decline in international enrollment could challenge the United States’ position as one of the world’s leading destinations for higher education.
Editorial note: The 111,000-student figure is a projection, not a confirmed final enrollment count. Individual university figures represent reported fall 2026 enrollment changes.
