As college and university leaders returned to campus this fall, there were new signs that a long-building financial crisis may finally be reaching a breaking point.

American college campuses from Tucson to Tallahassee are buzzing with the familiar routine of students getting settled in classes and dorms.

One new trend, though, is emerging, and it’s one that may lead to a major economic crisis that could last for years.

An estimated 30% to 40% fewer international students are expected on American college campuses this fall compared to the 2024-2025 academic year, according to research from the international education nonprofit NAFSA: Association of International Educators and JB International, a for-profit educational technology firm.

The US academic year is underway and campuses are filling up. But as students return to labs and lecture halls, they might notice more empty seats than usual — especially at schools and in programs that enroll large numbers of international scholars. 

As overall student enrollment at colleges and universities continues to decline on a national scale, institutions across the country and in Ohio are also facing losses on the international student enrollment front. 

The US economy could lose $7 billion in spending and 60,000 jobs as a result of the bans and restrictions imposed by the White House on international students. That is according to NAFSA, the Association of International Educators. Host Marco Werman speaks with NAFSA’s CEO, Fanta Aw, about the potential impact of visa restrictions.

An analysis by NAFSA: Association of International Educators and JB International forecast a potential 30–40 percent decline in new international student enrollment, contributing to a 15% drop in overall enrollment this fall. “Such an outcome would deprive local economies of $7 billion in spending and more than 60,000 jobs,” NAFSA said in late July.

Students from some countries won’t make it to class this fall because of President Trump’s travel ban. Others can’t get visa appointments. Some are simply scared. Universities are panicking.

As the new academic year is about to begin at most universities across the United States, many international students are navigating a mix of anxiety and uncertainty as the Trump administration’s crackdown on higher education and immigration continues.

American universities may see international student enrollment decline by as many as 150,000 this fall, a development that could cost the US higher education sector nearly $7 billion and threaten over 60,000 jobs.

New international enrollments in the U.S. could drop by as many as 150,000 students in the next year, according to scenario modeling by NAFSA, the association of international educators, and JB International.

The U.S. could lose as much as $7 billion in local economic activity this fall due to a steep fall in international student enrollments, according to a new analysis by NAFSA: Association of International Educators and JB International.

American colleges and universities are heading for a decline of between 30% and 40% – or 80,000 international students – in the semester set to begin in a few weeks when compared to the 2024 to 2025 academic year, says a report released by NAFSA: Association of International Educators.

A new analysis from NAFSA and the research consultancy JB International projects that international student commencements in the US could decline by as much as -30% or -40% for the key fall intake this September.

New international enrollments could decline by one-third - Severe backlogs could prevent 150,000 international students from getting visas in time to start the fall semester, an estimated 30 to 40 percent drop in new foreign enrollments.

The US economy could lose $7 billion this year if visa appointment delays and travel restrictions continue to drive declining international student numbers, projections have revealed.

Washington, D.C. — Preliminary projections by NAFSA: Association of International Educators and JB International reveal that recent actions such as visa bans and disruptions in visa interviews and processing could have a devastating effect on U.S. local economies. 

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