Savanna Hoffman
International students have long been a feature of US universities, with over 1.1 million foreign students attending US institutions in the 2018-19 school year, making up 5.5% of the entire US higher education enrolment. However, the Trump administration's policies have had a significant impact on international student enrolment in the US. The administration's crackdown on higher education and changes to visa regulations have made the US less attractive to international students, potentially leading to a decrease in enrolment. Despite this, some US universities continue to enrol large numbers of international students, with Texas universities enrolling more than 89,000 international students in 2024, and Northeastern University in Massachusetts reporting 38% of its student population as international in Fall 2024.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students enrolled in US colleges in 2018-19 | 1.1 million |
| Percentage of total US higher education enrollment in 2018-19 | 5.5% |
| Number of international students enrolled in Texas universities in 2024 | 89,000 |
| Percentage of international students at Northeastern University in Fall 2024 | 38% |
| Percentage of international students at Boston University in Fall 2023 | 29% |
| Number of international students enrolled at Johns Hopkins University in 2020 | 5,000 |
| Number of international students enrolled across 17 Ivy League and other prestigious universities in 2020 | 213,000 |
| Percentage of international students at Massachusetts colleges and universities in Fall 2023 | 27% |
| Number of international students enrolled in Massachusetts colleges and universities in Fall 2023 | 18,508 |
| Percentage of international students at Massachusetts colleges and universities in Fall 2024 | 38% |
| Number of international students enrolled in Massachusetts colleges and universities in Fall 2024 | 10,740 |
| Number of international students from India enrolled in US colleges in 2021-22 | 19% increase from the previous year |
| Number of international students from China enrolled in US colleges in 2021-22 | 9% decrease from the previous year |
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What You'll Learn
International students in Texas
Texas has a lot more to offer international students than the typical American cowboy image. The state has a rich history of rebellion from foreign rule and a drive for freedom, which fuels the identity and personality of its fun-loving people. Texas has a population of over 24 million, and its most populated towns and major cities, including Houston, San Antonio, Dallas-Fort Worth, Greater Houston, El Paso, and Austin, are spread across its prairies, grasslands, forests, and coastal regions.
In 2024, more than 89,000 international students enrolled at Texas universities, a 10% increase from the previous year, according to Open Doors, an organization that conducts an annual census of international students in the country. International students contributed $2.5 billion to the state's economy, according to NAFSA: Association of International Educators.
However, the Trump administration's crackdown on higher education and immigration status of international students has caused concern among international students in Texas. In recent weeks, many international students at Texas universities had their immigration status terminated in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, a federal immigration database. The Trump administration later restored the immigration status of thousands of international students, including more than 250 in Texas. Despite the reversal, federal attorneys say they are developing policies to resume terminations, which may lead many international students to reconsider coming to the U.S.
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US immigration policy
The number of international students enrolling in US universities has been affected by the country's immigration policies. While international students make up a significant portion of the student population at many US universities, with some colleges enrolling over 30% international students, US immigration policies have created uncertainty and deterred potential applicants.
In 2025, the Trump administration's crackdown on higher education led to the termination of the immigration status of several international students, with over 250 students in Texas alone facing revocation of their legal status. This has caused concern among universities, with some reporting that they must regularly check the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) database to identify students at risk of deportation. The federal government's use of artificial intelligence to screen social media content for antisemitic remarks related to pro-Palestine protests has also resulted in visa revocations, further complicating the situation.
The impact of these policies extends beyond individual students, as international students contribute significantly to the US economy. In Texas, for example, international students contributed approximately $2.5 billion in 2024. Universities also benefit from the cultural exchange and diverse perspectives that international students bring to their campuses.
To address these concerns, the US departments of State and Education issued a Joint Statement of Principles in Support of International Education, recognizing the importance of educational exchange. Additionally, some universities have implemented support programs to assist international students in navigating the US job market and adjusting to cultural differences. However, the shifting political climate and the uncertainty surrounding immigration policies continue to create challenges for international students considering US universities.
While the US remains a popular destination for higher education, the complex and evolving nature of its immigration policies can influence enrollment trends. The experiences of international students in the US are shaped by these policies, and their outcomes can have economic, cultural, and social implications for both the students and the host institutions.
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International student enrolment trends
International student enrolment in US universities has been a significant contributor to the US economy and higher education system. However, recent trends indicate shifting dynamics in international student preferences and US immigration policies that may impact these enrolment numbers.
In 2025, Texas universities enrolled more than 89,000 international students, a 10% increase from the previous year, according to Open Doors, an organisation conducting an annual census of international students. International students contributed $2.5 billion to Texas's economy, highlighting their economic significance.
New England colleges and universities, including Northeastern University, also witnessed substantial international student enrolment, with numbers topping 30% or more of the total student population. In Fall 2024, international students comprised 38% of Northeastern University's student body, while Boston University reported a 29% international student population in Fall 2023.
However, the Trump administration's policies and a rapidly shifting political climate have influenced international student perceptions of studying in the US. The administration's crackdown on higher education and visa regulations has made the US less attractive to prospective international students. The pandemic further exacerbated these challenges, with the onset of travel restrictions and widespread lockdowns.
Additionally, the number of international students from specific countries, such as China, has decreased in US universities. During the 2021-2022 academic year, Chinese student enrolment fell by 9%, attributed to factors like poor job prospects at home, safety concerns in the US, and the development of China's own world-class universities. Conversely, the number of Indian students in US colleges has increased due to poor job prospects in India, driving up overall international student enrolment.
While US universities recognise the valuable contributions of international students, the dynamic political and social landscape influences the decisions of prospective international students, potentially impacting future enrolment trends.
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US colleges' financial dependence on international students
International students are a significant source of revenue for US colleges, as they often pay full tuition fees, effectively subsidizing domestic students. In 2024, international students contributed $2.5 billion to the state of Texas' economy alone. At some colleges, international students make up over 30% of the student population. For example, at Northeastern University, they constituted 38% of the student body in Fall 2024.
However, the Trump administration's policies and rhetoric have created a perception of hostility towards international students, potentially impacting enrollment numbers. The administration's crackdown on higher education, including visa revocations and legal status terminations, has caused anxiety on US college campuses. Over 1,000 international students have had their visas revoked or legal statuses changed, and universities have struggled to keep up with the frequent changes in immigration policies.
The political climate and the perception of a hostile environment have made it challenging for US colleges to attract international students. This is particularly concerning for small colleges that rely on international enrollment to stay afloat. The loss of international students could be financially devastating for many colleges, and it could also damage the reputation of the US as a welcoming destination for international students, researchers, and scholars.
Colleges in New England, such as those with a large international student population, are especially vulnerable to any decrease in enrollment. The region stands to suffer significant financial consequences if international students choose to pursue their education in countries like Canada and Australia, which have seen surges in international enrollment in recent years.
The financial dependence of US colleges on international students underscores the importance of fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for this cohort. The potential loss of international students could have far-reaching implications for the financial health and reputation of US colleges and universities.
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International students' contribution to the US economy
International students make significant contributions to the US economy, and their presence benefits higher education institutions in multiple ways. Firstly, international students bring a diverse cultural perspective to campuses, enriching the learning environment for all students. Additionally, their enrolment numbers and associated tuition fees are vital for the financial health of universities, especially smaller colleges that struggle to attract domestic students.
According to the NAFSA: Association of International Educators, international students contributed a record-breaking $43.8 billion to the US economy during the 2023-2024 academic year, a notable increase from the previous year's total of $41 billion. This contribution supported over 378,000 jobs in the US, with one job created or supported for every three international students. The economic impact of international students is felt across various sectors, including education, accommodation, transportation, and tourism.
The presence of international students also boosts innovation and entrepreneurship in the US. Many international students pursue STEM fields, with one in four studying math and computer science and nearly one in five studying engineering. Their contributions in cutting-edge research and development, as well as filling job openings in critical STEM fields, are invaluable to the country's economic competitiveness and advancement in critical sectors.
However, the shifting political climate, including visa and immigration status concerns, could make the US a less attractive destination for international students. This may result in a decline in enrolment numbers and a potential loss of talent to other countries like Canada and Australia, which actively promote their higher education sectors to international students.
In conclusion, international students make substantial contributions to the US economy, both directly through their tuition fees and living expenses, and indirectly through the creation of jobs and stimulation of various industries. Their presence enhances the educational experience for domestic students and drives innovation in critical sectors. Therefore, proactive policies are necessary to attract and retain international talent, ensuring the continued positive impact of international students on the US economy.
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Frequently asked questions
International students made up 38% of the school population at Northeastern University in Fall 2024.
More than 89,000 international students enrolled in Texas universities in 2024.
International students made up 29% of the school population at Boston University in Fall 2023.
International students overall (undergraduate and graduate) made up 27% of the total student population in Fall 2023.
About 1.1 million foreign students attended US higher education institutions in the 2018-19 school year.
