U.S. Colleges and Universities Attracting Fewer New International Students

Learn about the decline of international enrollment in U.S. higher education institutions.

According to data from a report issued by the State Department and the Institute of International Education, there has been a decline of international enrollment in U.S. higher education institutions after nearly a decade of growth.  The report states that international enrollment dropped by about 7 percent in the fall of 2017.  With only about 271,000 new foreign students arriving in the country, this is the lowest since 2013.

To explain this decrease, the report referenced greater competition from other countries such as Australia and Canada.  Additionally, the report’s authors also cite the rising cost of higher education in the U.S. as another possible cause of the decline.

While the report dismissed the current political climate as a possible cause, some schools contacted by The Associated Press claim that the White House’s policies and rhetoric surrounding immigration has made international students feel unwelcome, causing them to enroll elsewhere.  The U.S. saw the most significant decreases in students coming from Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Mexico.  China and India continue to send the largest number of students.

While the report focused primarily on 2017 enrollment, the authors did also mention some early findings from the 2018 data.  While the total number of international enrollment holds steady, there has been a 2 percent decline, making yet another year of decreases.

These decreases in international enrollment are a cause for concern that these students provide a much-needed source of income for institutions across the country.  Because international students are often charged the full price of tuition, losing this revenue is seriously impacting the budgets of U.S. colleges and universities.

This is what you need to know about the decline of international enrollment in U.S. higher education institutions. Looking for a consulting firm with experience working in higher education?  Then don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at McKnight Associates, Inc.  We are ready to offer you hands-on human resources consulting for colleges, universities, medical centers, and organizations of all sizes.