US College International Student Enrollment Survey and Visa Restrictions 2026

Brief Description

Higher education institutions across the United States are facing notable shifts in foreign student recruitment due to tightening federal policies. According to research released by NAFSA: Association of International Educators alongside the Institute of International Education, new international student enrollment has dropped significantly across U.S. campuses. Survey data reveals a 17% decline in new international student enrollees at 828 surveyed U.S. colleges, driven primarily by US visa restrictions international students face during application and administrative processing. Further findings show an average 6% drop in new international bachelor’s enrollment and a 19% drop in new international master’s enrollment across surveyed institutions. You can review the reported study details, institutional responses, and policy impacts outlined below.

Name of Host Institution

NAFSA: Association of International Educators (reporting on U.S. higher education institutions including Augustana College and others nationwide)

Requirements/Eligibility Criteria

• Target Audience: Prospective international undergraduate and graduate students applying to U.S. higher education institutions.
• Policy Impact Area: Enrolling students affected by federal visa policies, interview pauses, and administrative processing times.
• Survey Scope: Findings draw from 461 institutions across 63 countries, including 201 U.S. colleges in the NAFSA study and 828 U.S. colleges in the IIE report.

Deadline

Not specified

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💡 Quick FAQ & IntelligenceTap to Expand

Q: What percentage of U.S. colleges cited restrictive government policies as a main obstacle to international enrollment?

According to the NAFSA study, 85% of surveyed U.S. colleges cited restrictive government policies as their top obstacle to enrolling international students.

Q: How much did new international master's enrollment fall according to the NAFSA study?

The NAFSA study reported a 19% drop in new international master's enrollment at surveyed U.S. institutions.

Q: How are U.S. colleges responding to declines in international enrollment?

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To adapt to financial and enrollment impacts, 36% of surveyed colleges plan to expand into new markets, 28% plan budget cuts, and 26% intend to expand online programming.

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