American campuses are facing an unexpected crisis — a 30–40% drop in international student enrollment for fall 2025. That’s 150,000 fewer students compared to the last academic year, largely due to visa cancellations, new travel restrictions, and stricter U.S. immigration policies.

This sharp decline isn’t just an academic problem — it’s an economic shockwave. According to NAFSA, the U.S. could lose $7 billion in revenue during the 2025-26 school year. International students contribute around $35,000 each to local economies — on housing, food, transport, and more — creating one U.S. job for every three students.

While U.S. campuses hosted over 1.1 million international students in 2023-24, this year’s decline could have long-term effects on America’s role as a global education hub.

President Trump’s administration has tightened visa rules, revoked thousands of visas, and introduced a four-year cap on student stays. These moves, coupled with several high-profile student arrests, have raised safety concerns for foreign students.

Universities like NYU, Purdue, and Arizona State — once top hosts of international students — are now bracing for budget gaps and empty dorms.