International Student Applications Drop at 60% of US Colleges

The drop is widespread, affecting institutions of all sizes and regions, according to a survey of admissions officials released Tuesday. Smaller colleges and those in the Midwest saw the steepest declines, with some reporting double-digit percentage drops.

Admissions officers attribute the trend to a combination of factors, including tougher visa screening, a rise in visa denials, and new limits on optional practical training, which allows graduates to work in the U.S. for up to three years after earning a degree.

The decline comes as the U.S. competes with Canada, Australia, and the U.K., which have rolled out more welcoming policies for international students. Several U.S. colleges have stepped up recruitment trips abroad and expanded online outreach to counter the slide.

International students contribute more than $40 billion annually to the U.S. economy, according to federal data, and many colleges rely on their tuition to fill budget gaps. The survey did not specify how many institutions reported increases, but it noted that those with larger endowments and stronger brand recognition were more likely to hold steady.