The Institute of International Education (IIE) released a report on the 17th stating that the number of international freshmen enrolling at U.S. universities (undergraduate and above) for the fall 2025 term has decreased by 17% year-on-year.
According to a China News Service report, after surveying 828 universities in the U.S., the association found that international freshmen enrolling in U.S. universities for the fall 2025 term decreased by 17% compared to the same period last year, which is better than previously expected. Among them, 57% of universities saw a decrease in international freshmen, 14% saw no change, and 29% saw an increase.
The report shows that among universities experiencing a decline in international freshmen, 96% believe that visas are an important reason for the decrease, and 68% believe that travel restrictions are also a factor. Among universities where international freshmen increased, 71% attribute the increase to the institution’s active recruitment activities specifically targeting international students, and 54% attribute it to proactive communication with admitted students.
The report also shows that the total number of international students studying at U.S. universities and using Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation for the fall 2025 term has decreased by 1% year-on-year. Among them, the total number of undergraduate international students increased by 2% year-on-year, while the number of master’s and above international students decreased by 12% year-on-year, and the number of international students using OPT increased by 14%.
According to U.S. media, the Trump administration’s tightening of visa policies is the main reason for the decline in the number of international freshmen studying in the U.S. Experts believe that the decrease in international students will have a significant impact on the income of U.S. universities and will also cause a certain economic loss to the United States.
According to data from the U.S. Department of Commerce, international students accounted for 6% of the total number of students at U.S. universities in 2024, contributing about $55 billion to the U.S. economy, mainly coming from tuition and living expenses.