U.S. universities nationwide
U.S. universities nationwide are seeing a steep drop in international student enrollment in 2025, raising concerns over campus diversity and economic impact. Photo by Kyle Glenn on Unsplash

PITTSBURGH (Aug. 30, 2025) — The decline in international student enrollment this year has proven sharper than in recent academic cycles, as U.S. universities—including those in Pittsburgh—grapple with significant financial and cultural consequences.

National Trends Show Sharp Drop

According to federal immigration data, international student arrivals dropped by 28.5% in July 2025 compared to July 2024, with only 76,519 students entering the U.S. on visas this July, down from 106,993 a year earlier. National modeling by NAFSA forecasts up to a 15% decrease in total international student enrollment this fall, translating to a potential loss of $7 billion in revenue and up to 60,000 jobs.

Further heightening concerns, SEVIS data shows an 11% drop in international enrollments between March 2024 and March 2025, contributing to an estimated $4 billion loss in economic output.

Universities Under Pressure

Local institutions are feeling the pinch:

  • At the University of Pittsburgh, international students represent roughly 10% of the student body. While precise numbers haven't been released, the university expects a continuation of the national downward trend.
  • At Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), international students make up nearly 40% of the population. CMU has announced plans to slash $33 million in expenses to offset anticipated enrollment and tuition shortfalls.
  • Graduate programs—where international students are often most concentrated—are especially vulnerable. At CMU, for instance, 62% of graduate students are foreign, compared to 22% at Pitt.

What's Driving the Drop?

Multiple policy shifts are clearly playing a role:

  • Visa delays and processing pauses: The State Department suspended student visa interviews from May 27 to June 18—during peak admissions season—and followed with expanded social media vetting.
  • Broader immigration crackdowns: Officials proposed capping international student stays at four years, tightening renewals, and revoking visas.
  • Academic and public policy backlash: University communities report that these policies create confusion and uncertainty. One CMU student described how passionate prospective students are deterred: "They don't want to get in trouble while they're just trying to do the things that they want to do.".

Economic and Cultural Impacts

The decline in foreign student enrollment carries ripple effects:

  • The NAFSA report estimates a nationwide $7 billion economic hit and 60,000 fewer jobs if enrollment drops align with projections.
  • Pittsburgh's neighborhoods—especially Squirrel Hill—may suffer losses in foot traffic and commerce from reduced campus populations.
  • Regional tech and innovation sectors may also suffer: Pitt law professor David Harris warned, "We need actually to have some of these students ... not just get their education here but welcome them to stay because we're not producing enough of the jobs and educated people we need."

Across the U.S., Smaller & Private Colleges Most at Risk

Analysis from Brookings and others suggests that small, private, and specialized institutions—often with high proportions of international students—are the most vulnerable to financial destabilization. The cumulative weight of lost tuition and program support could destabilize such colleges, especially in less populated regions.

Topics U.S. Universities, University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University