Study Abroad

The highly anticipated Open Doors® 2025 data was released today, and it says as much about data-collection challenges as it does about international student trends. Produced by the Institute of International Education (IIE) and supported by the U.S. Department of State, this year’s report surveys international students in the U.S. during the 2024-2025 academic year. Open Doors® data paints a neutral landscape: the total number of international students increased by 5%, and undergraduate enrollments increased by 4.2%. The only stat that stood out was a slight 7.2% decrease in new student enrollment. Since the data ranges from September 2024 to May 2025, it does not reflect the recent rapid pace of policy changes and economic shifts that have impacted international students. 

It’s not often that the world turns upside down and inside out during such a significant research endeavor as this. But it most certainly did. We are left with an extremely stark picture of what was – and what could have been next year – which is why it makes it all the more painful to read and write about. In a world of instant data and analysis, a comprehensive survey that looks just six months back tells a very different story than the reality of today. By contrast, IIE’s supplementary Fall 2025 Snapshot on International Student Enrollment and recent news draw a more volatile picture of the fall semester. The U.S. has revoked about 8,000 student visas since January. 57% of the Snapshot institutions noted a decrease in new enrollments. Higher education has had to become nimble and deliberate with its international strategies to keep students coming. 

Two data points from the Open Doors® 2025 survey note highlighting:

• The U.S. Still Attracts International Students: The U.S. hosted 1,177,776 international students in 2024-2025, a 5% increase from last year. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, international students contributed $55 billion to the U.S. economy. By comparison, Canada and the UK both saw declines in international student numbers due to new policies, including visa caps, and remained among the top three host countries. 
• Career-Building OPT Remains Popular: International students continue to be attracted to optional practical training (OPT), which allows them to work in the U.S. for 12 months in a field directly related to their major. Students with STEM degrees can extend OPT an additional 24 months, so it’s no surprise that more international students are pursuing math & computer science, and engineering degrees. OPT participation increased 21.2%, the biggest change across academic levels. Mirka Martel, IIE’s Head of Research, Evaluation & Learning, linked this upward trend to recovery from the COVID pandemic and an increase in international graduate students. 

The Snapshot revealed significant data that could have an impact on the strength of the U.S. economy: Career-building opportunities continue to be a primary pull factor to the U.S. 

• 76% of institutions reported that OPT is important for recruiting international students interested in work experience and that it presents an economic benefit to U.S. businesses. 

• 92% of U.S. institutions reported that without OPT, international students would likely choose other countries for their education. 

Only a few days ago, Newsweek reported that a proposed rule change “from the Department of Homeland Security suggests that the program known as Student Optional Practical Training (OPT) will be heavily modified, in part to address worries about American workers being displaced.” 

Let that sink in: If over 800 colleges and universities say they would be less attractive without OPT, changes to the program that reduce the number of international students matriculating in the U.S. will have a staggering impact nationwide on higher education institutions and the businesses that rely on hiring a broad mix of talent from around the world. 

Visa Challenges and Finances are Driving Change

Tuition has increased across most U.S. higher education institutions. International students pay higher fees, and cost can be a barrier. Community colleges had the most significant increase in international students across all institution types. Martel noted many students are choosing to start their degrees at U.S. community colleges because of tuition costs, then transferring to a 4-year institution. Another 16,913 students took advantage of the increased flexibility and enrolled in U.S. online programs from abroad.

More international students are heading to the Midwest: Illinois and Missouri had substantial enrollment increases. Not only are the costs of living lower than on the East or West Coasts, but the central location draws students interested in traveling within the U.S. 

But the Snapshot shows that visa application concerns and travel restrictions are the most significant factors driving declines in new enrollment. A 17% decline in new international enrollments in the fall is concerning, as many U.S. institutions have already budgeted around anticipated student numbers. In August, international student arrivals in the U.S. dropped nearly a fifth compared to 2024. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security has proposed ending the duration of status for F, J, and I visas. 

Yet as I continue to work with the international education community, most recently as we launched the Fall 2025 Beta Test for Open Mindset Project, I see resilience, ingenuity, and advocacy. U.S. colleges are giving greater flexibility in start dates to help students navigate visa appointment delays: 72% offer a one-semester deferment, and 56% offer a full academic-year deferment. The majority of institutions say that international student recruitment remains a priority, and they’re ramping up support by providing guidance on maintaining visa status, conducting advising sessions, and offering mental health services. Most institutions told Snapshot they were continuing to prioritize international students because of the value of those perspectives on campus. 

The United States needs international students. They enrich U.S. campuses by deepening cultural understanding and strengthening academic excellence. In the workplace, they bring global perspective, multilingual communication, and innovative problem-solving that help U.S. companies compete on a global scale.

Whatever the research shows, now and in the future, the United States needs international students. 

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