US College Applications from International Students Plummet 10%

The report from Common App, which analyzed data from 1,146 institutions, reveals that nearly 16,000 fewer foreign students sought spots at US colleges this year. While competitive, highly selective universities have maintained some stability, institutions with lower profiles suffered a 20% decline in international interest. This downturn arrives alongside mounting financial pressures, as schools grapple with a shrinking pool of domestic college-age youth and persistent debates over the value of higher education.

Policy shifts appear to be a primary driver. Recent restrictions on visa holders—specifically measures complicating the ability to change majors, transfer schools, or remain in the country post-graduation—have chilled international interest. Rodney Hughes, a senior data scientist at Common App, noted that the difficulty of securing visas directly correlates with the reduced applicant pool. While European applications fell by 4%, reversing years of growth, nations like France and Germany are actively positioning themselves as more welcoming alternatives for disillusioned students.

Beyond international enrollment, the landscape of US admissions is shifting toward standardized testing. For the first time since 2019, the number of applicants submitting SAT or ACT scores has risen, climbing 11% as elite institutions like Yale and Princeton reinstate testing requirements. Although only 5% of colleges currently mandate these scores, the trend reflects a broader push by the administration to move away from test-optional policies. Despite these shifts, domestic interest remains resilient, with total applications rising 2% and notable growth among Black applicants and students from low-income households.