The United States could lose up to 110,000 international students during the 2026–27 academic year as visa delays, travel restrictions and uncertainty surrounding immigration policies discourage students from choosing US universities.
According to an analysis by NAFSA: Association of International Educators, Studyportals and JB International, international enrollment in the US is projected to decline by 9.5% in Fall 2026. The estimate is based on institutional responses to the Institute of International Education’s Spring 2026 Snapshot on International Educational Exchange.
The decline could have a significant economic impact. The analysis estimates that the US could lose around $3.4 billion in economic spending, while approximately 39,000 jobs could also be affected.
The impact is already visible in graduate education. The international pool of doctoral candidates has reportedly declined by 21%, while international PhD admissions are down 17% for the coming academic year. International applications submitted through the Common App have also fallen by 9%.
Visa-related difficulties are adding to the situation. Nearly two-thirds of surveyed US institutions expect international enrollment to decline in 2026–27. A US travel ban covering citizens of 39 countries has also been in effect since January 2026, while student visa applicants have faced additional competition during the busy summer processing period.
The expected decline could put further pressure on US universities that rely heavily on international students for tuition revenue and campus diversity, while students may increasingly consider alternative study destinations.
