The Fall 2025 Snapshot on International Student Enrollment offers a critical look at international student enrollment trends in U.S. higher education, providing numbers as recent as the current fall semester. This report provides insights into where international education stands today and where it could be headed. Here are four things to know.
1. More Than 825 Institutions Participated
This year’s Fall Snapshot saw 828 institutions respond, one of the highest participation rates to date. These institutions represent 63% of all international students reported in Open Doors, making this dataset a robust reflection of current trends in U.S. international education.
2. Overall, Total International Student Numbers Hold Steady
As of Fall 2025, U.S. colleges and universities reported a 1% overall decline in international students, including both enrolled students and those on optional practical training (OPT). Trends varied by academic level, with undergraduate and OPT enrollments up by 2% and 14%, respectively. The numbers of graduate and non-degree student enrollments are down by 12% and 17%, respectively.
3. New International Student Numbers Declined
New enrollments of international students, those studying at their college or university for the first time, fell by 17% compared to last year. Approximately 29% of institutions report an increase in new international enrollment, 14% indicate stable numbers, and 57% note a decrease. Institutions also indicate providing flexibility to international students admitted to their programs, but who have not arrived in the United States for their academic studies. Nearly three-quarters (72%) offered admitted international students deferrals to spring 2026, and more than half (56%) provided deferrals to fall 2026.
4. Colleges & Universities Show Strong Support for Internationalization
The vast majority – 84% – of institutions rank international student recruitment as a priority. U.S. institutions cite prioritizing international student outreach and recruitment due to the value of international student perspectives on campus, the financial contributions of international students, and alignment with institutional strategy. Financial support for outreach and recruitment is holding steady or increasing at 78% of institutions, signaling resilience and long-term commitment to global engagement.
As international education continues to evolve, staying informed on these trends is key to shaping strategies that attract top global talent and strengthen competitiveness.