International Student Enrollment Plummets Amid U.S. Policy Changes

DePaul University is set to cut spending after a significant 30% drop in international enrollment, aligning with measures taken by other U.S. institutions grappling with restrictive immigration and education policies under President Donald Trump. The exact reductions are pending, although options such as hiring freezes and pay cuts are being considered.

The current academic year saw a notable decline of 755 international students at the Chicago-based Catholic university. Particularly alarming is the nearly 62% decrease in first-year international graduate students. University President Robert Manuel attributes these declines to visa challenges and waning interest in U.S. education amid recent federal changes.

This development at DePaul mirrors a national trend where institutions face decreased international enrollments. U.S. government policies affecting visas and academic freedoms are compounding universities' financial woes, spurring budgetary cuts. Nationwide, early data shows international student figures are down, with many opting for alternative educational destinations.

(With inputs from agencies.)