International student enrollment down on Indiana campuses
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International student enrollment is down more than 14% at the state's two largest public university systems.
The big picture: Enrollment is down across the country as international students continue to contend with visa issues, travel bans and concerns about the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.
- NAFSA, the Association of International Educators, predicted 150,000 fewer international students would be in the country for the fall semester.
Why it matters: Indiana's nearly 30,000 international students contributed around $1 billion to the Hoosier economy during the 2023-24 school year.
- A big drop in international students could hurt college town economies.
By the numbers: Purdue, which leads the state in international student enrollment, saw a decrease of nearly 15% across all campuses from last fall to this one, according to recently released student census data.
- On the West Lafayette campus, the number of international students dropped from 9,579 in fall 2024 to 8,937 this fall.
- The Indiana University system, the state's second largest enroller of international students, lost 14% across all campuses — from 6,578 international students in fall 2024 to 5,645 enrolled this fall.
What they're saying: Trevor Peters, spokesperson for Purdue, said the university chose to admit a slightly smaller class this school year because last year's surprising jump in enrollment stressed housing and other campus infrastructure.
- Some international students also chose to delay their starting dates while waiting for their visas, according to a university news release.
The latest: The Trump administration wants to overhaul the student and exchange visa processes, limiting international students to four-year stays.
- The Department of Homeland Security filed plans last month to submit a proposed change that would reduce years-long visa stays and shorten the window for student visa holders to maintain their status or leave the country from 60 days to 30 days.
- After four years, students would have to apply for work visas, such as an H-1B visa, or request an extension of their student visas, under the proposal, which DHS can make final after a public comment period.