Education Brief
Aug 22, 2025 - Education Brief
The cost of losing Virginia's international students
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About 2% of the approximately 1.1 million international college students studying in the U.S. are doing so in Virginia, per data from NAFSA, an international education nonprofit.
Why it matters: NAFSA estimates that enrollment will decline this fall, including in Virginia, which could hurt college town economies.
- Plus, students who come from out of state pay higher tuition, which can help offset the cost for in-state students.
By the numbers: Some 21,000 international students were enrolled in Virginia schools in 2023-24, per NAFSA, and contributed $807.2 million to our economy that year.
- The bulk went to George Mason ($207.5 million), Virginia Tech ($176.7 million) and UVA ($126.8 million).
- But Richmond's two largest universities — VCU ($43.5 million) and UR ($23.1 million) — also saw significant economic benefits.
The big picture: More than 6,000 student visas were revoked nationwide this year, the State Department said last week.
- 4,000 of those students lost their visa for crimes like assault, burglary and driving under the influence.
- 200-300 visas were revoked for "support for terrorism," per the agency.
- Visa revocation by state wasn't available.