A large majority of international students still plan to study in the United States despite their concerns about political instability, international tensions and affordability, a survey released Thursday finds.
Only 5% of 300-plus international students polled said they would not attend college in the U.S., according to Pioneer Academics, an online research program for high school students.
More than 90% said they still intend to enroll in a U.S. college or university “despite growing concerns over research funding cuts and the treatment of foreign-born students,” the company said.
“This data shows a powerful contradiction in that future international students continue to value the quality of U.S. education, but rising geopolitical and financial barriers are eroding their enthusiasm,” said Matthew Jaskol, founder of Pioneer Academics.
“Even losing a few percent of students who would otherwise study in the United States is significant, but with 60% expressing concerns, that could spell big trouble for the future of American education,” Jaskol added.
Here’s a deeper look into the thinking of international students:
- 51% of students cited international tensions as a growing concern, followed by U.S. internal instability (38%) and safety (28%)
- Financial concerns are rising, particularly among STEM students and male respondents
- 5% completely ruled out studying in the U.S., and another 10% questioned whether to study abroad at all.
- Younger students reported being discouraged by political instability than older students.
- Despite concerns, 99% of respondents still trust in the academic quality and global reputation of U.S. institutions.
“Certain U.S.-located universities retain their prestige and quality,” said one of the students surveyed, “but I’m worried about administrative capitulation to policies that compromise those elements.”
8 ways to strengthen international enrollment
The report encourages colleges and universities to “stay visible, student-focused and opportunity-driven” as they work to build international enrollment. Here are eight recommendations from the analysis:
- Lead with academic excellence. Continue emphasizing institutional reputation,
faculty strength and academic rigor. They remain the top motivators for students. - Reinforce student safety and campus support. Highlight visible safety measures, mental health support and inclusion initiatives.
- Offer virtual programming that addresses students’ concerns. Engage directly with students via webinars, panels and Q&A sessions to cover concerns such as visa uncertainty and shifting U.S. policy.
- Communicate contingency protections. Foreign students want to know that if federal policy turns against them, their college won’t leave them stranded. Institutions
should outline backup options. - Feature international student and alumni voices. Use real student stories
to show how your institution supports and values international students, especially in uncertain times. - Strengthen early engagement pipelines. 10th- and 11th-graders are more likely to express concern about politics and receive discouragement from family. Colleges
should partner with international schools to offer “low-pressure aspirational content,” such as virtual showcases or faculty talks. - Emphasize career and research pathways. Institutions should highlight research placements, internships, and alumni success. Students increasingly want to know they will have post-graduation opportunities.
- Acknowledge and demystify financial concerns. Colleges should communicate cost, aid, and career outcomes to support cost-conscious applicants.
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