Without international and immigrant-origin students, U.S. colleges could lose millions in enrollment and billions in economic impact, risking closures and talent loss, says a new report from the National Foundation for American Policy.
As domestic enrollment declines and the demographic cliff nears, the report finds that immigrant-origin students—those who are immigrants themselves or have at least one immigrant parent—are essential to sustaining the nation’s college system, workforce and economy.
Colleges face enrollment cliff without immigrant-origin students
According to the report, immigrant-origin students have driven key enrollment growth since 2010—11% at the undergraduate level and 10% at the graduate level. Without them:
- Undergraduate enrollment would have been lower by 4.6 million students between 2010 and 2022.
- Graduate enrollment would decline by more than 1.1 million by 2037.
“Losing up to one-third of undergraduate enrollment and almost two-fifths of graduate enrollment would be catastrophic for many colleges and universities, especially those in parts of the United States already experiencing demographic declines,” the report states.
Immigrant and international students power the economy and innovation
In addition to steady enrollment, international and immigrant students contributed nearly $44 billion to the U.S. economy and supported over 378,000 jobs during the 2023-2024 academic year, the report notes. They were especially vital to STEM fields accounting for:
- 5% of all U.S. bachelor’s degrees
- 13% of master’s degrees (36% in STEM)
- 12% of PhDs (43% to 46% in STEM)
“International students do not crowd out U.S. students and may even increase their numbers,” the report notes. “The higher tuition paid by international students can enable public universities to increase their offerings.”
Moreover, these students also help boost innovation; each international graduate student is connected to increased patent production and entrepreneurship, the report notes.
Demographic decline threatens college sustainability
U.S. birthrates have declined steadily since 2007, and the traditional age of college students is expected to shrink 15% between 2025 and 2029. As a result, without immigrant and international students:
- Many institutions may close or downsize.
- Public colleges could lose funding and diversity.
- The U.S. may fall behind global competitors.
The report also warns that fewer high school graduates will further reduce the pool of future college applicants.
What campus leaders can do now. The report outlines key strategies for institutions:
- Strengthen recruitment of immigrant-origin and international students with targeted outreach, financial aid and pathway programs.
- Advocate for pro-immigration policies, including improved visa processing and work authorization.
- Collaborate with employers and community partners to build clear paths from school to career that support enrollment and workforce needs.
Immigrant and international students aren’t just keeping American higher education afloat—they are helping to shape its future. As other countries streamline pathways for international students, the U.S. has a strategic opportunity to restore its global edge.
Expanding access and support for these students will be key to long-term economic growth, innovation and global competition.
