Summary for Educators

Many U.S. Colleges May Close Without Immigrants And International Students, Report Finds By Stuart Anderson | Forbes, August 14, 2025
Source: Forbes – Many U.S. Colleges May Close Without Immigrants And Intern...

Introduction

A recent report from the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP), authored by economist Madeline Zavodny, reveals a pressing concern: U.S. colleges and universities could face widespread closures if immigrants, international students, and the children of immigrants are excluded from higher education pipelines. The findings underscore the vital role that international populations play in maintaining enrollment, financial stability, and community vitality. For educators, policymakers, and administrators, the report emphasizes how immigration policy and demographic shifts are shaping the future of U.S. higher education.

Demographic Challenges and Enrollment Decline

The report highlights a looming “demographic cliff.” Due to declining U.S. birth rates after 2007, the number of traditional college-age students born in the U.S. is projected to shrink beginning in 2025. Without immigrant populations, undergraduate enrollment could fall by nearly five million students by 2037, while graduate enrollment could decline by over one million. This contraction represents a loss of up to one-third of undergraduates and nearly two-fifths of graduate students, threatening the existence of many institutions.

Enrollment at U.S. colleges already peaked in 2010–11 and has been on a downward trajectory. The share of young adults enrolling in college has also declined, signaling fewer opportunities for both students and communities.

The Importance of International and Immigrant Students

International and immigrant students help offset domestic enrollment declines. Many institutions rely heavily on them, not only for headcount but also for financial sustainability. International students often pay higher tuition rates, subsidizing costs for U.S. students. Additionally, the children of immigrants now make up one in four undergraduates and one in seven graduate students nationwide, reflecting their central role in higher education.

Zavodny warns that regional universities and small liberal arts colleges in rural areas are especially vulnerable. These schools lack the prestige and research resources of elite institutions, making them less competitive in attracting international students, who may prefer larger, well-funded universities.

Financial Pressures and Institutional Closures

Financial challenges are already mounting. Public colleges experienced their sharpest decline in tuition revenue since 1980, driven by enrollment losses. To address budget shortfalls, institutions like West Virginia University have cut dozens of programs and eliminated faculty positions, including entire departments. Such cuts not only weaken institutional quality but also erode community employment and student opportunities.

For many mid-tier and regional institutions, international student tuition revenue is crucial for survival. Without immigration-friendly policies, more closures could occur, further narrowing educational access for American students.

Policy Implications

The report highlights the pivotal role of federal policy. Under restrictive measures, including aggressive deportations, visa limits, and travel bans, international enrollment has already dropped. NAFSA projects up to a 30–40% decline in new international student enrollment for fall 2025, further destabilizing campuses.

Key programs, such as Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT, which allow international students to gain work experience after graduation, are under threat. Proposed changes to H-1B visa rules could also discourage highly skilled graduates from staying in the U.S., depriving universities and employers of talent pipelines.

Implications for Educators and Leaders

For educators and administrators, the report stresses that higher education’s resilience is tied to immigration policy. International and immigrant students are not peripheral but foundational to enrollment, finances, and workforce preparation. Limiting their participation threatens institutional survival, faculty employment, and student access.

Educators must also recognize the broader community impact: universities generate local jobs, attract investment, and foster cultural exchange. Without these students, both schools and surrounding communities risk long-term decline.

Conclusion

The NFAP report makes clear that the sustainability of U.S. higher education hinges on embracing immigrants and international students. Institutions—especially regional and mid-tier colleges—face existential threats if these populations are excluded. For educators, this underscores the urgency of advocating for inclusive policies that sustain enrollment, support diversity, and ensure the vitality of American higher education.

Original Article

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Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com