For decades, international students have played a vital role in enriching our campuses—intellectually, culturally, and economically. They contribute more than $40 billion annually to the U.S. economy, and even more importantly, they bring global perspectives that prepare all students to lead in an interconnected world.
But today, international student enrollment in the United States is on shaky ground. Visa uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and fears around safety and belonging in the U.S. are creating barriers—both perceived and real—that threaten institutions’ ability to attract and retain international students.
Presidents and senior leaders cannot afford to be passive. We must lead with clarity, creativity, and compassion. Below are six practical levers higher education institutions can pull to mitigate risk and maintain momentum, even amid global uncertainty.
1. Strengthen Communication and Support Systems
When students face uncertainty, silence can feel like abandonment. Clear, proactive communication is a powerful trust-building tool.
- Establish a regular cadence of communication with current and prospective international students—ideally weekly or biweekly—to offer updates, reassurance, and resources, especially around immigration policy changes or geopolitical developments.
- Assign a dedicated point of contact for international students, if feasible. This personal connection can help students feel seen, supported, and secure.
- Track visa statuses and potential barriers actively, and reach out to students before problems arise.
- Above all, reaffirm the value of every international student as a vital member of the community—not just for tuition revenue, but for the global perspectives they bring to the learning environment.
2. Broaden and Diversify Your Recruitment Pipeline
Now is not the time to pull back. If anything, institutions may need to reinvest in expanding and diversifying their international recruitment strategies.
- Double down where you can and identify geographies that may be more resilient to U.S. policy fluctuations.
- Pursue long-term growth by exploring secondary or emerging markets with rising demand for U.S. education.
- Strengthen recruitment of international students already in the U.S. including those completing high school or community college programs, who may face fewer immigration hurdles.
3. Design and Communicate Flexible Enrollment Options
Flexibility is no longer a luxury—it’s an enrollment strategy, especially for international students.
- Offer deferral options across quarters, trimesters, semesters, or even full academic years.
- Examine institutional policies and practices that may unintentionally create rigidity—from admissions deadlines to housing assignments—and identify opportunities to temporarily (or permanently) adapt.
- Make these options visible and easy to understand for students and families navigating complex decisions.
4. Engage in Legal and Policy Advocacy
Higher education has a voice — and it must be used.
- Work with legal teams to support students navigating visa challenges on a case-by-case basis.
- Partner with associations, consortia, and peer institutions to advocate for more transparent and inclusive federal immigration policies that protect the global exchange of knowledge.
5. Leverage Global Partnerships and Footprints
If your institution has international campuses or partnerships, these may serve as temporary or long-term pathways for students unable to travel to the U.S.
- Consider offering remote-start or satellite program options in collaboration with trusted partners.
- Explore joint degree pathways or bridge programs that provide academic continuity while easing transitions across borders.
6. Expand Online Options Strategically
While virtual education can’t replace the on-campus experience, it can extend your reach and preserve student enrollment momentum.
- Integrate online offerings as part of a broader international enrollment strategy—not just as a stopgap, but as a tool for long-term resilience and accessibility.
Demonstrate Your Commitment to International Student Success
The challenges facing international student enrollment are real—but they are not insurmountable. With intentional leadership and coordinated action, higher education institutions can continue to serve global learners, fulfill their missions, and emerge stronger on the other side.
Now is the time to act—not just to protect numbers, but to reaffirm our values and our role in shaping a globally engaged, inclusive future. If you’re ready to take the next step, let’s start a conversation.
This blog was written by the Chief Strategy Officer, Shankar Prasad, and Director, Client Success, Andy Palumbo.