65% of US Colleges Expect an Increase in International Enrollment | This Week in Admissions News

29/06/20224 minute read
65% of US Colleges Expect an Increase in International Enrollment | This Week in Admissions News

The world of college admissions is ever-changing and for students with university ambitions, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest developments. This week, US universities report a marked recovery from the sharp decline many have experienced in international student enrollment over the course of the pandemic. Check back next week to learn about the latest developments in university admissions news!


65% of US Colleges Expect an Increase in International Enrollment This Fall

A recent survey by the Institute of International Education (IIE) indicates that two-thirds of American colleges expect an increase in international applications for 2022-2023. This represents an increase of 65%, compared to 43% the year before.

Due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, with borders and consulates closed, international enrollment at American colleges dropped by 46% — 15% more than other demographic groups. 

A gradual increase in international enrollment: although 12% of respondents said they have received fewer applications in 2022-23, the survey shows US institutions are making a swift recovery from the drop in international applications attributed to the pandemic. The report also noted that Master's Colleges and Universities (76%) and Doctoral Universities (73%) received the most international applications for the 2022-23 academic year, followed by Community Colleges (68%) and Liberal Arts Colleges (51%).

96% of institutions that participated in the survey will offer in-person study options for future international students, with distance learning options mostly available to students who are unable to attend classes on campus because of travel or visa restrictions.

Other notable findings from the survey included:

Support for Ukrainian and Russian students at US at colleges and universities

248 US institutions reported hosting international students from Ukraine during spring 2022, and 307 reported hosting Russian students. US colleges and universities continue to recruit prospective students from Ukraine and Russia, with most extending enrollment for prospective students amid possible visa delays. 

More institutions will resume in-person study in 2022-23

To support international students this fall, the majority of colleges and universities (61%) plan to offer in-person and hybrid classes, with one-third of institutions (33%) planning to offer in-person study only.

Most international students are studying in-person this spring 

55% of US institutions report all their international students attended classes in person in spring 2022, compared to just 8% one year ago. “This is largely in line with the desires of international students, as many prefer in-person study for their U.S. educational experience,” the report noted.

Increases in US university students studying abroad

More than 83% of institutions note a rise in study abroad applications completed by US students in 2022-23 compared to the previous academic year — a trend seen across all institution types and geographic regions. 

To read the complete report, click here: IIE report.


Other top stories in admissions news this week:

  • According to a new ranking from Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce, UPenn's Wharton School offers the best value for an MBA degree, with graduates earning a median salary of $168,200 USD two years after graduation.
  • UK universities are calling for an extension of the visa concessions introduced during COVID-19, which allowed international students to study in the UK until they obtain visas and are scheduled to end on June 30.
  • Following Friday's US Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, The Chronicle of Higher Education and several other education outlets report that the decision "provoked intense reactions across higher education as the ramifications for college students, campus health centers, and medical schools became clear.”
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