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Arizona's Public Universities See Steep Drop in International Student Enrollment Amid Federal Policies
International enrollment at Arizona's three public universities has fallen sharply this year, with Northern Arizona University down 32%, Arizona State University down 21%, and the University of Arizona down 18%. University leaders attribute the declines to federal visa and immigration policies, warning of financial and cultural costs for the state.
TEMPE â International student enrollment at Arizona's three public universities has dropped sharply this year, with all three institutions pointing to federal immigration and visa policies as the primary cause.
Arizona State University reported a 21% decline, the University of Arizona 18%, and Northern Arizona University 32% â the steepest drop among the three. Each decline is larger than the previous year's, according to university figures.
The trend extends beyond Arizona. Sarah Spreitzer of the American Council on Education said the national drop began last year and is tied to uncertainty over legal immigration and visa policy changes.
"Much of it we believe, and we've heard from prospective students, is coming from the uncertainty and the concern about changes to legal immigration and visa policies," Spreitzer said.
ASU President Michael Crow addressed the issue Thursday before a state committee of the Arizona Board of Regents. He said more than 80% of the enrollment variability stems from changes in international students' ability to secure visa appointments and approvals.
"This enrollment disruption that we're experiencing right now is derivative of two things principally," Crow said. "More than 80% of the enrollment variability is derivative of one, the change in the ability of non-American admitted students to get a visa appointment, to have their visa virtually approved so that they can come to the institution that they've been admitted to."
The decline carries financial consequences. ASU research from last year found its international students have an annual economic impact of nearly $700 million on the state.
Current ASU students said they value having international peers on campus.
"I think if you're good enough, you should be able to come here," said Aarnav, an ASU student. "A lot of the students who are coming here, they're coming for a better education."
Zach, another ASU student, called the decline unfortunate. "I have a lot of friends out of this country that are really cool," he said. "I really appreciate the foreign students here, they bring a lot to the table."
Universities say they are exploring ways to support affected students, including offering online classes to help international students continue their studies.