Columbia University anticipates drop in international enrollment amid visa scrutiny and funding uncertainty

Columbia University is bracing for a potential drop in international student enrollment next year after initial admissions figures indicated a decline in overseas applications, Acting University President Claire Shipman told the University Senate on Oct 24.

The development follows increased visa scrutiny and uncertainty over U.S. research funding, both of which could impact campus diversity and financial stability.

Shipman said the current admissions cycle has placed the university in a careful position as it assesses the incoming class.

She noted that students and families abroad may now perceive studying in the United States as a higher-risk decision due to shifting immigration and education policies.

According to university data, international students represented 39% of Columbia’s total enrollment in 2024 and contributed about 13% of its operating budget through tuition revenue.

Student concerns have grown following federal immigration actions earlier this year. In March, Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained two Palestinian students, Mahmoud Khalil and Mohsen Mahdawi, citing national security concerns linked to activism. Both were later released without charges.

Further strain came when Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoked more than 300 student visas across the country.

An internal email from University Provost Angela Olinto, cited by the Columbia Daily Spectator, said four Columbia students were initially affected before their visas were reinstated.

Visa processing for F-1 and J-1 applicants was also temporarily suspended in late May as the Department of State expanded social media screening, with appointments resuming in June.

In addition, a June 4 executive order imposed partial or full entry restrictions on nationals from 19 countries, including students.

A July analysis by NAFSA predicted that new international student enrollment across the U.S. could drop by 30–40%, resulting in a 15% overall decline and an estimated $7 billion hit to the US economy.

Shipman said that while most federal research grants from the previous year have been reinstated, future funding remains uncertain due to proposed budget cuts to the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, which support a major portion of Columbia’s research efforts.

In response to these challenges, Columbia has expanded financial aid and support mechanisms. The International Student Hardship Fund, backed by the Office of the President, trustees, and alumni, has distributed nearly $500,000 since April to assist with visa and travel-related expenses.

The university has also created a Research Stabilization Fund to mitigate potential losses from disruptions in federal research funding.