Santa Barbara City College in US sees sharp fall in international student enrolment

Santa Barbara City College in California has reported a sharp decline in international student enrolment, with overseas students accounting for 5% of its full-time student population in 2026, compared with 14% in 2019.

The decline has also affected the college’s finances. Santa Barbara City College said revenue from international students had fallen by $1.4 million annually over the past five years, reflecting the impact of lower enrolment on an important source of institutional income.

The change is also visible in recruitment from individual countries. Enrolments of Swedish students brought in through one recruitment agency fell from 263 in 2019 to 70 in 2025, indicating a significant drop in one of the college’s overseas recruitment channels.

College officials have attributed the decline to several factors, including visa restrictions, the high cost of living and the continuing effects of the post-pandemic enrolment downturn.

Visa rules and affordability affect recruitment

The college’s figures highlight the challenges facing institutions that depend on international enrolment, particularly when prospective students must weigh visa uncertainty against the cost of studying and living in the US.

For international students, tuition fees are only one part of the financial commitment. Accommodation, transportation and other living expenses can add substantially to the cost of studying abroad, particularly in high-cost locations such as California.

Visa restrictions and uncertainty can also influence students’ decisions about where to apply. Institutions may consequently face difficulties attracting applicants who are considering multiple study destinations.

Santa Barbara City College’s experience, however, reflects the circumstances of one institution and should not be taken as evidence of a nationwide decline in international enrolment across US colleges.