The University of Wisconsin–Madison has experienced a significant drop in its international freshman enrollment this fall, with numbers falling by over 30 percent. This marks the lowest intake of new international students in at least a decade, reflecting a broader national trend impacting U.S. colleges and universities.
According to newly released admissions data, the number of international freshmen at the university decreased from approximately 670 in the fall of 2024 to 470 this semester. This decline is attributed to several factors, including changes in U.S. visa policies and a more uncertain climate for international students.
Key Takeaways
- International freshman enrollment at UW-Madison fell by over 30% in one year, from 670 students to 470.
- This is the lowest number of new international students at the university in at least a decade.
- The total international student population at UW-Madison declined by 7%, or 490 students.
- The trend aligns with a national NAFSA estimate of a 30% to 40% decrease in new international student enrollment across the U.S.
- Despite the drop, international applications to UW-Madison reached a ten-year high of nearly 14,400.
Enrollment Figures Show a Sharp Decline
The latest data from UW-Madison reveals a substantial shift in its international student population. The fall semester saw 200 fewer international freshmen compared to the previous year, a decrease of more than 30%. This figure represents the smallest incoming class of international freshmen since at least 2015, the earliest year for which the university has provided comparable public data.
The decline extends beyond just the freshman class. John Lucas, a spokesperson for the campus, confirmed that the total number of international students enrolled at UW-Madison this fall is 7,467. This is a reduction of 490 students from the previous year, representing an overall decrease of 7% in the university's total international student body.
By the Numbers: UW-Madison's International Enrollment
- New International Freshmen (This Fall): 470
- New International Freshmen (Fall 2024): ~670
- One-Year Decrease: Over 30%
- Total International Students (This Fall): 7,467
- Total Decrease Since Last Year: 490 students (7%)
A National Trend Linked to Policy Changes
The situation at UW-Madison is not unique. It mirrors a significant downturn in international student enrollment observed at colleges and universities across the United States. The nonprofit organization NAFSA: Association of International Educators has estimated a 30% to 40% decrease in new international student enrollment on U.S. campuses this fall.
NAFSA and other education leaders attribute this decline to several policy shifts implemented by the Trump administration. These changes created significant hurdles for prospective students. Key factors include:
- A temporary pause on new student visa interviews earlier in the year.
- An overhaul of the visa vetting system, leading to delays and uncertainty.
- A general reduction in the number of student visas issued by the U.S. Department of State.
- A June 4 directive from the White House that restricted travelers from 19 countries without an exception for students.
These administrative actions have reportedly made it more difficult for accepted students to secure the necessary documentation to travel and study in the United States.
The Broader Context of Visa Policies
The decline in student numbers follows reports from earlier this year that the Trump administration had revoked the visas of thousands of international students nationwide. Dozens of these students were studying at institutions in Wisconsin. According to reports, many of these revocations were for minor infractions or for reasons that were not immediately clear, creating an environment of uncertainty for international students currently in the U.S. and those planning to come.
High Application Numbers vs. Low Enrollment Rate
Despite the challenges, interest in attending UW-Madison from abroad remains exceptionally high. A university report shows that nearly 14,400 prospective freshmen from overseas applied for admission this fall. This figure is the highest number of international applications the university has received in at least a decade.
While UW-Madison admitted nearly one-third of these international applicants, a much smaller fraction ultimately enrolled. The yield rate—the percentage of admitted students who decide to enroll—for international freshmen dropped to just 10% this year. This is a significant decline from the previous year's rate and marks the lowest recorded yield since 2015. Over the past decade, this rate has typically ranged from 14% to 24%.
"The university worked over the summer to support international enrollment, visa acquisition, and travel to Wisconsin to help offset uncertainty over the climate for international students and changes to visa policies," stated Scott Owczarek, UW-Madison's interim vice provost for enrollment management.
Economic and Cultural Impact on Wisconsin
The decline in international students has raised concerns among education leaders due to their significant contributions to both the university and the broader economy. International students typically pay higher tuition rates, providing a crucial source of revenue for public universities.
Beyond the campus, their economic impact is substantial. According to NAFSA, the nearly 16,000 international students studying across Wisconsin during the 2023-24 academic year contributed more than $540 million to the local economy. This spending supports local jobs, housing, and businesses.
Education leaders also emphasize the cultural value that international students bring. They contribute diverse perspectives to classrooms and communities, enriching the academic experience for all students and fostering global connections that benefit the state in the long term. The current downward trend threatens both these economic and cultural benefits.
