The impact of international students on U.S. colleges amidst challenging times

The number of young people in the United States going to college is steadily decreasing. By 2026, colleges in the U.S. might lack up to 15% of the students than they have now. This is a big number considering that colleges rely on student fees to keep going. With the decreasing number of American students, foreign students are increasingly important to colleges and universities.

According to the Boston Globe, the number of foreign students studying in America has doubled over the past twenty years. They now make up 5.5% of all students studying at U.S. colleges. If you took all the international students in the U.S. and put them in one place, it would be the size of a small city!

Foreign students do not only help colleges by paying fees. They also bring their culture, language, and knowledge. This enriches the learning environment for all the students and staff at a college. The value of international students is not just calculated in dollars and cents but also in the diversity and breadth of experience they bring with them.

However, attracting foreign students has its challenges. The political environment can make some foreign students feel unsure about studying in the U.S. Tight immigration laws also make it difficult for colleges to recruit and keep international students. Also, the rise of online education means that students do not have to travel to get a good education anymore.

In conclusion, foreign students are very important for U.S. colleges. Not only do they help colleges keep running by paying fees, but they also add to the culture and knowledge of the campus. With the number of U.S. students going to college decreasing, colleges will need to look at new ways of attracting and keeping foreign students amidst these uncertain times.