News Summary

Massachusetts is experiencing a concerning drop in international student enrollment, significantly impacting the state’s economy. With over 80,000 international students contributing nearly $4 billion and supporting around 36,000 jobs, experts warn that the trend could undermine financial stability for local colleges and hinder innovation. Factors such as recent immigration policies and changing sources of international students further complicate the issue. Stakeholders, including state officials and educational institutions, are urged to take proactive measures to reverse this trend and ensure the economic benefits continue.

Boston – The declining number of international students enrolling in Massachusetts colleges is raising alarms among experts and state officials, as it threatens the local economy that relies heavily on their contributions. Currently, Massachusetts hosts over 80,000 international students who collectively add nearly $4 billion to the state economy and support around 36,000 jobs. The worrying trend of declining enrollment is particularly pronounced in Massachusetts compared to other U.S. states, igniting concerns from various stakeholders.

The drop-off in international student enrollment is attributed to several factors that began before the current administration’s policies on immigration and student visas were implemented. The number of new international students entering Massachusetts institutions of higher education had already begun to decline as early as the fall of 2016, prior to the presidential election. Recent patterns indicate that countries in Latin America and South America are becoming more significant sources of international students, note experts. However, these students are often less likely to pay full tuition costs, challenging the financial stability of many Massachusetts colleges.

In response to this shifting demographic, educational institutions are expected to adapt their financial aid offerings to attract more of these students, a change that could strain their existing business models. The decreasing number of international students could also lead to fewer skilled individuals remaining in the state to launch businesses, which may negatively impact the availability of local talent and innovation.

International students bring substantial value to Massachusetts. They represent a major source of talent, notably with a higher proportion of graduate degree holders from abroad compared to native-born individuals in the state. This contribution is compounded by their engagement in local communities, where they spend money on goods and services, thereby stimulating local economies beyond tuition revenues.

Concerns regarding international student enrollment have been echoed by U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren and the Massachusetts Congressional delegation. They have pointed to recent actions by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that could inhibit international student admissions. For instance, DHS revoked Harvard University’s certification within the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), thereby complicating the institution’s ability to enroll international students. Although a federal judge temporarily blocked this enforcement, the uncertainty remains unsettling for current and prospective students.

The Massachusetts congressional delegation has framed DHS’s recent actions as contributing to a climate of fear on college campuses, dissuading potential international students from considering the U.S. as their place for higher education. There is widespread apprehension among international students due to fears of potential visa revocations, which are causing some to weigh alternative educational paths should conditions worsen.

As colleges navigate this unpredictable environment, many are taking proactive steps to support international students. Institutions like Suffolk University and Mount Holyoke College are focusing on providing adequate housing and resources for international students this summer, aiming to alleviate some of the pressures faced by these individuals in light of ongoing uncertainties related to visa approvals and DHS policies.

The combination of dwindling international student numbers and the financial implications for educational institutions poses a significant challenge for Massachusetts’ economy. Experts stress the need for immediate and concerted efforts from the state and its universities to recover previous enrollment levels and maintain the economic benefits that international students bring to the region.