US college applications from foreign students have experienced a decline for the next school year. Universities reported a 39 percent drop in the number of undergraduate applications. Educators point to the Trump administration's immigration and travel ban that has greatly affected the decline in international students.
In 2016, around 1.2 million international student attended American colleges and universities. It showed an increase of 6.5 percent from 2015 and was the highest number of international students. NBC News reported the Association of International Educators reported the admission generated around $32 billion dollars in revenue, which supported more than 400,000 jobs.
According to VOA News, the American Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers report showed four out of 10 US colleges reported fewer international applications. Executive director, Michael Reilly said there may be fewer applicants because some people see America as becoming less welcoming of international students.
Portland State University in Oregon also saw a 37 percent decline in applications from India for the new school year. Wim Wiewel, PSU president said the decrease was because of the recent monetary changes in India, where some parents worried they might not be able to afford American college education.
Wiewel added that some parents are also worried about recent attacks on Indian immigrants. In one scenario in Kansas, two Indian engineers were shot last month at a bar. One engineer, Srinivas Kuchibhotla, 32, died. Kansas police said the attacker told the two men they are not welcome in America.
Out-of-state students pay about three times more than the $8,000 tuition paid by state residents. Wiewel said the extra money is what helps the school to improve its educational offerings.
Last year, California State Auditor Elaine Howle said state colleges were accepting too many students from outside California and the qualified state residents were being denied. She added the colleges lowered admission standards to admit non-state residents who pay higher tuition.
Because of the issue, the California University board is considering to limit the three California colleges (UCLA, University of California, Berkeley and San Diego) with the largest percentage of out-of-state students.
