What US states are most affected, and which countries are losing interest in the US?

The US is losing international students fast. Interest in US degrees dropped dramatically in 2025 compared to 2024, with Master's programs hit especially hard (down 56.6% by August).

Every major state is affected. California, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Virginia, Colorado, Texas, and New York all saw steep declines. South Dakota lost over 80% of Bachelor's interest, while California dropped 41% for Master's.

Traditional source countries are pulling back. India, Nepal, Nigeria, and Iran saw interest drop by 60-70%. These were historically major feeder markets for US universities.
But China and Vietnam are bucking the trend. Chinese interest in US Bachelor's programs surged 442%, and Vietnamese interest grew 68%. This shows there are still opportunities, just in different markets.

The competitive landscape is shifting. Students are choosing the UK, Australia, and Europe instead. US universities need to diversify their recruitment strategies and advocate for stable immigration policies to stay competitive.

1. Where US interest collapsed Top states and origin countries Swipe to see the full story →

2. Top 3 states losing the most student interest Jan-Aug 2025 vs. 2024 1- South Dakota -83.6% 2 - Pennsylvania -39.1% 3- Colorado -33.6% 1- California -41.4% 2 – South Dakota -39.9% 3- Virginia -35.6% Bachelor’s Master’s

3. Top 3 countries losing interest in US degrees Jan-Aug 2025 vs. 2024 1-Nepal -70.4% 2 - Nigeria -69.7% 3- India -61.6% 1– Iran -66.6% 2- Nepal -63.9% 3- India -63.5% Bachelor’s Master’s Gaining interest: China (+442.3%) Vietnam (+67.9%)

4. Breaking down the US student interest decline Demand is falling fast Student interest in US universities dropped throughout 2025 vs 2024, driven by policy uncertainty and tighter migration rules. 1 Master’s programmes hit hardest 2 Master’s demand plunged up to -56.6% by August, which is far worse than for Bachelor’s. Graduate students are more sensitive to visa and work prospects. Every major state is losing 3 California, Texas & New York saw some of the steepest drops, especially for Master’s. Almost no state escaped the decline. Source countries are split 4 India, Nigeria, & Nepal dropped 60%+. But China (+442% for Bachelor’s) and Vietnam (+68%) surged, showing new opportunities exist. US is losing its competitive edge 5 If this continues, students will choose UK, Australia, or Europe instead. US universities must diversify recruitment and push for stable, supportive immigration policies.