Maryland’s public universities are experiencing a significant decline in international student enrollment, attributed to visa uncertainties and changing U.S. immigration policies.
Maryland’s public universities are facing a notable decrease in international student enrollment this year, a trend that reflects growing concerns over visa uncertainties and shifts in U.S. immigration policies. University officials indicate that this decline underscores broader challenges in attracting and retaining international students.
According to WTOP News, Maryland’s public universities lost at least 449 international students between fall 2024 and fall 2025. Experts caution that the actual number may be even higher, highlighting the difficulties the state’s higher education system faces in maintaining its appeal to students from abroad.
Data from 11 of Maryland’s public universities reveal that international student enrollment fell from 7,608 in fall 2024 to 7,159 in fall 2025. Eight universities reported declines, losing a combined total of 569 students, while three institutions saw modest gains, adding 120 students overall.
International students now represent a smaller portion of the more than 118,000 students enrolled across these campuses, mirroring a broader trend of declining global student mobility.
The University of Maryland, College Park, experienced the most significant drop, with international enrollment decreasing from approximately 4,260 in fall 2024 to about 3,980 in fall 2025, a decline of nearly 300 students, or 6.7%. Notably, these figures exclude countries with fewer than five students, suggesting that the actual decrease could be even larger.
The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) saw one of the largest percentage declines, losing over 200 international students, which represents a drop of roughly 23% from the previous year. While international undergraduate enrollment experienced a slight increase, incoming graduate students from abroad fell sharply by more than 230. University officials acknowledged the decline but emphasized their commitment to supporting international students amid evolving policy challenges.
Several other Maryland universities also reported declines in international enrollment. Frostburg State University saw a 15.2% drop, while Salisbury University’s numbers fell by 11%, or 10 students. Bowie State University, Towson University, and the University of Maryland, Baltimore each recorded decreases of less than 10 students.
St. Mary’s College of Maryland experienced the largest percentage decline at 80%, though this was due to a drop from just five international students in fall 2024 to one in fall 2025.
Experts cited by WTOP News attribute the decline to the Trump administration’s strict immigration measures, which included travel bans, paused visa interviews, visa revocations, and limited institutional support. While many previously revoked visas were eventually reinstated, ongoing uncertainty continues to concern prospective international students.
Rachel Banks, senior director of public policy and legislative strategy at NAFSA, noted that more students are now exploring alternative countries that appear more stable and welcoming for study. She also raised concerns about proposals to limit international students’ stay in the U.S. to four years, replacing the current policy that allows them to remain until their studies are completed. Such changes could deter students in long-term programs, particularly PhD candidates, from choosing the United States.
The uncertainty surrounding U.S. immigration policies has made countries like Canada and the UK increasingly attractive to international students, Banks added.
Despite these challenges, some universities have reported growth in international enrollment. Coppin State University noted the largest increase, with international enrollment rising by 25%, or 16 students. The University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Morgan State University also experienced gains of 8.1% and 9.2%, respectively.
Even with the recent declines in enrollment, state officials have emphasized Maryland’s commitment to attracting and supporting students from around the world, as competition for international talent continues to grow.
According to WTOP News, the landscape for international student enrollment in Maryland remains complex, with ongoing challenges and opportunities for the state’s universities.