Maryland’s public universities are seeing a sharp drop in international student enrollment this year, reflecting growing concerns over visa uncertainty and shifts in U.S. immigration policies. University officials say the decline highlights broader challenges in attracting and retaining students from abroad.
WTOP News reports that Maryland’s public universities lost at least 449 international students between fall 2024 and fall 2025, though experts caution that the true number could be even higher. Observers say the decline underscores growing challenges for the state’s higher education system in maintaining its appeal to students from abroad.
Data from 11 of Maryland’s public universities show that international student enrollment fell from 7,608 in fall 2024 to 7,159 in fall 2025. Eight of the universities reported declines, losing a combined total of 569 students, while three institutions saw modest gains, adding 120 students overall.
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International students now represent a smaller portion of the more than 118,000 students enrolled across these campuses, reflecting a wider trend of declining global student mobility.
The University of Maryland, College Park, saw the steepest drop, with international enrollment falling from roughly 4,260 in fall 2024 to about 3,980 in fall 2025, a decline of nearly 300 students, or 6.7%, according to WTOP News. The figures exclude countries with fewer than five students, suggesting the actual decrease could be even larger.
The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) experienced one of the largest percentage declines, losing over 200 international students, a drop of roughly 23% from the previous year. While international undergraduate enrollment saw 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 enrolment. 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 decrease of less than 10%.
St. Mary’s College of Maryland experienced the largest percentage decline at 80%, though this reflected a drop from just five international students in fall 2024 to one in fall 2025.
Experts cited by WTOP News point to the Trump administration’s strict immigration measures—including travel bans, paused visa interviews, visa revocations, and limited institutional support—as key factors behind the decline. 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 seem more stable and welcoming for study.
Banks also raised concerns about proposals to limit international students’ stay in the US to four years, replacing the current policy that allows them to remain until their studies are completed. She warned that such changes could discourage students in long-term programs, especially PhDs, from choosing the United States.
The uncertainty has made countries like Canada and the UK increasingly attractive to international students, she added.
Some universities, however, have seen growth despite these challenges. Coppin State University reported the largest increase, with international enrollment rising 25 percent, or 16 students. The University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Morgan State University also experienced gains of 8.1 percent and 9.2 percent, respectively.
Despite the recent drops in enrollment, state officials emphasized that Maryland remains dedicated to attracting and supporting students from around the world, even as competition for international talent grows.