George Washington University suspended admissions to five doctoral programs, citing budgetary constraints and a significant decline in international applicants, the school reported. The pause affects incoming cohorts as GWU reevaluates program demand and resource allocation amid shifting enrollment patterns. GWU’s decision follows sector-wide pressures: fewer international applicants, visa delays, and rising operational costs have forced some institutions to scale graduate offerings or consolidate programs. University finance and academic planning offices are increasingly auditing program-level margins and international recruitment pipelines. For deans and graduate schools, the move signals heightened scrutiny of Ph.D. program sustainability. Departments should expect renewed emphasis on recruitment strategies, cross-campus recruitment support, and scenario planning for Ph.D. cohort viability.