Open Doors’ fall snapshot and a parallel survey show a sharp drop in new international students this autumn while total international headcount held steadier. The Institute of International Education’s snapshot of 825 U.S. colleges found new enrollment down 17% year‑over‑year; overall international headcount at responding campuses fell about 1%. Colleges reporting the largest hits said graduate programs and first‑time arrivals drove most of the decline, with some institutions—particularly those reliant on graduate tuition—moving quickly to cut budgets and positions. DePaul and other universities cited visa delays and reduced interest as key factors. Campus leaders and international offices told reporters they had ramped advocacy and visa navigation efforts over the summer, but sources warn revenue and program pipelines could suffer if the trend persists into next year.