The Case For International Students At Regional Public Universities
Preview:
International students represent a small but financially critical share of enrollment at regional public universities, and recent visa restrictions and policy changes have already cut new international graduate enrollment significantly at some institutions. Far from displacing domestic students, research shows international enrollment supports broader access, with each additional international student associated with increased in-state enrollment. The piece makes the case that reducing international student presence weakens regional universities, their communities, and the domestic students who depend on them.
Originally published: May 4, 2026
Author: Charles L. Welch
Position: President
Institution: American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU)
Published by: Forbes