Why students are avoiding the US – and where they're going instead

As the 2024-25 application season comes to a close, I’ve observed a noticeable shift in attitudes among international students, their families and even some US citizens when it comes to studying in the United States. 

At the start of the school year, many students (and their parents) were enthusiastic about the idea of attending a US university. However, that enthusiasm has gradually waned. In recent months, some students have even declined offers – including offers with full-ride scholarships – from US institutions. They cite concerns about safety, visa uncertainty and the broader political climate. I recently spoke to an American parent relocating to Europe – a trend that’s also on the rise – who told me bluntly, “my kids aren’t going to university in the US”.

Studying in the US: rational concerns

Concerns among many families stem from reports of on-campus gun violence, increasing visa denials and a broader fear of being detained or deported at a port of entry or told to self-deport. These concerns aren’t irrational, especially for students from certain backgrounds or nationalities. I even recently advised a student about which of her two passports would be the “safest” in the US. 

While the US continues to attract students for its liberal-arts model, academic prestige and career opportunities, the perceived risks are giving families and students pause.

Uncertainty about financial aid is also a growing concern. Many families – particularly those with high financial need – are conscious of shifting federal policies that may affect aid budgets. Financial aid at US institutions, particularly for international students, is already hyper-competitive, and further constraints could make it even less accessible. I´ve always advised international students with financial need to include non-US options in their university lists, but now I´m being particularly persistent.

A US education – with the US taken out

An increasingly viable alternative is pursuing a US degree abroad. American universities with international campuses offer students many of the same academic benefits as their US counterparts – often with greater affordability, fewer visa complications and safer, more culturally familiar environments. These satellite campuses have become a compelling option for students who still want a US-style education without the challenges of living in the United States.

In recent years, I’ve seen top-performing students – salutatorians and valedictorians – who were denied admission to US home campuses (especially at need-aware institutions) receive generous full-ride offers at branch campuses, particularly in the Arabian Gulf. Although these examples are anecdotal, they align with conversations I’ve had with counsellor colleagues. 

Even when full scholarships aren’t awarded (branch campuses usually offer partial tuition scholarships) the overall cost is often significantly lower. For example, the total four-year cost of attendance at Temple University Japan is approximately ¥12,091,100 (about US $83,250) – less than a single year at many private US universities. Similarly, John Cabot University in Rome estimates its annual cost of attendance at $54,600, which remains more manageable than rising US tuition costs, which now approach $100,000 per year at some institutions.

I’ve worked with students who have applied to or attended:

• NYU Abu Dhabi
• NYU Shanghai
• Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai
• Weill Cornell Medicine Qatar
• Georgetown University Qatar
• Northwestern University Qatar
• Carnegie Mellon University Qatar
• American University of Sharjah
• Temple University Japan
• Minerva University (with one year in the US)
• American University of Paris
• Northeastern University London
• St. Louis University Madrid
• CIS University Madrid

These institutions offer accredited US degrees and maintain high academic standards, but in environments that may feel more accessible, stable or culturally familiar to international families. C-BERT provides a comprehensive list of branch universities around the world.

Valuing geographic diversity

One final consideration: many of these international campuses actively value geographic diversity – something often overlooked by European families. Applicants from underrepresented countries or regions may actually benefit in admissions review, both for academic and cultural diversity purposes. As always, context matters.

For counsellors, this is an opportunity to broaden the conversation. Earning a US degree no longer means having to live in the United States. There are many pathways to a US education – sometimes in unexpected places.

If you are a student looking for advice on what to do about your US student visa click here