Fewer international students at WIU this fall

Data from Western Illinois University show this year’s international student enrollment dropped by 39.9% from a year ago.

It’s the third consecutive year of decline.

Justin Schuch, Vice President for Student Success, said it’s difficult to tell if the students are worried they won’t be allowed back into the country if they leave for any reason.

“I certainly think in the national conversation, as I talk to my peers at other institutions, that’s a general sense that students voice a concern about. And just looking at overall costs as well,” Schuch said.

“But without actually asking, and I don’t want to speak for the population, but that is certainly a part of the conversation around the country.”

The number of international students for the past five years:

• 2021: 658
• 2022: 1,108
• 2023: 918
• 2024: 652
• 2025: 392

International students account for 7.3% of WIU’s total enrollment. That’s also less than in recent years. In 2022, they were 14.5% of the enrollment, the highest percentage in the past half-decade.

Schuch said the program is still strong and WIU will continue to seek out international students.

“Not only do we have a great academic experience for our international students, but being able to have multiple views and personalities and backgrounds on campus benefits everyone,” Schuch said. “We will continue to recruit heavily overseas.”

WIU has international students from 61 countries. The top three are Nigeria, India, and Ghana.

About 64% of the university’s international students are enrolled in graduate programs.

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