Wright State University is seeing a rise in overall enrollment this fall, despite a drop in international students. This year, the university welcomed 11,924 students, a small increase from last year’s 11,822.
“Those numbers are impressive,” said Susan Schaurer, the vice president for enrollment management and student success. “Our retention strategies have really paid off.”
Undergraduate enrollment climbed to 7,963 students, marking a 4.7% increase compared to last year. “There’s a positive energy around Wright State’s future, and it feels promising,” shared President Sue Edwards.
However, like many colleges nationwide, Wright State is experiencing a decline in new international students. According to university figures, enrollment of new undergraduate international students decreased by about 11%. This trend mirrors what many public universities in Ohio are facing.
While some universities have had to implement budget cuts due to fewer international students, Wright State had anticipated this situation and planned their budget accordingly. Interestingly, they still ended up with more international students than expected.
The situation with international students is part of a larger trend in the U.S. Higher education experts note that since 2015, there has been a steady decline in international student enrollment across the country. According to the Institute of International Education, the U.S. saw a 4% drop in international students last year.
Engaging international students is crucial, as they bring diverse perspectives and contribute significantly to campus life and local economies. Social media conversations highlight the need for universities to adapt their outreach efforts and create welcoming environments for these students.
For more details on Wright State’s enrollment statistics, check out the full article here.