Chelsie Vokes Explores the Effects of Stricter Student Visa Policies on Central Massachusetts’ Higher Education Sector
The recent policy changes under the Trump Administration, which have resulted in the revocation of visas for certain international students, are having a noticeable impact on universities in Worcester. With around 3,000 international students attending local four-year institutions, these individuals contribute significantly to the region’s economy. Although they make up a small portion of the overall student body, international students typically pay higher tuition fees and have helped mitigate the decline in enrollment from U.S. high school graduates. Chelsie Vokes shared her insights with the Worcester Business Journal on how these visa restrictions could affect the local higher education landscape.
“In some respects, the international community is subsidizing the scholarships and the reduction in tuition that domestic students are experiencing,” said Chelsie. Pointing out that a drop in international student enrollment won’t necessarily lead to an increase in the number of U.S. students attending these institutions, she stated “It doesn’t really work like that. A lot of schools are already fighting over the relatively small pool [of U.S. students], and it’s only decreasing because we’re seeing that drop off in enrollment that many schools have been anticipating for a number of years.”
Read the full article “International loss: The crackdown on student visas will have long-term ramifications for the Central Mass. higher ed industry” on the Worcester Business Journal website (subscription required).
Categorized: International Students
Tagged In: colleges and universities, international students, student visas
