Virginia colleges, universities projected to lose $23 million in revenue due to visa, application issues

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Due to international student visa bans and issues with applications, a new study indicates that Virginia is facing a projected $23 million revenue loss in the 2025-26 year compared to the fall of 2024.

A new study from the Association of International Educators (NAFSA) shows Virginia is expecting a $23.2 million revenue loss in comparison to the previous year as a result of international student enrollment changes like restrictive federal policy changes.

This news comes amid months of colleges facing multiple financial struggles due to President Donald Trump's policies.

Trump's travel ban and restrictions on citizens from 19 countries have affected thousands of students looking to pursue higher education in the U.S., including many who feel stranded after investing considerable time and money to come to the U.S.

In late May, the presidential administration blocked Harvard University from enrolling international students under the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) following pro-Palestinian student protests this past year in the wake of the Israel-Gaza conflict. This includes local activism at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).

However, the latest study notes that the Commonwealth received $893.5 million from more than 23,000 international students at its colleges and universities between 2024 and 2025.

The association claims that key issues are driving the revenue decline, which include a 12% decrease in graduate enrollment, a 16$ decline in non-degree enrollment, reduced campus spending due to increased enrollment and a 3% inflation rise.

The analysis added that these factors can lead to a total revenue loss of more than $1.1 billion and nearly 23,000 fewer jobs.