Lisle, Ill. – April 1, 2024 – Higher education in the U.S. is experiencing a resurgence in international student enrollment, leading institutions to look closer at how best to appeal to the students and accommodate their unique needs.
Just four years ago, colleges and universities across the nation were dealt a major blow to international student enrollment with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel restrictions, Visa delays and concerns over in-person learning caused the steepest decline yet (12%) in new international students enrollment in the U.S.
Now, as pandemic restrictions have eased, international students are returning to U.S.-based institutions in droves, representing the fastest growth rate in more than 40 years. According to data from the latest Open Doors report on International Educational Exchange, the U.S. hosted more than a million international students during the 2022-23 academic year. The numbers mark an almost 12% jump from the previous year.
A key driver of this rebound is the ability of colleges and universities to highlight their strengths and flexibility. During the pandemic, international students reevaluated what they wanted from a U.S. education. According to the Chronicle of Higher Education's 'Raising Your International Profile' webinar, there has been a 50% decrease in the importance of the school’s reputation. Instead, international students now prioritize program-specific features, return on investment, and flexible online and hybrid learning options.
DeVry University recognizes the importance of empowering international students with the tools they need to thrive academically and personally. As a predominately online university, DeVry's CARE Formula extends beyond the U.S. borders to provide tailored support services for international students, as well as a student-focused experience to all learners no matter what stage of their journey they are in.
"Recognizing the significance of flexible learning formats for our learners, DeVry provides international students with the ability to take online courses through their program while maintaining their onsite course requirements,"explains Agnam Memeti, DeVry University's chief enrollment and student support officer. He said, "This flexibility is designed to accommodate our students, enabling them to adjust as needed and benefit from both onsite and online learning modalities."
Agnam also notes, "DeVry's online learning format provides the opportunity for international students who prefer to stay in their home country while pursuing a degree."
Affordability is also a priority at DeVry. Scholarships like the International Student Success Scholarship and the American Pathway for International Scholars Scholarship can help reduce costs for qualifying students.
As of the January 2024 academic session, DeVry's international student body comprises hundreds of students from over 50 countries, including India, Jordan, Mongolia, Nigeria, Armenia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Bangladesh, The Bahamas and more.
"I feel like I have a purpose now. My experience has helped me evolve professionally and personally," says Patrenda Smith, a native of The Bahamas who earned a Bachelor of Accounting from DeVry last year. "DeVry has helped to build my confidence, especially in my education. In the next year, I wish to sit for the CPA exam and become a licensed accountant."
"International students bring immense value to universities in America," adds Shantanu Bose, Ph.D., DeVry University's provost and chief academic officer. "Their diverse perspectives and cross-cultural experiences enrich classroom discussions, broaden worldviews and prepare domestic students for today’s global workforce."
