As fall 2025 classes begin, Ohio’s public universities are reporting a mixed picture of enrollment trends. While several campuses have seen modest growth in overall student numbers, international student enrollment has dropped sharply, highlighting the challenges of attracting global talent amid policy shifts and ongoing uncertainties. Shawnee State University, Ohio University, and Bowling Green State University lead the state in total enrollment gains, whereas Cleveland State University, Miami University, and the University of Toledo have recorded declines.The fall 2025 figures, compiled and reported by the Ohio Capital Journal, reveal a stark contrast between domestic and international student trends. Even at universities with overall growth, the number of international students is falling—sometimes by more than a third—reflecting broader national and state-level developments, including new legislation affecting public higher education, federal visa policies, and global travel restrictions. These trends signal that while Ohio remains a popular destination for domestic students, universities face mounting challenges in maintaining their international student populations, which are vital for diversity, revenue, and research collaboration.
Domestic enrollment shows modest gains
Several public universities in Ohio recorded growth in total enrollment this semester. Shawnee State University saw the largest increase at 7.69%, bringing its total student population to 3,483. Ohio University’s enrollment rose by 3.6% to 30,682 students, and Bowling Green State University reported a 3.5% increase to 20,383 students.Other universities reporting increases include the University of Akron (3.28%), Youngstown State University (2.1%), Wright State University (0.86%), Ohio State University (0.5%), and the University of Cincinnati (0.83%).In contrast, Cleveland State University experienced a 6.62% decrease to 13,107 students, while Miami University and the University of Toledo saw smaller declines of 1% and 1.03%, respectively. These trends suggest that while domestic enrollment remains relatively stable, growth is uneven across Ohio’s public institutions.
International student enrollment declines across the state
Despite overall gains in domestic enrollment, international student numbers dropped at every reporting university. Cleveland State University experienced the largest decline, down 34%, followed by Bowling Green State University at 33.2%, and Miami University at 22%.Ohio State University reported a smaller 4.9% decline in international enrollment, with 5,996 students from countries including China (3,226), India (777), Korea (321), Taiwan (162), and Canada (135). Other notable decreases occurred at the University of Cincinnati (15.96%), Shawnee State University (13.15%), University of Akron (8.08%), Youngstown State University (8.81%), University of Toledo (6.2%), Ohio University (5.32%), and Wright State University (4.26%).The Ohio Capital Journal noted that families continue to value U.S. higher education, but concerns over safety, policy changes, and uncertainty have contributed to the decline in international student enrollment.
Policy changes affect enrollment patterns
Several state and federal policies are influencing enrollment trends. Ohio Senate Bill 1, signed into law in March, imposes new rules on public universities, including restrictions on diversity initiatives, post-tenure reviews, limits on union negotiations, and regulations on classroom discussion. Some students reportedly considered leaving the state in response to the new legislation.At the federal level, international students have faced visa uncertainties, including temporary revocations earlier this year that were later reversed in April. Additionally, a 19-country travel ban affecting nations such as Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, and Venezuela has added to international student concerns, according to reporting by the Ohio Capital Journal.
What it means for Ohio’s universities
While overall enrollment growth demonstrates that Ohio remains an attractive destination for domestic students, the decline in international enrollment poses significant challenges. International students contribute not only tuition revenue but also cultural diversity, research capacity, and global collaboration opportunities.Universities may need to adopt targeted recruitment strategies and provide additional reassurance to prospective international students to maintain their competitiveness in the global higher education market.
Looking forward
Ohio’s public universities face a critical juncture as they navigate a changing policy landscape and global uncertainties. Balancing domestic growth with efforts to reverse declining international enrollment will be crucial in ensuring that Ohio remains a top destination for higher education, both in the United States and internationally.
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