Many Kansas universities see decline in international students
Several Kansas universities say a decline in the number of international students hurts cultural diversity on campus and school finances.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that Kansas Higher Education Statistics show the number of international students enrolled in Kansas Board of Regents colleges has declined by more than 11 percent since 2015, or roughly 1,560 students. Many of the affected schools are already facing limited state funding and declining enrollments.
Data from the nonprofit NAFSA: Association of International Educators show international students have a $260 million economic impact on Kansas and support 2,500 jobs. International students pay out-of-state tuition and often live on campus.
Kansas State University Provost Charles Taber describes a decline of as many as 600 international students per year, accounting for millions of dollars in lost revenue.
