This week in college admissions, international student visas are down from last year, the Army is making changes to ROTC programs, public trust in higher education has risen, and a housing survey shows that students value privacy and mental health support.
Fewer international student visas were issued this May than last May, forecasting a probable drop in international student enrollment for the fall of 2025. Both F-1 and J-1 visas are down, according to State Department data. Universities are predicting declines in their graduate and undergraduate international student populations for the coming academic year.
The Army is reorganizing or closing ROTC programs at 84 college campuses. ROTC, or the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, offers students scholarships in return for a commitment to spend eight years serving in active duty, the Army Reserve, or the National Guard. Students who are impacted can choose to continue their training at another institution, or to walk away from their contracts.
For the first time in a decade, public trust in higher education has risen from the previous year. According to a Gallup poll, 42% of Americans currently have “a great deal” or “a lot” of confidence in higher education, compared to 36% in 2024. This reverses a trend of declining confidence seen since the first annual poll in 2015.
A recent survey on student preferences in on-campus housing found that the majority of students prefer privacy in their living spaces, requesting single rooms and apartment-style housing. Regarding residence hall amenities, students place the highest value on mental health support programs and social events. Nationwide, 16% of all undergraduate students live in residential housing on campus.
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