Missouri Tech University saw a 17% drop in fall applications compared to last year, with Laura’s school blaming visa difficulties for international students and concerns about artificial intelligence.
“The international situation is playing a big role, and visas are being suspended or blocked,” said John Harris, a professor with the Missouri Department of Science and Technology. “Probably two-thirds of the decline in applications is due to international issues and international students.”
The Trump administration’s student visa policies have led to fewer international students enrolling at universities across the country, and there are concerns that even if students come to study, they won’t be able to stay until they earn their degrees.
While these policies are beyond the control of higher education officials, S&T is working with legislators to ensure they understand the importance of international students.
“We are confident that our government representatives will navigate these waters successfully,” Harris said. “We hope they recognize this and help us access the world’s top talent and help us compete with the world.”
Harris also said concerns about artificial intelligence threatening the computer-related job market were also a big factor in the drop in applications. He said those concerns were unwarranted.
“AI isn’t taking jobs away, it’s people with AI skills taking jobs away from people without those skills,” Harris said. “That’s why we’re making sure our graduates have those skills.
Missouri S&T recently added a master’s degree in AI and plans to offer a bachelor’s degree in the field.
Despite the drop in applicants, S&T expects to enroll classes in the fall about the same size as last year.
“When you look at the amount of deposits that have been withheld, out of a class of 1,200 students, there are only 80 students down from this time last year,” Haas said. “That’s good news. Our recruiting efforts are progressing well.”
Harris said the school has not changed any of its admissions requirements.
Other schools at the University of Missouri have not seen similar declines in applicants. Mizzou University increased by 5%, University of Missouri-Kansas City increased by 3% and University of Missouri-St. Louis increased by more than 14%, according to UM System data.
