A new study warns that U.S. colleges could face a financial and demographic crisis if fewer international students enroll in the coming years. The drop in foreign students—who often pay higher tuition—would hit university budgets hard and shrink campus diversity.

Editor’s Note: International students aren’t just a cultural asset—they’re a financial lifeline for many universities. If enrollment drops, schools might have to slash programs, raise tuition even more, or both. For students and families already struggling with college costs, this could make things worse.