Yield from offer of admission to attendance varies for international students in U.S.

July is the time of year when all those involved in recruitment/admission in U.S. institutions are watching yield - the percentage of those admitted who are accepting the opportunity to attend. The latest survey results of Institute of International Education and graduate deans indicate that there is only a small decline in the anticipated number of international students who will attend U.S. institutions this fall. However, the degree of decline is very different in some areas of the country - most notably the southern U.S. While not conclusive, the suspected causes of the decline in southern universities include; fears regarding safety from violence, challenges of obtaining study visas, and hostile climate for internationals.

The article summarizing the projected yields and enrollments for Fall of 2017 indicated that international students are increasingly cautious about their choices and that they study all available information before making their decision. The impact of public statements seen as reflecting anti-internationalist views are considered and it appears international students choose to avoid places where these dynamics are perceived most prevalent.