拒绝留学生，美国一半大学将破产

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights a significant crisis in the U.S. higher education system, with a growing number of universities facing closure due to declining enrollment and financial challenges, exacerbated by recent government policies affecting international students [1]. Group 1: University Closures - Cabrini University in Pennsylvania announced its permanent closure in May 2024, following a year of financial struggles [2]. - The Philadelphia University of the Arts, one of the oldest art and music institutions, also closed within a week of its announcement, shocking many students [3]. - Throughout 2024, numerous universities, including Wells College and Lincoln College, have closed, with reports indicating an average of one university shutting down each week [6][9]. Group 2: Enrollment and Financial Crisis - The U.S. has seen a decline in college enrollment from 21 million in 2010 to 18 million in 2021, largely due to a global trend of declining birth rates [12]. - The Philadelphia University of the Arts experienced a 44% drop in enrollment over the past decade, while Cabrini University saw a 60% decrease in new student admissions [13]. - Financially, many universities rely on tuition for survival, and as student numbers dwindle, their financial health deteriorates, leading to significant budget deficits, as seen in Brown University and the University of Chicago [14][21]. Group 3: Cost-Cutting Measures - In response to financial crises, universities are implementing various self-help measures, including program reductions and layoffs [15][18]. - Cabrini University attempted restructuring and online courses to boost enrollment but ultimately failed [16]. - Many institutions are resorting to issuing bonds to manage financial shortfalls, with top universities like Harvard and Yale issuing significant amounts of debt [21][22]. Group 4: Impact on Students - The closure of universities has left many students in precarious situations, with reports indicating that nearly half of the students from closed institutions did not re-enroll elsewhere [25]. - The financial instability of schools has raised concerns among prospective students about the reliability of their chosen institutions [26]. - The financial health of universities is now a critical factor for students when selecting schools, as evidenced by the recent ratings from Forbes [27]. Group 5: International Student Enrollment Decline - The U.S. higher education system is experiencing a decline in international student enrollment, with a reported 11.33% drop from the previous year [30]. - Recent visa policy changes under the Trump administration have further discouraged international students from applying to U.S. universities [30]. - The decline in international students is expected to worsen the financial situation of U.S. universities, which have relied on these students for tuition revenue [31][32].