Proposed $70,000 OPT fee threatens foreign student enrollment and U.S. economy
Educators warn that a Trump administration plan to charge universities $70,000 per international student for Optional Practical Training could deter foreign enrollment and harm economic contributions.
A new Trump administration proposal would impose a $70,000 charge on universities for each international student seeking work experience through the Optional Practical Training program, with an additional $30,000 for renewals, replacing the existing $520 application fee. Educators argue the steep fee could be shifted to students, reducing the appeal of U.S. higher education given already high costs and uncertain job prospects.
International students contribute $42.9 billion to the U.S. economy and sustain more than 355,000 jobs, so a sustained enrollment decline could hurt university towns and broader local economies. Enrollment of new foreign students dropped 17 percent in autumn 2025, the steepest decline since COVID-19, and experts predict further reductions if the fee proceeds. The proposal is part of a broader immigration crackdown and faces a public comment period ending Nov 9, with likely legal challenges from higher-education groups.
Why it matters
The fee could sharply reduce foreign student numbers, cutting billions in revenue and weakening U.S. soft power.
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