Overseas education consultancies in Nagpur and Vidarbha have reported a sharp decline in the number of students applying to US colleges this year. The three primary reasons cited are the falling rupee against the US dollar, a weak US job market, and tighter H-1B visa rules. This trend mirrors a report released in March by a US-based education company, which found a 14% drop in applications from India, the first such decline since 2020. The report also noted that international applications overall were down by 9%, and applications from Asia decreased by 10% as of March 1.
Local Impact in Nagpur
Estimates from local institutes providing counselling services suggest that from Nagpur district, an average of 150 students pursue higher education in the US each year. However, this year the number may dip by as much as 50%. Students cite multiple challenges that make them question the feasibility of studying in the US.
Rohit Juneja, who intends to pursue a Master's in Journalism in the US, stated, "My preferred choice was an Ivy League university, but the fees are exorbitant. Paying crores for a degree that may not result in employment there seems like a bad deal. I am now exploring options in the UK, as fees are comparatively lower."
Yashashri Dhabekar was planning an MBA in luxury brand management from the US. "The depreciating rupee and steep costs made me reconsider. Australia turned out to be a more practical option," she said.
Naina Patel, who wants to pursue a Master's in History, explained, "The falling rupee, along with rising college fees and anti-immigrant rhetoric, has made me reconsider going abroad. My parents share the same concerns, but the decision to explore other options has been mine."
Mahi Jadhav (name changed), currently studying MSc in Data Analytics in the US, observed a "massive difference" in the cost of a US degree now compared to two years ago. "We also had to cut down on our expenses to manage it," she added.
Not Everyone Is Rethinking
Anay Jhawar, however, is heading to college in the US in a few months. He said, "The United States remains uncontested as the best place in the world to study my major of choice, aerospace engineering, both from an educational perspective, as well as for making connections, finding internship opportunities, and later job opportunities."
Vishal Jain, director of GB Education in Nagpur, noted that tracking precise numbers is difficult due to the fragmented nature of the application pipeline. However, his observation over the last two years indicates that an average of 150 students from Vidarbha go to the US for higher education each year. Jain believes the current concerns are a passing phase rather than a structural shift. "Students planning their education today will graduate some years from now, when economic and employment landscapes are likely to be very different. The industries currently reducing workforce numbers will once again seek professionals equipped with cutting-edge skills. A stronger dollar may increase the cost of education today, but it also enhances future earning potential," he said.
