The new reality of US enrolment: education meets employability

Yet the criteria guiding that decision are changing. Today’s students are approaching higher education as investors, seeking measurable returns in employability, immigration access, and long-term career growth rather than institutional prestige.

This shift is driven by two forces: a more competitive job market and tightening immigration policies. A Revelio Labs analysis of over 150 million hiring records shows entry-level positions in decline, while demand for experienced professionals rises. This “seniority bias,” amplified by automation and AI adoption, makes early professional experience essential.

For international students, this means practical training is no longer optional. Planning Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) timelines from the start of their studies greatly improves job prospects. Simultaneously, the proposed H-1B modernisation rule could replace the current lottery system with a salary-weighted model – favouring graduates who secure higher-paying roles. Universities that help students transition quickly into strong professional positions will gain a decisive advantage.

Forward-looking institutions are already adapting. By embedding employer partnerships, internships, and career-aligned curricula, they not only attract more applicants but also deliver stronger outcomes. In a market defined by return on investment, transparency around placement and salary data will increasingly shape institutional reputation.

Learning from global models

The US share of the international student market dropped from 28% in 2001 to 16% by 2024 (ICEF Monitor, 2024). The decline reflects stricter visa rules and the perception that U.S. programs offer limited post- study work options compared to competitors like Canada.

In a market defined by return on investment, transparency around placement and salary data will increasingly shape institutional reputation

Canada’s co-op education model illustrates how policy and practice can align to support employability. Students there integrate paid, field-related work into their academic programs through nationally recognised placements. Universities such as Waterloo and UBC guarantee real-world experience as part of the degree. Between 2012 and 2022, Canada’s international enrolment grew 201%, while the U.S. saw only 24% growth. The difference lies in predictable work pathways and immigration transparency – factors that now define competitiveness in global higher education.

Redefining institutional value

For US universities, the path forward lies in bridging expectations with outcomes. Offering CPT or internships is not enough; employability must be embedded throughout the academic journey. Three strategies stand out:

• Proactive guidance: provide early, consistent advising on CPT, OPT, and H-1B processes.
• Tailored career services: equip international students with visa-specific job search and interview preparation.
• Curricular integration: make internships or co-op placements credit-bearing, ensuring every student gains US-based work experience before graduation.

The path ahead

The US higher education sector is at a turning point. Institutions that continue to rely on brand prestige alone will lose ground. Those that align education with employability and immigration outcomes will redefine what it means to deliver value.

In an era where global students measure success through outcomes, the most successful institutions will be those that transform opportunity into strategy – where education, work, and long-term career mobility truly meet.

About the author: Christina Chen is the head of business development at GoElite, Inc., where she advises universities on strategic decisions – such as when, where, and how to establish satellite campuses – and helps design customised programs that align with student needs and evolving market trends. She holds an M.S. from Columbia University and a B.A. from the University of Richmond.

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