Genevieve Smith spent her summer preparing an application to study at a university in the Netherlands—a goal sharpened by rising U.S. costs and political uncertainty. The California student attended Santa Rosa Junior College for two years after high school while planning the next step in her education.
Affordability topped her priorities. Initially considering UC Santa Cruz, she chose to stay home, study, and save after weighing costs and career uncertainty. Following the 2024 election, concerns about personal safety and that of her friends also influenced her decision.
Determined to study abroad, Smith focused on international law and targeted European universities. She is now applying to programs at Leiden University in The Hague and Utrecht University in Utrecht.
“Studying overseas allows me to make a bigger impact,” she said, aiming to bring an international perspective to her future legal career.
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Political Shifts Drive U.S. Students to Study Abroad
Rising costs and political turmoil at U.S. universities are driving more American students to apply to colleges in Europe, the U.K., Asia, and beyond.
Data from the Institute of International Education shows U.S. students studying abroad increased from roughly 50,000 in 2019 to over 90,000 in 2024. Experts attribute the growth primarily to affordability, but political uncertainty also plays a role. U.S. campuses have seen widespread protests, international student visas have been canceled, and legal disputes involving universities and the Trump administration have heightened concerns.
James Edge, founder of consultancy Beyond the States, which assisted students like Smith, said interest in studying abroad has surged since the 2024 election. “The shift is striking both in volume and in the kinds of families reaching out,” he told CBS News. From November 2024 to July 2025, website visits climbed from 600,990 to 1.53 million, and strategy calls jumped from 2,215 to 29,373.
Applications from U.S. students to the U.K. also rose 14% this year, the largest increase recorded by UCAS since it began collecting data in 2006.
Rising Costs and Student Debt Drive U.S. Students Abroad
For many students, affordability drives the decision to study abroad. One in six Americans carries federal student debt, now exceeding $1.6 trillion. In contrast, median tuition in Europe and the U.K. is roughly $9,000 per year, compared with $11,000–$30,000 for a four-year public university in the U.S.
Jyslodet Davis, 21, said she wanted to avoid “exorbitant fees for a degree.” Inspired by a TikTok video, she discovered Beyond the States and used its resources to research schools. She applied to and enrolled at the Anglo-American University in Prague to study business, funding her education through military family grants, savings, and scholarships.
Since moving abroad in August 2023, Davis has experienced diverse cultures and formed friendships with students from Brazil, Japan, and beyond. She has traveled to 21 countries and spent a semester at Sophia University in Tokyo, which she said “ruined Europe for me” after seeing how education worked in Japan.
Davis also noted challenges: navigating visas, international bureaucracy, and being far from family. Her main concern was entering the U.S. job market without domestic networking and internship experience. She admitted her business education abroad didn’t fully match the opportunities of U.S. schools and wondered if studying international relations might have offered more advantages.
Still, Davis has no regrets. “Definitely go for it a billion percent—you can always go further when you are younger,” she said, encouraging others to consider studying abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are more U.S. students choosing to study abroad?
Rising tuition costs, student debt, and political uncertainty in the U.S. are motivating students to seek affordable international programs.
Which countries are most popular for American students studying abroad?
Europe, the United Kingdom, and parts of Asia are top destinations due to lower tuition, quality programs, and cultural experiences.
How much does it cost to study abroad compared to U.S. universities?
Median tuition in Europe and the U.K. is around $9,000 per year, often lower than $11,000–$30,000 at U.S. public universities.
What challenges do students face when studying abroad?
Students navigate visas, international bureaucracy, cultural adjustments, distance from family, and sometimes fewer internship opportunities for U.S. job markets.
Are scholarships and grants available for studying abroad?
Yes, many students fund their studies with scholarships, grants for military families, and personal savings to reduce costs.
What fields of study are popular for Americans abroad?
International law, business, and communication are common choices, with students seeking programs offering global perspectives and career opportunities.
Do students regret studying abroad?
Most report positive experiences, gaining cultural exposure, global networks, and personal growth, though some note challenges adjusting to U.S. career pathways.
Conclusion
Rising tuition costs, mounting student debt, and political uncertainty are prompting more U.S. students to explore higher education abroad. From Europe to Asia, these students gain not only affordable degrees but also global perspectives, cultural experiences, and international networks that enrich their personal and professional lives. While studying abroad presents challenges—from visas and bureaucracy to navigating career opportunities at home—the rewards often outweigh the risks. For many, like Genevieve Smith and Jyslodet Davis, taking the leap overseas is a transformative choice that shapes their future in ways a traditional U.S. path may not.
