Lewis University Struggles with Declining International Student Enrollment

Pandemic travel restrictions and global economic shifts have impacted the suburban Chicago university's student population.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 5:47am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of stacked textbooks and a laptop computer repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the academic impact of declining international student enrollment at Lewis University.The vibrant and diverse campus life at Lewis University has faced challenges as international student enrollment has sharply declined in recent years.Chicago Today

Lewis University, a private Catholic university located in the Chicago suburb of Romeoville, Illinois, has faced significant challenges in recent years due to a sharp decline in international student enrollment. The university, which has historically attracted a diverse global student body, has seen its international student population drop by over 30% since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why it matters

The drop in international students has had far-reaching impacts on Lewis University, including budget shortfalls, reduced campus diversity, and challenges maintaining certain academic programs. As a regional institution, Lewis plays an important role in the local economy and community, making the enrollment decline a concern for the broader Romeoville area.

The details

International students have long been a crucial part of Lewis University's student body, comprising nearly 25% of total enrollment prior to the pandemic. However, travel restrictions, economic uncertainty, and shifting global education trends have led to a steep decline in international applicants and enrollments. The university has had to make difficult budget cuts, reduce course offerings, and reevaluate its recruitment strategies to adapt to the new reality.

  • Lewis University was founded in 1932.
  • International students made up 25% of Lewis' enrollment prior to 2020.
  • International student enrollment has dropped over 30% since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

The players

Lewis University

A private Catholic university located in Romeoville, Illinois, that has historically attracted a diverse international student population.

Romeoville, Illinois

The Chicago suburb where Lewis University is located, which has been impacted by the university's enrollment decline.

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What they’re saying

“The drop in international students has been a real challenge for us, both financially and in terms of maintaining the vibrant, global campus community our students value.”

— David Livingston, President, Lewis University

“As an international student myself, I've seen firsthand how the pandemic has made it much harder for students from abroad to study in the U.S. It's really changed the dynamic on campus.”

— Mei Li, Senior, Lewis University

What’s next

Lewis University administrators are working to develop new recruitment strategies and scholarship programs to attract international students, as well as explore partnerships with overseas institutions to boost global enrollment.

The takeaway

The decline in international student enrollment at Lewis University reflects broader challenges facing higher education institutions, particularly those outside of major metropolitan areas, as they navigate the post-pandemic landscape and adapt to shifting global education trends.