Santa Barbara City College Enrollment Hits Seven-Year Low
International student numbers fell to their lowest level in seven years as classes began in late August.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in College Applications
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International student enrollment at Santa Barbara City College hit a seven-year low when classes started in late August. The college lost $1.4 million in annual international student revenue as visa rules tightened and living costs in the city remained high.
Why it matters
International students at the college were 14% of full-time enrollment in 2019 but are now 5%, a shift that reduces revenue and changes the campus population. The decline reflects new visa limits and the high cost of living in Santa Barbara.
International share of full-time students fell from 14% in 2019 to 5% this year, a drop tied to annual revenue losses of $1.4 million over five years. The source does not say whether the decline will continue after the new visa limits fully take effect.
The players
Santa Barbara City College
A public community college in Santa Barbara, California, that has recruited international students for decades.
Blueberry
A Swedish student recruitment organization that helps students obtain Swedish government grants and loans to study in the United States.
The details
The college enrolled students from more than 40 countries this fall, mostly from Sweden, China and Germany. International student tuition is almost 10 times what a California resident pays, and the Department of Homeland Security set a maximum four-year stay for full-time student visa holders in July.
Timeline
2019: International students made up 14% of full-time enrollment.
July 2026: DHS set a four-year maximum stay for full-time student visa holders.
Late August 2026: Classes began with international enrollment at a seven-year low.
2025: 70 Swedish students enrolled through the recruiter Blueberry.
Admissions Trend
The enrollment drop follows the Department of Homeland Security's July 2026 rule limiting full-time student visa holders to a four-year maximum stay. It shows how that federal change is affecting community colleges that depend on international tuition.
Prospective international students should check the new four-year visa stay limit before choosing a program length. Families weighing costs should note that international tuition at the college is almost 10 times the in-state rate for California residents.
The takeaway
Community colleges that rely on international tuition are feeling the effects of federal visa rules quickly. Students planning to study abroad should confirm current visa limits and total costs before applying.
Further reading
Explore more on college applications for context on how international students are recruited and admitted.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Santa Barbara News-Press.
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