Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Trump Funding Cuts Slash 500 PhDs, International Applications Fall 21%

7/7/2026

50 10 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Uncertainty in federal research funding under President Donald Trump is causing universities to slash Ph.D. admissions for fall 2026.
55 AAU schools reported a 15% drop, cutting about 500 Ph.D. spots.
Caltech and MIT cut enrollments, Caltech by 40% and MIT by 20% after federal awards fell 20% and an endowment tax.
International Ph.D. applications fell 21% due to visa delays, travel bans and screening, while domestic applications rose 3%.

1 of 1

Story summary

Uncertainty in federal research funding under President Donald Trump is causing universities to slash Ph.D. admissions for fall 2026.
55 AAU schools reported a 15% drop, cutting about 500 Ph.D. spots.
Caltech and MIT cut enrollments, Caltech by 40% and MIT by 20% after federal awards fell 20% and an endowment tax.
International Ph.D. applications fell 21% due to visa delays, travel bans and screening, while domestic applications rose 3%.