Sciences Po in Paris now attracts more American students than the Ivy League, a shift tied to visa uncertainty and campus safety concerns. Applications from U.S. students surged 52 % this year, while outbound U.S. applicants fell 50 %.

The trend stems from Trump‑era policies that sparked visa denials, shootings on U.S. campuses, and rising tuition. Students cite a $6,700 annual fee at Sciences Po versus $70,000 at top U.S. schools as a decisive factor.

Sciences Po faces a new equilibrium: balancing an influx of foreign students with those leaving for U.S. study abroad. The university has urged American institutions to limit student exchanges to avoid overcrowding.

European universities, especially in France, now benefit from a reputation for academic freedom and lower costs, reshaping the global higher‑education market and challenging U.S. institutions to address safety, affordability, and visa predictability.