Is study abroad affected?
Yes, significantly. In the Middle East and Gulf region:
- Schools and universities have moved to online-only instruction to protect students and staff
- Search traffic for studying in Gulf countries dropped 43% from pre-conflict levels
- Governments are evacuating foreign students from Iran and neighboring countries
- Embassies have chartered buses to transport students to borders
Study abroad in Western Europe, Latin America, and East Asia is generally continuing, though some programs involving Gulf-connected flights may face route changes.
How does the war affect student budgets?
College students already operate on tight budgets. The war is making everything more expensive:
- Gas: Up 20% — brutal for commuter students
- Groceries: Up 3.1% and accelerating — campus meal plans may increase
- Rent: Expected to rise as mortgage rates push more people into renting
- Textbooks and supplies: Shipping costs rising on imported materials
- Part-time job commuting: More expensive to get to work
What about financial aid and tuition?
- Pell Grants — No emergency increase announced, despite the war costing $900 million per day. For context, the gap in Pell Grant funding could be closed in approximately 19 days at current war spending. (WhatWeCouldHaveBoughtInstead.com)
- Tuition — Universities may face higher operating costs (energy, food service) but immediate tuition increases are unlikely
- Student loans — Interest rates could rise if inflation pushes the Fed to hold or raise rates
What can students do?
Financial survival tips:
- Apply for emergency financial aid through your school’s student services
- Use food pantries on campus (most universities have them)
- Carpool or use public transit to cut gas costs
- Look into SNAP benefits — college students may qualify under certain conditions
- Apply for work-study positions to offset rising costs
Academic considerations:
- If you had Gulf region study abroad plans, contact your study abroad office immediately about alternatives
- Monitor your school’s announcements about program changes
- Consider summer programs in unaffected regions as alternatives
Will the draft affect college students?
There is currently no draft and no serious discussion of reinstating one. The US military has sufficient volunteer forces for current operations. See our separate FAQ on the draft question for more details.