English Language Programs as Strategic Assets

English Language Programs (ELPs) are strategic assets that advance institutional, community, and national interests by supporting international enrollment, expanding global engagement, strengthening local economies, and enhancing U.S. global influence. Sustained investment in English language education supports higher education competitiveness, community vitality, and America’s long-term economic and diplomatic success. 

Four Reasons to Support ELPs  

1. ELPs remain an effective international enrollment management strategy

• Expand enrollment pathways to degree programs: English Language Programs serve as proven pathways for academically qualified students who do not yet meet direct admission English language requirements, helping institutions strengthen recruitment pipelines and diversify international student markets. In 2025, 40% of university and college ELP students intended to pursue study in a U.S. degree program. 

• Improve student success and retention: By building language proficiency, academic readiness, and cultural integration, English Language Programs improve student retention, academic success, and degree completion outcomes. ELPs support students' well-being and inclusion through services and activities that connect them with the campus and local community.

• Strengthen institutional competitiveness: English Language Programs provide essential language support for enrolled students, visiting scholars, faculty, staff, and their dependents. In a competitive recruitment market, ELPs provide support services that are attractive to prospective international students and scholars.

2. ELPs drive the global short-term study and educational travel sector

• Support global engagement beyond degree enrollment: English Language Programs attract students seeking short-term study for academic preparation, career advancement, and educational travel—not solely degree pathways—expanding global reach and international engagement.

• Advance internationalization and institutional visibility: English Language Programs create meaningful intercultural exchange opportunities, strengthen global partnerships, and enhance the institution’s international presence and reputation. 

3. ELPs support workforce development and local economies

• Meeting workforce needs through English language teaching: English Language Programs are workforce development programs that prepare students and professionals with the English proficiency, communication skills, and cultural competence needed to succeed in U.S. education, the workplace, and the global economy. They build workforce readiness by providing professional and workplace English training for employees while helping internationally educated professionals, including nurses and other essential workers, meet the language requirements for licensure and employment. 

• Local, regional, and national economic impact: ELP students added $1.4 billion to the U.S. economy in 2025. Their spending on housing, food, transportation, dining, tourism, and other services supports local businesses and creates jobs in education and related industries. Short-term learners generate economic benefits well beyond tuition revenue.

4. ELPs advance U.S. commercial diplomacy and global influence

• Support commercial diplomacy and global partnerships: English Language Programs advance U.S. commercial diplomacy by building English proficiency for global industries and professional sectors, preparing international partners to engage more effectively with U.S. businesses, institutions, and markets. These programs create pathways for long-term trade, workforce development, academic collaboration, and economic partnerships.

• Strengthen soft power and global influence: English Language Programs serve as tools of public diplomacy, fostering lasting relationships with future global leaders in business, science, education, and government while strengthening international cooperation and U.S. influence abroad.

The Bottom Line

English Language Programs are not peripheral programs. They are strategic assets that support enrollment growth, strengthen communities, and advance U.S. commercial diplomacy. They help institutions meet international enrollment goals, create sustainable pathways to degree programs, and build long-term global partnerships. Reducing ELP capacity closes doors for institutions, communities, and the United States.