Each year, the NACAC Conference brings together counselors, educators, and university representatives from around the world. It is the largest gathering of its kind, and a chance for professionals to share challenges, strategies, and insights. This year, more than 6,500 participants came together in Columbus, Ohio, under the theme United We Rise.
The message was clear. The admissions field has faced years of disruption, from financial aid reforms to shifting student demographics, yet counselors and educators continue to stand with students. This year’s program emphasized resilience, collaboration, and practical solutions for families navigating a time of rapid change.
Among those in attendance were the university admission consultants from McMillan Education International. They joined sessions focused on the rising appeal of international study. With U.S. families struggling with tuition increases, FAFSA delays, and inconsistent policy decisions, overseas universities are becoming more attractive than ever.
Key Takeaways
- NACAC 2025 brought 6,500 admission professionals to Columbus, Ohio under the theme United We Rise.
- McMillan’s university admission consultants attended sessions on the growing appeal of studying abroad.
- U.S. families are exploring UK and Irish universities for shorter degrees, lower costs, and strong graduate outcomes.
- Student life abroad offers housing guarantees, healthcare access, and diverse campus communities.
What NACAC 2025 Revealed About U.S. Students Looking Overseas
Our team attended two sessions that addressed this directly: A World of Opportunity: Pursuing a UK Degree Amid U.S. Uncertainty and The Benefits of Studying Abroad in Uncertain Times.
Both were presented by representatives from universities in the UK and Ireland. They offered a clear look at why more American students are applying abroad and how these pathways compare with U.S. options.
The presenters described the “perfect storm” affecting U.S. families:
- College costs continue to rise faster than inflation.
- FAFSA reforms have slowed aid decisions, leaving students unsure of their financial picture.
- At the same time, state-level policies on tuition, diversity, and student rights are shifting quickly.
In this environment, families are looking for stability, and international universities are stepping in to meet that need. UCAS, the UK’s central application system, reported an 14% increase in U.S. applications for 2025. This marks the highest level of interest on record, showing that studying abroad has moved from a niche option to a mainstream choice.
Why the UK and Ireland Are Gaining Attention
The sessions highlighted several reasons U.S. families are turning more toward the UK and Ireland. Together, these factors make international study not only possible, but in many cases preferable.
1. Shorter Degree Timelines
One of the strongest draws is structure. A bachelor’s degree in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland usually takes three years. In Scotland, students complete four, with broader study in the first two. Master’s programs abroad can often be completed in just a single year.
By comparison, a U.S. undergraduate degree takes four years, and graduate study often adds two more. Families attending NACAC heard how this difference saves both time and money.
2. Lower Overall Costs
Finances were another key focus. The annual cost of studying in the UK typically falls between $29,000 and $51,000, including tuition and living expenses.
In the U.S., the average is $49,000 to $63,000. Over the full length of a degree, the difference becomes substantial. Even in similar timelines, international universities tend to maintain more predictable costs, with fewer unexpected fees.
3. High Academic Quality
Quality was emphasized alongside affordability. The UK is home to 164 universities, with 17 ranked in the global QS Top 100. Irish universities hold strong reputations for research and employability. Presenters noted that studying abroad is no longer reserved for a narrow group of students. Increasingly, it is an accessible path for a diverse range of Americans.
Beyond Academics: Student Experience Abroad
Cost and degree length are only part of the story. The sessions also emphasized the personal and professional growth students gain by studying abroad. Living in another country requires adaptability, independence, and problem-solving skills. These are traits employers consistently value.
1. Support Systems
Universities in the UK and Ireland provide structured support to help international students adjust. Orientation programs and welcome weeks ease the transition. Student unions offer clubs, societies, and advocacy groups, creating community and connection from the start. Healthcare access is another benefit: students in the UK use the NHS, while Irish institutions provide strong health services.
2. Housing and Safety
Accommodation is typically guaranteed for first-year international students, often in single rooms with utilities included. Families at NACAC heard how this makes the move abroad less stressful and offers peace of mind. Safety is supported through campus security, student-led initiatives, and tools like safety apps.
3. Career and Employability
The career impact of studying abroad was also a key theme. Data shared showed that 97% of study abroad alumni find employment within twelve months of graduation, compared with less than half of U.S. graduates. Post-study work visas in the UK and Ireland allow students to remain for one to three years, building experience and global networks before returning home or moving on to the next step.
How the Admissions Process Differs
For many U.S. families, the idea of applying abroad feels unfamiliar. The sessions at NACAC explained how the process in the UK and Ireland differs from what students are used to at home, and why it often feels more predictable.
1. Application Systems
In the UK, students apply through UCAS, which allows up to five course choices. A single, subject-focused personal statement is submitted instead of a character-driven essay. Ireland uses a similar model. Both systems are simpler than the Common App, but expect clarity of academic interest from the start.
2. Decision Styles
Conditional offers are common in both the UK and Ireland. Students may be accepted based on predicted grades, with the offer becoming final once those results are confirmed. In many cases, Irish institutions deliver decisions earlier than U.S. universities, which can reduce stress for families.
3. Evaluation Focus
American universities typically review the whole student: essays, activities, recommendations, and academic performance. UK and Irish universities weigh academics above all else. For students with strong academic records, this can make outcomes clearer and less dependent on subjective factors.
4. Flexibility
One of the most striking contrasts is flexibility. U.S. universities allow students to explore and often declare a major later. In the UK and Ireland, students apply directly into a field of study, with limited room to change. This can be a benefit for those with a clear direction, though others may prefer the broader U.S. model.
By the end of the sessions, one point was clear: while the international process looks different, many families may find it clearer and more predictable compared with the varied and often complex U.S. system.
Closing Thought
The NACAC sessions reinforced a clear trend: more U.S. families are considering international universities as a first choice, not just a backup. The UK and Ireland stand out for their academic quality, lower costs, and strong graduate outcomes.
These opportunities also bring different application systems, degree structures, and post-study pathways. Families benefit from guidance that makes those differences clear. The McMillan Education International use their 70 years of experience and W.I.S.E. Method™ to help families compare options and make confident decisions.