Fewer students could mean fewer dollars spent at businesses surrounding the University of Arizona.
Tucson businesses near U of A brace for fewer students.
Fewer students could mean fewer dollars spent at businesses surrounding the University of Arizona.
The provost said in part, "Although we are still accepting students and receiving additional deposits, it is likely that the incoming fall 2026 class will be smaller than the one that arrived in fall 2025," the provost said.
Some restaurants and shops near campus say they've seen a noticeable drop in student customers this summer, with one café reporting a 20 to 30 percent loss in sales.
Several small businesses in Main Gate Square say they've seen fewer student customers and they're having to find new ways to bring people through the doors.
"Every summer we see a decline, but this summer it has been super slow, like 70 percent," Vanessa Quiroz said.
Quiroz, an employee at Geronimo Restaurant, says the slow summer has been tougher than what they've seen in the past.
The restaurant is even offering discounts to help bring customers in.
"We are definitely adapting with the times," Domino Mannheim said.
Mannheim has been working at Espresso Art Cafe for more than a decade and says the drop in student customers over the last few months has contributed to a 20 to 30 percent loss in sales.
As the new semester approaches, businesses are hoping to see more students back in the area while continuing to find ways to adapt to any changes around campus.