Colleges across the United States, both large and small, are taking drastic measures as they grapple with financial instability. After years of putting off necessary changes, many institutions are now cutting programs and eliminating majors to secure their budgets. The consequences of these decisions are deeply felt by students and faculty alike, raising concerns about the future of education.
One poignant example is Christina Westman, who aspired to work as a music therapist after starting her studies at St. Cloud State University. Her dreams were shattered when the university announced its plans to eliminate 42 degree programs, including the music department. She faced the prospect of transferring to another institution, feeling overwhelmed and anxious. “For me, it’s really been anxiety-ridden,” said Westman, now 23. “It’s just the fear of the unknown.”
These cuts aren’t merely about saving money; they result from considerable turmoil caused by dwindling student enrollment, rising operational costs, and the exhaustion of federal COVID relief funds. Colleges had banked on recovering enrollment levels from the pandemic but are now forced to adjust to what has become their 'new reality'. Larry Lee, the former acting president of St. Cloud State, noted how institutions were merely staving off needed changes until it became too urgent to avoid.
The impact on students has been severe, especially for those who chose their colleges based on specific degrees. Many students are left scrambling, trying to find new paths just as their lives are supposed to be advancing. St. Cloud State's enrollment had peaked at around 18,300 students in the fall of 2020, but by fall 2023, it had plummeted to about 10,000. This trend reflects broader issues across higher education, where four-year institutions struggle to attract new students.
Declining birth rates following the Great Recession mean fewer high school graduates are pursuing college degrees. Patrick Lane, the vice president of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, highlights the compounding difficulties: “It’s very difficult math to overcome.” The trend continues to worsen with some experts predicting current enrollment issues may persist for years to come, with colleges battling to fill seats.
Meanwhile, the federal government’s chaotic overhaul of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) has left many students unsure about their financial aid options just before school starts. Even those who might be eager to start their college education may hesitate, fearing the burden of student debt as the job market remains unpredictable. “This year going to next fall, it’s going to be bad,” said Katharine Meyer from the Brookings Institution, who noted widespread concern among college leaders about failing to meet their enrollment targets.
The struggles faced by many educational institutions have led to more extreme actions, with some colleges shuttering completely. Notable closures have occurred at Birmingham-Southern College and Fontbonne University, among others. These closures represent the harsh reality of today’s higher education climate, where budget deficits can lead to the end of schools and programs.
The cuts appear more prevalent among smaller colleges and specialized programs, particularly within the humanities. Over the past decade, there has been a decrease in the number of students graduating from programs like music, arts, and other fields traditionally considered less vocational. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics reveals the alarming decline where humanities degrees dropped from 16.8% to 12.8% of all four-year bachelor’s degrees awarded between 2010 and 2021.
Catherine Verret, who is studying at St. Cloud State, expressed her concerns about the future, lamenting the disappearance of the arts and other departments. “There’s no musicians coming in, so when our seniors graduate, they go on, and our ensembles just keep getting smaller.” It raises questions about the sustainability of programs and the broader cultural impact on society.
Experts worry about the long-term fallout from these decisions. Bryan Alexander, senior scholar at Georgetown University, refers to the situation as “a humanitarian disaster,” emphasizing the detrimental effects not only on faculty and employment but on the students who wish to pursue meaningful and expressive studies.
Colleges are scrambling to assess which programs provide the best chances for attracting students and ensuring financial viability. Those focused on under-enrolled programs are particularly vulnerable as the demographic shifts play out. Institutions like Pennsylvania State University are currently reviewing their academic offerings to eliminate redundancy and maximize student interest.
An uncertain future looms over higher education as institutions continue to navigate budget crises and changing student demographics. The attempt to preserve core programs will be urgent if colleges are to maintain their role as educational beacons. Schools are not only evaluating the viability of different programs but are also reassessing their missions.
Looking forward, what might the future hold for American colleges? Many observers believe the emphasis on high-demand career pathways will likely intensify, with institutions prioritizing programs perceived as practical and lucrative. It’s clear the higher education system is undergoing significant transformation, and how colleges adapt will shape their future.
For students like Christina Westman, transitioning to another university is fraught with uncertainty. But stories of resilience shine through as students continue to pursue their passions, even as the ground shifts underneath them. Westman hopes to forge her new path at Augsburg University, but it’s evident—change is the only constant.
