University of North Texas Cuts or Merges Over 70 Programs Amid $45M Deficit

The University of North Texas (UNT), a major public research institution in Denton, Texas, has announced sweeping changes to its academic offerings, including the closure or consolidation of over 70 programs, minors, and certificates. This move comes as the university grapples with a projected $45 million budget deficit for fiscal year 2026, spanning September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026. President Harrison Keller described the decisions as painful but necessary to stabilize finances and align resources with student demand and long-term priorities.

UNT, with nearly 47,000 students, had previously approved a $31.2 million deficit budget, but sharper-than-expected enrollment declines pushed the shortfall higher. The changes target low-enrollment offerings, allowing current students to complete their degrees while halting new admissions. This development highlights broader challenges in U.S. higher education, where public universities face revenue pressures from demographic shifts and policy changes.

Roots of the Financial Crisis at UNT

UNT's budget woes stem from a combination of internal and external factors. Enrollment dropped 5.7% overall in fall 2025, equating to about 2,600 fewer students compared to prior years. The most significant hit came from international graduate students, whose numbers plummeted from 6,200 to 3,400. These students, who pay full out-of-state tuition without financial aid discounts, represent a critical revenue stream for many public universities.

State funding exacerbates the issue. Texas reduced formula funding for instruction and operations by $32 million in the last legislative session, tying allocations directly to enrollment metrics. UNT's heavy reliance on tuition and fees—driven by student numbers—left it vulnerable when international arrivals slowed amid U.S. visa restrictions, geopolitical tensions, and competition from other countries.

Decline in International Enrollment: A National Trend Hits Texas Hard

The drop in international students is not unique to UNT but has hit Texas institutions particularly hard. Statewide, international enrollment fell 11% from 2024 to 2025, per the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. UNT's graduate programs, popular among internationals for fields like engineering and business, suffered disproportionately.

Factors include stricter federal visa scrutiny, travel advisories, and economic pressures abroad. UNT leaders noted a "sharper-than-expected" decline in fall 2025, reversing years of 19% growth from 2019 to 2024. This mirrors trends at other Texas public universities, prompting system-wide reviews of low-productivity courses. 65 64

Specific Programs Facing Elimination

UNT's review targeted programs with persistently low enrollment, high instructional costs relative to outcomes, and limited "time to value"—the period for graduates to see career returns. Key eliminations include:

• All linguistics degrees (BA, MA/MS), with the department merging into World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures effective September 1, 2026.
• BA in Latino and Latin American Studies.
• MA in Women's and Gender Studies.
• MA in Media Industry and Critical Studies.
• Early Childhood Education (master's level).

Twenty-five undergraduate minors will also close, averaging 20 or fewer students since 2021. Notable ones: Women's and Gender Studies, LGBTQ Studies, Mexican American Studies, Africana Studies, Asian Studies, Dance, Geology, Special Education, and others like Arabic, Italian, Latin. 79

Certificates face the heaviest cuts: 42 programs, with averages under two students annually. Examples include International Business, Urban Studies, Drug and Alcohol Studies, and Autism Intervention. 78

Mergers and Restructurings to Streamline Offerings

Beyond closures, UNT is merging 12 degrees to boost efficiency:

Six Studio Art minors (Sculpture, Printmaking, etc.) consolidate into major concentrations. One undergrad certificate merges into Hotel Operations. 79 These steps aim to reduce administrative overhead while preserving core disciplines.

Photo by Nils Huenerfuerst on Unsplash

Impacts on Students, Faculty, and Staff

Current students in affected programs receive priority advising to finish degrees uninterrupted. UNT is negotiating transfer pathways with regional colleges for specialized credentials. However, reactions vary: linguistics major Grace Youngberg called it "disrespectful," questioning monetary valuation of education. Department chair William Salmon noted no consultation, prioritizing student support. 65

Faculty face a Voluntary Separation Program (VSP) for those with 15+ years service, applications due April 10. Over 40 courses shift to hybrid online lectures this fall, increasing teaching loads. No involuntary layoffs announced yet, but efficiencies target admin costs.

Leadership's Rationale and Strategic Vision

President Keller emphasized adaptation to student/employer needs, advancing "Look North: UNT 2030." Criteria focused on demand, efficiency, and mission fit. Low-enrollment programs drained resources without proportional outcomes. UNT plans revenue growth via enrollment boosts, tuition optimization, grants, and efficiencies, plus Texas University Fund for research. 66 77

For details, see UNT's full list of changes.

Texas Higher Education in Context: A Wave of Cuts

UNT's actions echo statewide trends. Texas A&M axed women's/gender studies; UT Austin and UTSA consolidated race/ethnicity programs amid state directives on sex/gender. The UNT System mandated low-productivity course reviews last fall. Public universities nationwide face intl enrollment slumps post-COVID and policy shifts. 65

Stakeholder Perspectives and Controversies

Critics highlight cuts to diversity programs (e.g., LGBTQ, Africana minors) amid Texas' conservative policies, though UNT cites enrollment data. Social media buzzes with debates on "woke" cuts vs. fiscal prudence. Faculty unions push back on loads; students worry about options. Supporters see refocus on high-demand STEM/business. 38

Future Strategies and Recovery Outlook

UNT eyes strategic budgeting, intl recruitment revival, online expansion, and partnerships. VSP and hybrids provide short-term relief; long-term: grow high-value programs. Success hinges on enrollment rebound and legislative support. UNT remains committed to R1 status and student success.

Photo by Nils Huenerfuerst on Unsplash

Lessons for U.S. Higher Education

UNT's crisis underscores vulnerabilities: intl reliance, enrollment sensitivity, state funding ties. Universities must diversify revenue, monitor demographics, prioritize ROI. Actionable: Regular program audits, agile curricula, robust advising for transitions.

• Audit low-enroll programs annually.
• Boost intl marketing amid visa hurdles.
• Leverage online/hybrids for efficiency.
• Invest in career-aligned credentials.

For faculty/students affected, resources like UNT advising prove vital. Explore opportunities at AcademicJobs.com higher ed jobs.