📉 The Surge of Layoffs and Program Cuts Grips US Campuses

In early 2026, the US higher education sector is facing a significant wave of layoffs and program eliminations, continuing a troubling trend from late 2025. January alone saw at least 100 job losses reported across various institutions, alongside dozens of academic programs being axed or suspended. This follows a brutal 2025 where over 9,000 positions were eliminated through layoffs, buyouts, and restructurings, out of a total workforce of approximately 4 million in colleges and universities. These cuts reflect deeper structural challenges, including persistent enrollment declines, escalating operational costs, and uncertainties stemming from federal policy shifts under the Trump administration.

Declining college enrollment, which has been shrinking for years due to demographic shifts like the end of the post-WWII baby boom echo and rising competition from alternative education paths, has strained budgets heavily reliant on tuition revenue. Public universities, community colleges, and private institutions alike are recalibrating to survive. For context, full-time equivalent enrollment in degree-granting postsecondary institutions dropped steadily from 2010 peaks, exacerbating financial pressures when combined with inflation in labor, facilities, and technology costs.

This January wave, while smaller than December 2025's roughly 300 cuts, signals no immediate relief. Institutions are not just trimming staff; they are fundamentally reshaping offerings to align with perceived market demands, often prioritizing STEM and vocational programs over humanities and niche disciplines. Affected employees—ranging from administrative support to tenured faculty—receive varying support, such as severance packages scaled by years of service or career transition counseling, but the human toll is profound.

Root Causes Driving the Higher Education Layoffs Crisis

Several interconnected factors are fueling these job cuts and program eliminations. First, enrollment declines hit hard: many campuses report drops in both domestic and international students. Federal policies restricting visas and research funding have led to sharp reductions in international enrollment, which often pays full out-of-state tuition. For instance, restrictions on student visas and heightened scrutiny on campuses over civil rights issues have deterred foreign applicants, directly impacting revenue at tuition-dependent schools.

Second, rising operational costs outpace revenue growth. Utilities, maintenance, and salaries have surged amid inflation, while endowments at wealthier schools face new taxes, forcing even elite institutions like Yale to implement belt-tightening measures. Credit rating agencies like Fitch have issued deteriorating outlooks for 2026, citing shrinking student pipelines and uncertain state and federal support.

Third, policy uncertainties amplify the strain. The Trump administration's moves to limit federal research grants, probe universities for alleged antisemitism or DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) overreach, and overhaul Department of Education staffing have created a climate of caution. Institutions are preemptively cutting to build reserves against potential funding cliffs.

Finally, low-enrollment programs are prime targets. Universities must justify offerings based on return on investment, leading to eliminations in underperforming areas. This 'right-sizing' aims for long-term sustainability but disrupts academic ecosystems built over decades.

📊 Key Layoffs Announced in January 2026

January's announcements highlighted the breadth of the crisis, affecting community colleges, public universities, and private arts schools. Here's a breakdown of notable cases:

• Santa Monica College: Eliminated 70 positions amid a $16.7 million budget deficit driven by enrollment drops and frozen state funding, projecting reserve depletion by 2026-27.
• California College of the Arts: Laid off 28 employees as it prepares to close at the end of the 2026-27 academic year following acquisition talks with Vanderbilt University.
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: Targeting $17 million in administrative savings, with layoffs anticipated to achieve this amid broader system pressures.
• New Jersey City University: Cut unspecified positions during its merger with Kean University; Kean simultaneously dropped nine degree programs.
• University of Pennsylvania: Planning a 4% campus-wide expenditure reduction for the fiscal year starting July 2026, amid federal scrutiny and endowment pressures.

These examples illustrate how even well-regarded institutions are compelled to act. For more details, see the comprehensive tracking by Inside Higher Ed.

Photo by Donghun Shin on Unsplash

Program Eliminations Reshaping Academic Landscapes

Beyond jobs, programs are being culled at an alarming rate. Pennsylvania Western University slashed at least six undergraduate degrees, four graduate programs, and 34 minors, with nine more bachelor's programs under review—all to match workforce needs amid low enrollment. The University of Montana proposed axing master's programs in literature and economics, plus minors in Chinese and Irish studies.

Texas A&M University immediately eliminated its Women’s and Gender Studies program, citing system policies on 'race or gender ideology.' This echoes December's moves, like the University of Oklahoma's elimination of 41 degrees (including languages like Arabic and French) and suspension of 21 others, or the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's closure of statistics and earth sciences programs.

These changes force students to pivot majors and strain remaining faculty with heavier loads. Humanities and social sciences bear the brunt, deemed 'not monetizable' in a market-driven era. Explore tips for adapting your academic CV amid such shifts.

Human and Institutional Impacts

The fallout extends beyond numbers. Faculty and staff face abrupt career disruptions; tenured professors at places like the College of Idaho lost positions despite protections. Students encounter canceled majors, larger classes, and reduced support services, potentially delaying graduations or altering career paths.

Institutions risk talent flight, as skilled educators seek stability elsewhere. This could widen regional disparities, with rural and community colleges hit hardest. Yet, some positives emerge: targeted cuts allow refocus on high-demand fields like nursing and tech, potentially boosting employability.

Outlook and Pathways Forward for 2026

Analysts predict continued pressure, with more cuts possible as state budgets finalize and federal policies solidify. However, opportunities exist in growing sectors. Institutions are hiring in AI, cybersecurity, and healthcare education. Professionals can upskill via online certifications or pivot to remote higher ed jobs.

A proactive approach helps: network on platforms like LinkedIn, tailor resumes to free templates, and monitor openings. For detailed 2025 tracking, review this report.

Photo by Dylan Klingler on Unsplash

Navigating the Job Market: Actionable Advice

For those affected:

• Assess severance and unemployment eligibility immediately.
• Update profiles on job boards like higher-ed-jobs.
• Consider adjunct or adjunct professor jobs for stability.
• Share experiences on Rate My Professor to build visibility.
• Explore higher ed career advice for resilience strategies.

Universities can mitigate future waves by diversifying revenue, enhancing enrollment marketing, and streamlining admin. Check December's analysis for precedents.

Final Thoughts: Resilience in Uncertain Times

While January 2026's layoffs underscore challenges, the sector's adaptability shines through. Prospective faculty and admins can find openings at higher-ed-jobs/faculty or university-jobs. Share your insights in the comments below, rate courses at Rate My Professor, and access career guidance via higher-ed-career-advice. For employers, post positions to attract talent amid this flux. Stay informed and proactive—opportunities await in evolving higher education.