"While December capped off a difficult year for higher education with roughly 300 jobs cut and dozens of programs eliminated, colleges made fewer cutbacks to start the year. January still saw job cuts, but at a much lower rate than the prior month. Like last year, many institutions continue to be squeezed by a mix of federal and state funding pressures, declining enrollment, rising operating costs, and financial friction at even the wealthiest universities."
"Facing a persistent budget deficit that has climbed to a projected $16.7 million, administrators plan to eliminate 70 jobs at the California community college, the Santa Monica Daily Press reported. The announcement comes as officials have warned that the college could deplete its financial reserves due to a long-running budget deficit that they have struggled in recent years to rein in. Declining enrollment and recent changes to state funding also put pressure on the college's finances."
January 2026 saw fewer job and program cuts at colleges than December 2025, but layoffs persisted at multiple institutions. Many colleges and universities face combined pressures from federal and state funding changes, falling enrollment, rising operating costs, and financial strain even at wealthy institutions. Santa Monica College plans to eliminate 70 positions amid a projected $16.7 million budget deficit and risks to financial reserves. California College of the Arts laid off 28 staff and will close its campus after 2026–27 following Vanderbilt's purchase of the Bay Area campus. Recent changes to state funding models and long-running deficits have forced reductions in staffing and programs.
Read at Inside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs
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