Harvard University Reduces Graduate Enrollment

Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) plans to cut enrollment by over 50% in its two graduate programs within the next two years. This move aims to “balance academic and fiscal responsibilities.”

As reported by the Harvard Crimson, the university has eliminated more than 75% of doctoral positions in science departments and about 60% in the arts and humanities. This follows a recent legal victory over the Trump administration, which had previously cut more than $2 billion in funding from Harvard, though much of that has since been restored.

Even with a recovering financial situation, the university indicates that it needs to implement significant budget cuts, despite its multibillion-dollar endowment showing increases. There’s an insistence to tighten budgets across the board.

The university did not provide any comments upon request.

Some departments, like the German Department, will stop admitting new students due to staff reductions, with the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) citing “uncertain financial circumstances” for its decisions. They previously decided to reject all applicants on waiting lists even before the legal victory.

Other Harvard schools are experiencing similar cuts, with recruitment temporarily suspended in certain departments.

While Harvard has won its funding battle against the Trump administration, uncertainties remain. The government has also sought other means to challenge the university, including limiting its ability to enroll foreign students, which significantly contributes to its revenue, and efforts to revoke Harvard’s accreditation.

Currently, Harvard seems to be complying with several government orders, such as verifying employees’ citizenship and work eligibility and closing its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) office.