A recent report from Inside Higher Education indicates a significant decline in employment within the university system.
According to the report released on Tuesday, December alone saw a loss of 300 jobs, contributing to a staggering total of over 9,000 positions cut in 2025 across layoffs and institutional takeovers. The report suggests this figure might actually be an underestimate, as not all personnel actions are reported.
The findings point to rising operating costs and an “uncertain federal policy environment.” They specifically mention President Trump’s limitations on federal research funding, his initiatives to restrict admissions for international students, and ongoing disputes with universities regarding alleged civil rights issues.
While many of the layoffs in December weren’t directly linked to President Trump, various factors appear to have played a role. For instance, DePaul University faced a drop in tuition revenue resulting from a decline in international student enrollment, leading to staff reductions.
Notably, President Trump has pursued efforts to withhold federal funds from Harvard University over accusations of anti-Semitism. Recently, lawyers from his administration indicated intentions to challenge a judge’s order for the return of $2.7 billion in federally frozen research funds to Harvard.
At DePaul University, 114 staff positions were reportedly eliminated last month. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln plans to trim 51 jobs, while Western Wyoming Community College has cut 33 roles and revamped 30 others. Around 30 faculty members at the University of Kansas chose to accept the school’s voluntary buyout offer.
Moreover, Christian Brothers University in Tennessee reduced its faculty by 16, and the University of Oklahoma’s Board of Trustees voted to cut 41 degree programs and suspend 21 others. The University of Idaho has faced similar challenges, letting go of 10 employees, including 5 professors.
Meanwhile, Boston University is grappling with a $30 million budget deficit, and San Francisco State University anticipates that 60 to 75 faculty members will take the proposed buyouts, all while cutting 120 unfilled positions.
Bobby King, communications director for the Office of the President at San Francisco State University, noted, “Demographic trends and changing student demand for academic programs are prompting institutions nationwide to shift resources. While these decisions are tough, they are crucial for aligning faculty with growing majors while scaling back on areas experiencing declining interest.”
“Higher education has been notoriously bloated for decades, so the outrage over workforce cuts seems a bit excessive,” remarked Nicole Neily, founder and president of Defending Education, in a statement. She added that many students are reconsidering college due to high costs and questionable educational quality, further exacerbated by a declining birthrate.
Neil further pointed out that many universities will need to consolidate in the years ahead, presenting an opportunity for leaders to reevaluate the type of institutions they want to be and whether there’s a market for their programs.
White House press secretary Liz Houston commented that the administration is “proudly delivering on President Trump’s promise to prevent taxpayers from being unnecessarily burdened by wasteful spending in higher education.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to several universities, including DePaul University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Boston University, for their responses.
