US colleges are cutting majors and slashing programs after years of putting it off

[Hume]

But the trend for four-year colleges remains worrisome. Even without growing concerns about the cost of college and the long-term burden of student debt, the pool of young adults is shrinking.

Birth rates fell during the Great Recession of 2007 to 2009 and never recovered. Now those smaller classes are preparing to graduate and head off to college.

US colleges are cutting majors and slashing programs after years of putting it off

Colleges large and small in the U.S. are cutting programs and eliminating majors to make ends meet. Among their budget challenges: Federal COVID relief money is expiring, operational costs are rising and fewer high school graduates are going straight to college.

apnews.com

 

[Hume]

"Christina Westman dreamed of working with Parkinson’s disease and stroke patients as a music therapist when she started studying at St. Cloud State University.

But her schooling was upended in May when administrators at the Minnesota college announced a plan to eliminate its music department as it slashes 42 degree programs and 50 minors.

It’s part of a wave of program cuts in recent months, as U.S. colleges large and small try to make ends meet. Among their budget challenges: Federal COVID relief money is now gone, operational costs are rising and fewer high school graduates are going straight to college.