Alexandria Armstrong
August 28, 2026
Survey results align with nationwide cuts to academic programs due to low enrollment
Universities have “too many academic programs,” according to the top money crunchers.
“Some 70 percent of all [chief business officers] agree their institution has too many academic programs given current enrollment,” a recent survey found. This is “up 59 percent from last year.”
The study contained responses from 213 universities, including 99 public colleges, 113 private colleges, and one for-profit institution, for a response rate of 9 percent. Concerns included “rising personnel costs” and “deferred maintenance.
The Inside Higher Ed “Survey of College and University Chief Business Officers” also found about half of the financial officials worry about “enrollment declines” and “structural cost imbalances.”