Washington State University Spokane Campus Faces Up to 15% Budget Cuts Amid Financial Struggles

Washington State University (WSU) is bracing for significant budget cuts, with its Spokane campus facing reductions of up to 15%, as university leaders grapple with a perfect storm of financial challenges. Announced on Thursday, April 3, 2025, by WSU President Elizabeth Cantwell during an interview at WSU Spokane, the directive requires all 44 WSU units to draft proposals for cuts ranging from 1% to 10%, with the Health Sciences unit in Spokane singled out for deeper reductions. The move comes as the university contends with federal grant freezes, a state budget deficit, and declining enrollment, raising concerns about the future of its academic programs and research initiatives.

Cantwell, just three days into her presidency, emphasized the need for proactive planning. "The best option is to plan for different scenarios," she said, acknowledging that the exact impact on individual colleges and campuses remains uncertain. However, the Spokane campus—home to WSU's medical school, nursing, and pharmaceutical sciences programs—appears particularly vulnerable due to its unique financial pressures. With an annual budget of approximately $82 million, more than half of which supports the medical school, WSU Spokane is already projecting a $2 million deficit for 2025.

A Triple Threat to Funding

The university's financial woes stem from multiple fronts. Federally, President Donald Trump's freeze on federal grants, though temporarily halted by court challenges, has cast doubt on future research funding. WSU, which relies heavily on external sponsors, has secured $175 million in grants for its medical school over the past decade, supporting critical research in areas like addiction sciences, mental health, and neuroscience. Cantwell remains cautiously optimistic, noting, "Research at the scale we do it in the United States makes us economically great," but the university is preparing for a potential reduction in federal dollars.

At the state level, anticipated cuts to higher education funding are exacerbating the situation. Meanwhile, enrollment declines—most notably at the College of Pharmacy, where student numbers have dropped by more than 50% since 2019-20—are shrinking tuition revenue. Leslie Brunelli, WSU's Chief Financial Officer, highlighted the pharmacy school's struggles, stating, "When you take these three colleges and the Spokane administrative unit combined, we're facing a significant budget shortfall on an annual basis." Despite this, Spokane Chancellor Daryll DeWald expressed hope that pharmacy enrollment could rebound, citing the strong job prospects for graduates.

Strategic Cuts and "Program Optimization"

To address the looming deficit, WSU Spokane is exploring "program optimization," a strategy DeWald described as increasing efficiencies and collaboration among colleges. While specifics remain unclear, the approach suggests a focus on streamlining operations rather than outright program closures. Cantwell and university leadership are working to prioritize cuts, aiming to protect core academic and research missions. However, with reserve funds—such as Pullman's $120 million and Vancouver's $30 million—off-limits for covering shortfalls, the pressure is on to find sustainable solutions.

The medical school, despite its chronic debt (partly intentional, per Brunelli), remains a cornerstone of WSU Spokane's identity. Its research output and community impact underscore the stakes of these cuts, as reductions could ripple through healthcare education and innovation in the region.

What's Next for WSU?

As WSU leadership finalizes its budget plans, students and faculty await clarity on how these cuts will affect class sizes, program offerings, and research opportunities. Cantwell's early tenure will be tested by her ability to navigate this crisis while maintaining WSU's commitment to its land-grant mission. For now, the university is in a holding pattern, drafting contingency plans and hoping for relief from federal and state pressures.

The situation at WSU Spokane reflects broader challenges facing public universities nationwide, where funding uncertainties threaten academic stability. As the university community watches closely, the coming months will reveal whether WSU can weather this storm—or if deeper sacrifices lie ahead.

Stay tuned to UniversityHerald for updates on WSU's budget decisions and their impact on higher education in the Pacific Northwest.