University of Utah Faces Tough Choices as Budget Cuts Loom

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — The University of Utah (U of U) is grappling with a daunting directive from the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE): consider cutting academic majors with fewer than 40 graduates per year as part of a $19.6 million state-imposed budget reduction. This mandate, announced on April 10, 2025, positions the U of U as the hardest-hit among Utah's eight public colleges and universities, which collectively face a $60.5 million cut to their base budgets for higher education.

The call to evaluate low-enrollment programs comes as the university navigates an unprecedented financial challenge, with state leaders urging institutions to streamline operations and prioritize high-demand fields. Mitzi Montoya, a prominent figure in Utah's higher education landscape, addressed the issue during a recent legislative discussion, emphasizing the need for strategic adaptation. "We must align our offerings with the realities of today's workforce and student interests," she remarked on January 16, 2025, at the U of U campus.

Under the USHE's initial guidance, the university is tasked with submitting a draft plan by May, followed by a formal presentation to the Utah Board of Higher Education in June. The proposed cuts have sparked concern among faculty and students, who fear the loss of niche but valuable programs that contribute to the university's academic diversity. Departments such as ethnic studies, certain foreign languages, and specialized sciences could be on the chopping block if they fail to meet the 40-graduate threshold.

The $19.6 million reduction represents the largest share of the statewide cuts, reflecting the U of U's status as Utah's flagship institution. Administrators are now forced to weigh graduation rates, program costs, and market demand—metrics outlined by USHE—against the institution's broader educational mission. For instance, while fields like nursing, engineering, and business are likely safe due to their robust enrollment and job prospects, smaller programs that enrich campus culture and scholarship may not survive the review.

Students and faculty are already mobilizing to voice their concerns. "These cuts threaten the soul of what makes a university a place of exploration and growth," said one senior majoring in a potentially vulnerable humanities program, speaking anonymously to University Herald. Faculty members echo this sentiment, arguing that quantitative benchmarks alone cannot capture the value of less-popular majors.

The budget slashing follows a tumultuous period for Utah's higher education system, including the dissolution of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in 2024 under a new state law. That legislation, coupled with the current financial pressures, has left many at the U of U feeling squeezed between fiscal realities and their commitment to a broad-based education.

As the May deadline approaches, the university faces a pivotal moment. Will it preserve its breadth of offerings, or will it bow to the pragmatic demands of a leaner budget? The answers will shape not only the U of U's future but also the landscape of public higher education in Utah.