Straws in the Wind - Part 77

From WGBH: More than a third of Clark’s undergrads and two-thirds of its graduate students come from abroad. But many may not return this fall due to visa delays and growing skepticism about the U.S. as a study destination. “Whether it’s visa issues or the perception that America may not be the best place right now, we’re expecting some negative effects,” said Clark President David Fithian. "We’re prepared to deal with that financially.”

Clark is one example of how higher education institutions are rethinking their business models due to converging circumstances. Besides the drop in international enrollment, Clark is bracing for a significant drop in domestic enrollment, too. Like many small private colleges, it’s competing for a shrinking pool of traditional-aged students who are increasingly skeptical about the value of a four-year degree, and now facing slashed financial aid. All of this adds up to a major drop in revenue. The university plans to cut more than a quarter of its faculty in the coming years as it retools its academic offerings to focus on fields like climate and environment, media and computing, and health and human behavior — areas Clark leaders say are more relevant to today’s world and job market...

Full story at https://www.wgbh.org/news/education-news/2025-08-06/clark-university-braces-for-a-harsh-new-reality-as-higher-ed-recession-looms.

From WMUR: More job cuts are coming at the University of New Hampshire after a letter from the university president said 23 employees were notified Thursday that they would lose their jobs. In total, 36 positions were eliminated, including 13 unfilled roles. In addition, 10 employees will have their hours reduced.

The cuts extend beyond staffing. The university is also cutting back on professional development, student jobs and hours for campus buildings, including the dining hall. These measures are part of a university-wide plan to reduce expenses by $12 million, after state lawmakers cut funding for the university system in the latest budget.

Source: https://www.wmur.com/article/unh-eliminates-36-jobs-budget-cuts-08072025/65631686.