Universities cut over 9,000 jobs in 2025 as Trump targets federal funding: report
The higher education sector is facing a crisis as job losses continue to mount, according to a recent report from Inside Higher Education. The report highlighted that in December alone, the sector lost 300 jobs, with a total of over 9,000 positions being cut through layoffs and buyouts in 2025. The report also noted that the actual number of job losses may be higher due to unreported personnel actions.
Several factors were cited as contributing to the job losses in the higher education sector. These included President Donald Trump’s restrictions on federal research funds, efforts to limit enrollment of foreign students, clashes with universities over alleged civil rights violations, increasing operational costs, and an uncertain federal policy environment.
One example mentioned in the report was DePaul University in Chicago, which cut 114 staff jobs in December after losing hundreds of international students. Other institutions facing job cuts included the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Western Wyoming Community College, University of Kansas, Christian Brothers University, University of Oklahoma, and the College of Idaho.
Boston University, grappling with a $30 million budget deficit, laid off 120 workers and closed 120 vacant positions. San Francisco State University also expects between 60 and 75 faculty members to accept a buyout.
In response to the job cuts, Bobby King, director of communications at the office of the president at San Francisco State University, stated that institutions are making difficult choices to realign faculty and staff to better serve students in growing majors while reducing investment in areas of declining student demand.
Nicole Neily, founder and president of Defending Education, commented on the situation, noting that higher education has been bloated for decades and that the decline in student interest in attending college, along with demographic shifts, has contributed to the current challenges faced by universities.
White House spokesperson Liz Huston emphasized the administration’s commitment to stopping wasteful spending in higher education and ensuring that taxpayers are not funding unnecessary expenses.
Fox News Digital reached out to several universities mentioned in the report for comment but did not receive responses.
Overall, the higher education sector is grappling with significant challenges, including job losses, budget deficits, and shifting student demographics. Institutions are being forced to make tough decisions to adapt to these changes and ensure their long-term sustainability.
