Indiana's Public Universities to cut over 400 academic programs under new state law: Here is why

Indiana’s public universities are undergoing one of the most significant academic restructurings in recent years. More than 400 degree programs will be eliminated, suspended, or consolidated following the implementation of a new state mandate aimed at aligning higher education with enrollment trends and workforce needs.
The law behind the moveThe changes stem from House Enrolled Act 1001 , a state budget law that requires public universities to review academic offerings and identify programs with zero or persistently low enrollment. Under the law, these programs must either be eliminated, suspended, or merged with related degrees unless institutions obtain a waiver from the state.

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education confirmed that six public universities have already submitted their lists of programs for action. The legislation marks a shift toward performance-based evaluation in higher education, where viability is increasingly tied to enrollment numbers and labor market relevance.
What programs are affected?A total of 404 programs across Indiana’s public universities are set to be restructured:

• 229 programs will be merged or consolidated into broader academic tracks.
  
• 101 programs will be suspended, with teach-out plans in place for enrolled students to complete their degrees.
  
• 74 programs will be completely eliminated.

Many of the affected programs are niche or specialised degrees that have seen little or no demand in recent years. These include programs in fields such as journalism, theatre and drama, nursing education, and unmanned systems, along with certain graduate-level education and language degrees.

Ball State University in Muncie leads the list with 51 programs impacted, including the discontinuation of its master’s degree in English/Language Arts education and degrees in areas such as software engineering, German education, and chemical technology.
Why is this happening?The decision reflects a growing trend in higher education toward “right-sizing” academic portfolios. Universities are under pressure to manage costs while ensuring that programs align with student demand and evolving industry needs. Programs with low or zero enrollment not only consume financial and faculty resources but also limit institutions’ ability to invest in high-demand areas such as technology, health sciences, and business.

By consolidating programs, universities aim to reduce redundancy, strengthen core disciplines, and maintain academic quality while optimizing resources. The move is also expected to help institutions respond more effectively to workforce requirements in areas like STEM, healthcare, and applied sciences.
The impact on students and facultyCurrent students enrolled in affected programs will be allowed to complete their degrees through structured teach-out plans. However, prospective students may find fewer specialized degree options in the coming years, as programs consolidate into broader fields of study.

Faculty members in departments with eliminated or merged programs may face reassignment or changes in workload, although the long-term implications for academic staffing remain uncertain.
What’s next?The process of reviewing and finalizing program changes will continue over the academic year. While six universities have already submitted their plans, others, including Purdue University, are still in the process of determining which programs will be affected. Final decisions are expected by the end of the school year.

Indiana’s move mirrors similar efforts in other states, such as West Virginia, where universities have recently scaled back offerings to control costs and respond to declining enrollment. The trend suggests a broader shift in American higher education, where financial efficiency and market alignment increasingly shape the academic landscape.