The University of Minnesota plans to cut $225 million from its budget over two years, with savings sought across its five campuses. Senior leaders cited shifting enrollment, unpredictable state and federal funding, and rising costs.
Leaders described enrollment and funding pressures as long-term sector trends and said the effort requires a shift from annual to two-year budget planning. UMN reported 72,010 students in fall 2025, up 7.8% from five years earlier; Duluth and Morris nevertheless had overall declines over that span despite upticks in fall 2025.
UMN did not say whether the new effort would involve layoffs or other job cuts. Separately, its board approved a fiscal 2027 plan in June using $98.6 million in savings and alternative revenue; that plan relies largely on eliminating 165 academic positions and 64 support jobs. The $225 million target could amount to 15% of allocated operating revenue.
