The University of Minnesota plans to cut $225 million from its budget over the next two years, an amount administrators say equals 12% to 15% of operating revenue. The announcement did not identify where cuts will fall.
President Rebecca Cunningham and the other administrators cited shifting enrollment, unpredictable state and federal funding, and rising costs. They said operating expenses are outpacing revenues and described the pressures as long-term, not temporary.
Chancellors, deans and unit leaders will begin the next budget cycle earlier and shift from annual to two-year planning. Officials said individual units will work out reductions, with final decisions depending on external factors, and promised faculty and staff more input. In 2025, the system approved a 7% reduction to academic programs, about $98 million.
