Weber State Joins Growing List of Universities Forced to Slash Programs—What’s Next?

Major Changes Coming as Weber State Announces Program Cuts

Weber State University has become the latest institution to announce significant program cuts in response to shifting enrollment trends and budget constraints. The university confirmed it will eliminate several underperforming majors, sparking concerns among students and faculty. While exact details remain under discussion, insiders suggest low-enrollment programs in the humanities and specialized sciences are most at risk.

Higher education analysts warn that Weber State’s decision reflects a nationwide crisis. Universities are grappling with declining student numbers, rising operational costs, and increasing pressure to prioritize "workforce-ready" degrees.

• Targeted Programs: Foreign languages, philosophy, and niche engineering tracks may face elimination.
• Student Impact: Current enrollees will likely be allowed to complete their degrees under "teach-out" plans.
• Faculty Layoffs: Non-tenured professors in affected departments could lose positions by 2025.

Why Universities Are Making Tough Choices

The move follows similar actions at other regional universities, including West Virginia University’s controversial cuts last year. Experts cite three key factors:

1. Shrinking 18-22 age demographic in many regions
2. Growing public skepticism about liberal arts degrees’ ROI
3. State legislatures pushing STEM-focused funding models

"This isn’t about educational value—it’s pure economics," said Dr. Ellen Pritchett, a higher education policy researcher. "When you have French classes with five students and nursing labs with waiting lists, administrators see an easy decision."

What This Means for Future Students

The restructuring raises urgent questions about access to diverse fields of study. While technical programs may expand, critics fear losing:

• Critical thinking development from liberal arts
• Niche programs supporting regional industries
• Academic diversity that attracts research talent

Weber State plans to redirect resources toward healthcare, computer science, and business programs where demand—and state funding—are strongest.

What Do You Think?

• Should universities eliminate "impractical" degrees even if they enrich society?
• Is this the beginning of a two-tiered higher education system?
• Are students themselves to blame for flocking to vocational majors?
• Could online education save endangered programs?