(The Center Square) – East Carolina University is the latest of higher education institutions in the University of North Carolina System to render cuts and seek savings.
UNC Asheville and UNC Greensboro followed a similar route two summers ago, some actions of which are being implemented this year. Not all cuts are voluntary, and enrollment numbers involve today and projections in the future.
Over three years, leaders at ECU believe $25 million in savings can be reaped. Six academic programs ended in the fall of 2025, 33 more voluntarily shuttered, and 11 were chosen by the university. It will take up to four years for all to come to an end, trustees learned at their last meeting.
In September, the university counted 27,153 students – an increase for the third consecutive year. In explanation at the most recent meeting of the Board of Trustees, the university said more than 121,000 students are expected to graduate from the state’s high schools this year, only 117,000 in 2029, and there’s not a projected increase until 2034.
UNC Greensboro, with a budget shortfall fueled by a loss of $22 million in tuition and fees over five years, in February 2024 confirmed elimination of five majors and multiple courses. UNC Asheville, in July of the same year, attacked a $6 million budget deficit by eliminating four degree programs and academic departments, and two language concentrations.
The Board of Governors for the University of North Carolina System in February voted to increase in-state undergraduate tuitions for the first time in nine years.
In September, the UNC System celebrated a 3.4% increase in enrollment to more than 256,000 – including at 15 of the 16 higher education institutions. N.C. State (39,259), Carolina (34,099) and UNC Charlotte (32,207) are the largest; Elizabeth City State (2,357), UNC Asheville (2,874) and Fayetteville State (7,623) are the smallest.
UNC Asheville’s 6% decline in enrollment was in part attributed to recovery ongoing from Hurricane Helene.
