Finally Facing the Music: US Colleges Ridding Themselves of Unpopular Majors and Programs

Aspiring music therapist Christina Westman’s dreams were abruptly disrupted when St. Cloud State University in Minnesota unveiled plans to eliminate its music department. This move is part of a growing trend of program cuts across US colleges, driven by various financial challenges such as the expiration of federal COVID relief funds, escalating operational costs, and declining enrollment rates among high school graduates.

The consequences of these cuts extend beyond mere cost savings and job losses. For students like Westman, who specifically chose St. Cloud State for its music therapy program, the upheaval has been anxiety-inducing. The uncertainty surrounding their academic future has led many students to scramble for alternatives, as programs they were passionate about face the chopping block.

1. Financial Struggles and Enrollment Decline
   • Colleges had initially avoided making cuts, hoping for a post-pandemic enrollment rebound. However, the reality of diminishing student numbers and depleted budgets has forced institutions to confront their financial constraints.
   • While community college enrollments showed signs of recovery, traditional four-year colleges continued to face challenges due to shrinking young adult populations and persistent concerns about the cost of higher education.
2. Budgetary Pressures
   • St. Cloud State, like many other institutions, witnessed declining enrollment figures and soaring expenses, resulting in a budget deficit of $32 million. Swift and significant cutbacks became inevitable as colleges grappled with financial shortfalls.
   • Some colleges took drastic measures, with a handful opting to shut down entirely, like Birmingham-Southern College and Fontbonne University.
3. Program Reductions and Closures
   • To address financial woes, several colleges, including those in North Carolina, Arkansas, and New York, have announced the axing of various degree programs to streamline operations and align resources with student demand.
   • This restructuring has impacted students in niche programs and humanities fields, exacerbating concerns about the viability of these academic disciplines within the current higher education landscape.

As colleges navigate this turbulent terrain of budget cuts and program eliminations, the repercussions for students, faculty, and the broader academic community are significant. The closure of departments like music at St. Cloud State has left both educators, like retired music professor Terry Vermillion, and students like Lilly Rhodes, grappling with the challenges of program suspensions, faculty transitions, and dwindling opportunities for artistic expression.

The evolving landscape of higher education demands innovative solutions and collaborative efforts to address the financial strains and demographic shifts facing colleges and universities nationwide. As students, educators, and institutions adapt to these changes, the importance of ensuring equitable access to quality education remains paramount.

In the face of uncertainty and adversity, it is crucial for the entire higher education community to rally together, explore new pathways for sustainability, and uphold the critical role of education in shaping the future of our society. The time to act is now, to safeguard the diversity of academic offerings and preserve the invaluable opportunities that higher education provides to students across the country.