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Indiana Shakes Up Higher Education: Nearly 20% of College Programs Set to Disappear or Merge

A Bold Move to Eliminate Underperforming Degrees

Indiana is taking a sharp turn in higher education, phasing out or consolidating nearly 20% of public college programs after state leaders imposed strict new enrollment rules. The decision comes after a sweeping review of 1,056 programs, revealing that 210 will be eliminated, 374 will merge with others, and 472 will remain unchanged. Shockingly, half of these cuts were already planned by universities before the legislation even passed—proving that inefficiency in higher education is a long-standing issue.

The Shocking Numbers Behind the Cuts

Some programs had enrollment figures so low they defy belief:

• Ball State’s journalism master’s program averaged just six graduates per year over three years.
• Indiana State’s philosophy bachelor’s program had a single student.
• IU Bloomington’s master’s in fashion design saw zero graduates during the same period.

These three programs are among 50 being cut for having no students at all, raising questions about whether some degrees survive on tradition rather than real demand.

New Rules: Survival of the Most Enrolled

The state has set strict minimum enrollment requirements to keep programs running:

• 10 graduates for associate degrees
• 15 graduates for bachelor’s degrees
• 7 graduates for master’s degrees
• 3 graduates for doctorates

Programs falling below these thresholds must seek special permission to continue. This sweeping change stems from a 2025 budget rule slipped in just before the legislative session ended. Governor Eric Holcomb has been a vocal advocate, arguing that students should focus on careers with actual job opportunities.

A National Trend: Cutting Programs That Don’t Pay Off

Indiana’s move aligns with a nationwide push from Washington to defund programs where graduates earn less than high school graduates. The state is also launching a data project to track the true cost of each program, though inconsistencies in school reporting have slowed progress. The findings will be published online, giving taxpayers full transparency on where education dollars are going.

The Big Question: Will This Save Money—or Just Redistribute It?

The state admits it doesn’t yet know if the cuts will lead to real savings or simply shift funds elsewhere. Critics argue that eliminating "low-enrollment" degrees is long overdue, while others warn it could narrow academic options, particularly in fields like arts and social sciences.

The Broader Debate: Should Colleges Prioritize Jobs Over Knowledge?

Indiana’s decision forces a tough question: Should colleges preserve niche programs to safeguard specialized knowledge, or cut what doesn’t pay for itself? As the state moves forward, the outcome could set a precedent for higher education nationwide.