Over 200 jobs could be cut in Maryland university system as schools face funding challenge

BOWIE, Md. (7News) — Bowie State University is considering plans to cut nearly 80 positions from the Fiscal Year 2027 budget as the school faces an $18 million deficit. The deficit comes from reduced federal and state funding, and lower enrollment, among other reasons, a letter from the office of school president Dr. Aminita Breaux read.

It comes after the University of Maryland (UMD) announced it could cut up to 150 jobs at its College Park campus after losing 10% in state funding from FY 2025 to FY 2027.

Neither school specified which jobs would be cut for the upcoming school year; each said cuts would be made based on vacancies, reorganizations, retirements, and layoffs.

“We recognize that this is difficult news,” a portion of Bowie State’s president’s letter read. “Please know that these decisions are not a reflection of the dedication and excellence you bring to Bowie State each day but rather the result of significant financial challenges that we must address to ensure the university’s long-term viability.”

During an April meeting, the University System of Maryland (USM), which oversees UMD and Bowie State, cited a continued decrease in federal funding after federal loan programs were restructured under President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

The Prince George’s County, Maryland-based university said it was expected to lose nearly $2 million in state funding during a presentation in March. The school was able to stave off layoffs during the 2025-26 school year despite having a $13.7 million deficit.

In March, the school closed a fundraising campaign that raised nearly $129 million, nearly doubling its original goal. Student enrollment took a hit, with the school reporting 130 fewer students than their Fall 2025 enrollment target. Student enrollment numbers, leaders claim, are expected to decline again in the fall, but steadily increase over the next eight years.

At College Park, enrollment is set to remain steady into the next year, but international enrollment decreased by 10%, according to a USM document.