The University of Nebraska–Lincoln has announced a $27.5 million budget reduction proposal to address a structural deficit and prepare for anticipated fiscal challenges in 2026.
The proposal, outlined by Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett in a Sept. 12 message to campus, includes $21 million to close an existing budget gap and $6.5 million in proactive reductions. It outlines the elimination of six academic programs, realignments for departments, and reductions across colleges and administrative units.
Programs proposed for elimination include Community and Regional Planning; Earth and Atmospheric Sciences; Educational Administration, Landscape Architecture, Statistics, and Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design. Together, these cuts would save $7.7 million.
Other elements of the announcement include:
- Four departments in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources would be merged into two interdisciplinary schools, saving an estimated $2 million; and
- Graduate assistantship funding will be reduced by $550,000 in the College of Engineering and College of Arts and Sciences.
The remaining $17.25 million will be achieved through administrative cuts, staff efficiencies, a voluntary separation incentive program for faculty, and a 1% rescission across state-aided budgets.
None of the proposed academic program reductions have been finalized.
The Academic Planning Committee will hold a series of hearings and offer an online submission form to gather feedback from faculty, staff, students and stakeholders. Details about the hearings and online form will be announced.
Feedback gathered will be provided to Chancellor Bennett before final recommendations are provided to the NU Board of Regents.
A complete overview of the budget process, including the proposals and previous messages, is available online.
