Dive Brief:
- A statewide budget crisis in Illinois has forced Chicago State University to cut more than 400 staff positions in a cost-saving effort to operate on limited public appropriations — about $13 million.
- The cuts will save about $2 million in salary costs per month, but also will coincide tuition revenue declines as a result of 20% enrollment decline this fall.
- The school, which serves a minority-majority student body, was placed on accreditation sanction last month for financial strife, a direct result of the budget emergency.
Dive Insight:
The ongoing legislative struggles with Chicago State are a symbol of potential issues smaller state institutions could face in light of drastic legislative cuts. States like Louisiana, Kentucky and North Carolina are similar examples of how lawmakers can push schools to the brink of closure, in the name of financial austerity.
As the higher education industry adapts how to do more with less, institutions may see growth in areas like online learning, credentialing opportunities to replace remedial and continuing education, and corporate partnerships for workforce development that help finance key programs and initiatives.