UNK proposes eliminating five programs to address $4.5 million deficit
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The University of Nebraska at Kearney on Tuesday released its proposal to address a $4.5 million structural deficit.
In a news release, the university said the budget reduction recommendations were informed by campus faculty and budget advisory committees that reviewed UNK’s finances.
UNK identified $4.8 million in reductions for the current biennium ending in fiscal year 2027, the university said.
The deficit reflects revenue “that hasn’t kept pace with rising expenses,” like a 37.8% increase in health insurance costs since 2023, according to the university.
UNK also points to slower state funding growth, unfunded tuition mandates and remissions and inflation as other contributors to the shortfall.
The university said five degrees and programs are under consideration for elimination based on “enrollment trends and resource alignment”:
- Family Science, Bachelor of Science
- Higher Education Student Affairs, Master of Science in Education
- Modern Languages, Bachelor of Arts – German Emphasis
- Music Comprehensive, Bachelor of Music – Music Business Emphasis
- Modern Languages 7–12 Teaching Endorsement, Bachelor of Arts in Education – German Emphasis
UNK’s personnel-related proposals include a “Voluntary Separation Incentive Program,” which is estimated to save $2.4 million.
The university also plans to evaluate $2.4 million in “operational, administrative and structural reductions,” including staffing and graduate assistant adjustments.
In a letter to campus, UNK Chancellor Neal Schnoor said he’s “deeply grateful to all who contributed time, ideas and expertise throughout this process.”
“Your involvement has helped us forge a collaborative path forward,” Schnoor wrote. “I know the weight of these changes is felt differently across our community, and I appreciate the care and resilience you continue to show.”
Schnoor is accepting feedback in person and by email before final decisions are made on Dec. 22.
