UNK releases final budget reduction recommendations to address $4.5 million deficit

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The University of Nebraska-Kearney released its final budget reduction recommendations to address a $4.5 million structural deficit on Monday.

The final recommendation comes after the university gathered feedback from faculty and staff over email and in-person conversations since the initial plan was released on Dec. 9.

As a result of that feedback, the Bachelor of Science in Family Science degree is not being eliminated because of “strong workforce demand in Nebraska, program realignment and a transition to online delivery.”

In a statement, UNK Chancellor Neal Schnoor said the shared governance process is “essential to making thoughtful decisions in this challenging time.”

“I am grateful to everyone who took the time to engage, ask questions and share feedback,” he said.  “Their input, collaboration and innovation directly informed the final recommendations.”

Proposed reductions in force have been reduced from five positions to three, according to the university.

There are now only four programs proposed for elimination:

• 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 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.