Bowie State University announced plans to eliminate 79 jobs through layoffs and structural reorganizations, citing an $18 million projected budget deficit for fiscal 2027 amid declining enrollment, rising costs, and reduced state and federal support. The public, historically Black institution said it was able to close a $13.6 million projected gap in fiscal 2026 without layoffs. The university’s actions come as Maryland’s budget changes reduced appropriations for the University of Maryland system, with ripple effects felt across campuses in the form of funding shortfalls. Bowie State also expects state funding tied to HBCU allocations to fall further in fiscal 2027. Leaders pointed to cost pressures including employee benefits, utilities, and “essential technology investments,” alongside the enrollment forecast decline that reduces projected tuition and fee revenue. The announcement adds to a wider pattern of workforce contraction in public higher education when state budget stress coincides with enrollment softness—raising pressure on institutions’ capacity to maintain academic and student support services.