Bowie State University announced plans to eliminate 79 jobs through layoffs and reorganizations, citing an $18 million fiscal 2027 budget deficit driven by declining enrollment, rising costs, and reduced state and federal support. University leaders said the university avoided earlier projected layoffs for fiscal 2026 but now face sustained financial pressure. The cuts arrive as Maryland’s higher education funding trajectory tightens. Bowie State expects state funding to fall about 1% to $85.9 million in fiscal 2027, with its share of Maryland allocations for HBCUs projected to decline about 10.5% to $14.5 million. Institution officials tied the growing gap to benefit and infrastructure expenses, utility pressures, and the need for essential technology investments. They also pointed to a projected enrollment drop to 5,320 in fiscal 2027 from 5,970 in 2026, which officials estimated would reduce tuition and fee revenue by $5.8 million. The announcement highlights how budget belt-tightening in public systems is translating into immediate employment actions—potentially affecting staffing levels for academic delivery and student-facing services.