Colleges are navigating tough budget choices as enrollment shifts and revenue pressures mount. Recent campus headlines detail program eliminations and staffing reductions at institutions including University of Nebraska–Lincoln and Rider University. Administrators say declining new international and graduate enrollments, combined with demographic headwinds, are forcing program prioritization and layoffs. At the same time, employers report a soft hiring market for the class of 2026: a new jobs snapshot shows hiring demand roughly flat, with recruiters favoring skills‑based measures such as internships and work experience over GPA. The twin squeeze—campus budget cuts and a weak graduate hiring outlook—raises short‑term risks for student outcomes and institutional finances.