New HESA data show deep regional declines in enrollment for language and area studies while demand for AI programs surged—producing geographic 'cold spots' where degree pathways have effectively vanished. Financial pressures are prompting institutions to suspend or eliminate low‑enrolment majors; examples include modern language reductions and program suspensions at multiple campuses. State and system boards are accelerating program reviews and cuts—Oklahoma, Nebraska and Wisconsin among those pruning degrees—raising access concerns for local students and prompting debate over how to balance workforce demand against liberal‑arts offerings.