Iowa State University proposed cutting or consolidating 23 academic programs after a state-mandated review of low-enrollment offerings, with Provost Jason Keith set to bring the plan to the Iowa Board of Regents later this month. The university’s recommendations would close 10 degree programs (five undergraduate, five graduate), and merge or consolidate another 13. Fifteen additional programs received two-year extensions to assess workforce and student demand before further review. The closures reflect board thresholds that label bachelor’s programs with 25 or fewer students and graduate programs with 10 or fewer students as candidates for restructuring. Iowa State said it would still offer related elective coursework, certificates, and minors in many affected areas, while current students would be allowed to finish degrees. The move intensifies pressure on departments to demonstrate market alignment and enrollment viability, and it raises near-term governance questions about faculty workload, transition planning, and curriculum continuity for students already in the pipeline.