Iowa State University plans to cut or merge 23 academic programs after a mandated state review of low-enrollment offerings. The proposal, developed under a process directed by the Iowa Board of Regents, targets programs enrolling at or below specific thresholds (25 or fewer bachelor’s students; 10 or fewer graduate students). Iowa State’s plan includes shutting down 10 degree programs—five undergraduate and five graduate—while recommending consolidations for another 13 degrees. Universities would not admit new students into closed programs if regents approve, but current students would be allowed to finish degrees. Provost Jason Keith said the university must evaluate low-enrollment programs as carefully as it develops new ones aligned with workforce needs. The board is expected to review the proposals later this month, with deans and chairs’ recommendations forming the basis for the package.