Two public universities announced layoffs this week as administrators move to close budget gaps driven by rising costs, federal funding disruptions and enrollment shifts. Michigan State University said it will eliminate 99 positions—part of broader reductions that include earlier cuts tied to paused federal research funding—projecting $50 million in annual savings. President Kevin Guskiewicz linked the action to higher operating expenses and the termination or pause of dozens of federally funded research projects. The University of Northern Colorado plans roughly 50 layoffs and the elimination of about 30 vacant roles to close an estimated $7 million shortfall for fiscal 2026, officials said. UNC leaders cited unexpected state funding reductions, lower-than-anticipated enrollment and historically low turnover that left fewer voluntary vacancies to trim. Both institutions framed the moves as scaling to new enrollment realities and protecting core academic missions, but trustees and campus leaders will now face service gaps and morale challenges as campuses shrink staff to balance budgets.