The Iowa Board of Regents approved eliminating 10 programs across the University of Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa, with program closures or mergers tied to low-enrollment thresholds. The regents’ earlier directive required public universities to review degrees that fell below defined enrollment metrics for bachelor’s and graduate programs. University of Iowa received approval to terminate seven programs, while University of Northern Iowa was cleared to close three graduate programs. The board’s framework aimed to improve workforce alignment and administrative efficiency, shifting academic planning toward demand signals. Despite identifying more underenrolled offerings, officials said some programs were exempted or adjusted based on workforce importance and local conditions, including exemptions for areas such as nursing bachelor’s and teaching-related programs. Iowa State is also pursuing additional program reductions through a separate plan to the board beginning in June.