Indiana public colleges are moving to cut, merge, or suspend about 580 academic programs after a 2025 review law tied program continuation to enrollment and graduate thresholds. The Indiana Commission for Higher Education found roughly 370 programs would be merged or consolidated, while 210 would be suspended or eliminated, with more potential restructuring possible under a new “low earning” framework. The commission said colleges will have through the 2026-27 academic year to complete the required changes. No new students will be admitted starting in fall 2027, though some may continue if they were already enrolled. The law’s proponents cite workforce alignment and taxpayer stewardship, while critics warn that enrollment-based metrics can distort program value, especially for humanities and service courses. The changes could reshape statewide academic offerings well beyond the programs initially flagged, as colleges seek waivers for units that don’t meet threshold metrics.