Colorado State University’s system board approved a fiscal 2027 budget that implemented spending cuts and layoffs across its two campuses as the state keeps higher-education funding flat and caps tuition increases for in-state students at 3.5%. At CSU Fort Collins, the plan includes $35.8 million in strategic cuts, including staff layoffs estimated at 0.5% of the workforce, plus savings from eliminating vacant positions. CSU Pueblo also moved to address a structural deficit through layoffs (nearly nine full-time staff positions), closure of vacant roles, unit reorganization, and a $1 million reduction to athletics. The campus raised tuition 3.5% for in-state students and 5% for out-of-state students, while leaders said student services tied to persistence and graduation would be maintained. University leaders attributed the gap to cost growth outpacing state funding. The CSU system’s approach reflects how public institutions are balancing workforce reductions with aid strategies and constrained tuition policy environments.