Indiana Law to Cut Degree Programs at Six Universities Due to Low Enrollment

In Indiana, more than 400 degree programs at six state universities could be cut or consolidated into other programs due to a new law that requires universities to eliminate or consolidate programs with low enrollment.

The law sets thresholds for associate degrees (10 students), bachelor's degrees (15 students), master's programs (7 students), doctoral programs (3 students), and specialist programs (3 students). Indiana University, across all its campuses, has eliminated, suspended, or consolidated 249 degree programs, the most of any state university. Purdue University and its campuses come in second with 83, including suspending a bachelor's degree program in microbiology.

Purdue Student Body President Rebecca Siener expressed concern about the change: "B.S. (bachelors of science) in microbio, a pretty decent-sized program. I think that’s a bit surprising. That does worry me a bit."

The axing of degree programs isn't finalized yet; the Indiana Commission for Higher Education will decide later this month whether to approve the recommendations put forth by the universities.

Purdue University shared a statement: "Of the five programs on the Purdue main campus in the preliminary draft of ‘plan to suspend,’ about 1 in 1,000 students are in such programs today."

Democratic state Rep. Matt Pierce of Bloomington criticized the law, saying it wasn't necessary and that universities already monitor demand for courses and majors. He warned that the law could lead to a "Soviet-style" approach to higher education.

Republican Gov. Mike Braun defended the law, stating: "This will help students make more informed decisions about the degree they want to pursue and ensure there is a direct connection between the skills students are gaining through higher education and the skills they need most."