In May, Indiana University (IU) cut 249 programs and 116 degree pathways. These majors include education, arts and sciences. The effects of these cuts can be detrimental to the future of current and incoming students.

Senior Isabella Iglesias plans on pursuing art after she graduates. However, recent college budget cuts have limited her opportunities.

“A lot of the time you could take [2D and 3D animation] separately, because they’re completely different things. However, recently, I’ve seen that colleges are combining them into one major, or they’re just getting rid of the art colleges that shut down,” Iglesias said.

Although IU faced the most amount of cuts, college budget cuts have affected schools throughout the state. This is due to reduced federal funding and a state budget law that cuts programs if they don’t reach a high enough enrollment rate.

Throughout Indiana, colleges have been forced to cut programs specifically in arts and education. As news comes in with seemingly endless lists of cut programs, students fear that they might not be able to pursue their passion.

“And even colleges that aren’t really artsy will have [Artificial Intelligence] courses now in terms of creative things, but it’s sort of just the trickle down effect, like I said, of how the industry affects the college and how now colleges are less likely to sort of want to do that,” Iglesias said

Although some courses are being cut, others are being merged.

For example, it appears that IU is cutting over 200 programs. In reality, many majors are actually being merged into general studies with specific concentrations.

One of these programs is the School of Education. Originally, there were bachelors for each type of education students were interested in teaching. Now, it is considered one umbrella major with individual tracks.

Despite the cuts’ ability to change the future of higher education, students can take steps to choose the college and major that is best fit for them.

Students can advocate for themselves by communicating with admission offices and college advisors.

Incoming college freshmen can also tour universities in order to learn about which colleges best fit their future.

By staying aware of which majors are being cut, merged, or suspended, students can find a college that is cost effective and sets students up for the best possible future.