Portland State University Eliminates Departments, Cuts Faculty Amid Budget Shortfall
Portland State University is eliminating two academic departments and cutting 36 faculty positions to address a $35 million budget deficit.
Portland, OR, July 21, 2026 —
Portland State University (PSU) has announced significant changes to its academic structure in an effort to address a substantial budget deficit. The university plans to eliminate two academic departments and reduce its faculty by 36 positions. These measures are a direct response to a projected $35 million budget shortfall.
The specific departments slated for elimination were not detailed in the provided information. Similarly, the exact timeline for these faculty cuts and departmental closures was not specified. The university has stated that these decisions are necessary to ensure its long-term financial stability and to reallocate resources to areas of greater need or potential growth.
A budget deficit of $35 million presents a considerable challenge for the institution, prompting difficult choices regarding academic programs and staffing. The university administration is expected to provide further details on the implementation of these cuts and the rationale behind the departmental eliminations in the coming weeks. The impact on students currently enrolled in the affected departments, as well as on faculty members, is anticipated to be significant.
The faculty positions being cut represent a reduction in the university’s academic workforce. Further information regarding the process of these reductions, including any potential severance packages or support for displaced faculty, has not yet been released. The university’s focus remains on navigating the current financial crisis while striving to maintain the quality of education for its students.
Story summarized from the original created by Anusha Fathepure on www.oregonlive.com, see more information here.
