Queens University of Charlotte says it will make cuts after missing enrollment goal
Queens University of Charlotte says it will cut its budget and make some layoffs after missing its enrollment goal for the fall semester.
The university anticipates it will fall short of its undergraduate enrollment goal by about 100 students, due to the “turbulent” rollout of the new Federal Application for Student Aid, according to an email sent on Monday and obtained by The Charlotte Observer. The school’s undergraduate enrollment is around 1,300 students.
A university spokesperson confirmed the school will cut costs, but did not answer other related questions from the Observer.
The university expects the cost-cutting measures will be temporary as the U.S. Department of Education works to roll out an improved FAFSA experience, a Queens University spokesperson told the Observer.
According to the university’s announcement email, cost-cutting measures will include:
Holding open some faculty and staff positions
Reducing staff and restructuring the workforce
Removing the raise pool from the budget
Combining campus events and receptions
Reducing non-essential spending, including travel
“These were not decisions we took lightly, and we understand the incredible impact they will have on our valued faculty, staff, and academic landscape,” said the university’s email, which was signed by President Dan Lugo and other senior administrators.
In 2020, Congress passed a law requiring the Department of Education by July 2023 to simplify FAFSA, a form commonly filled out by students to receive scholarships, Pell Grants and other aid. The new FAFSA was made available to students in December — two months later than usual.
On April 9, the Education Department announced processing or data errors affected 30% of submitted FAFSA forms. The department also miscalculated the financial need of around 200,000 students who submitted forms before March 21, a news release said.
“The turbulent roll-out of the new Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) by the Department of Education wreaked havoc for students pursuing higher education and for the institutions serving them,” Queens University’s email stated. “This caused many students to delay their decision about where to attend college, or to pursue other paths altogether.”
Undergraduate interest for Fall 2025 and Fall 2026 is up by 40% and 150%, and the university sees continued interest in several graduate programs, a university spokesperson told the Observer.
This story was originally published July 11, 2024 at 6:23 PM.
