Ohio Universities Cut Nearly 90 Degree Programs Under Senate Bill 1
Ohio’s public universities face major cuts as Senate Bill 1 forces elimination of nearly 90 degree programs that fail to graduate enough students annually.
COLUMBUS, OHIO — Ohio’s public universities have identified nearly 90 degree programs for elimination since Senate Bill 1 became law just over a year ago, requiring institutions to cut undergraduate programs that graduate fewer than five students annually over a three-year period.
The legislation mandates universities to eliminate degree programs that do not meet minimum graduation thresholds, while also implementing changes to higher education including bans on diversity efforts and restrictions on faculty strikes.
Program Cuts Vary Across Institutions
Several major universities have yet to finalize their cuts, citing the need to wait for spring 2026 graduation data. Youngstown State University has not announced which programs will be eliminated.
“We will not have that data until the June (Board of Trustees) meeting as the answer requires us to evaluate based off of the number of graduates in each program which we will not have until after graduation,” university spokesperson Rebecca Rose said in an email.
The University of Akron and Central State University also have not completed their lists of programs to cut. “We will specifically need to wait until after graduation, as this year’s graduates count toward the 3-year average for established programs,” University of Akron spokesperson Margaret Thresher said in an email.
Some Universities Avoid Cuts
Cleveland State University and Miami University have not eliminated any degree programs as a result of Senate Bill 1, according to the Ohio Capital Journal’s survey of state institutions.
Bowling Green State University is eliminating six degree programs beginning with upcoming academic terms, though the specific programs were not detailed in available information.
Broader Legislative Changes
Beyond the degree program requirements, Senate Bill 1 introduces significant changes to Ohio’s public university system. The law bans diversity efforts, regulates classroom discussion, prohibits faculty strikes, and creates post-tenure reviews.
The legislation also puts diversity scholarships at risk and creates a retrenchment provision that blocks unions from negotiating on tenure issues. These changes represent some of the most significant reforms to Ohio higher education in recent years.
Universities across the state continue to assess their program offerings as they work to comply with the graduation threshold requirements while managing the broader implications of the new law.
