Boston University Confirms Layoffs, Budget Cuts

Boston University will lay off 120 employees and eliminate 120 vacant positions as part of a 5% budget cut for the upcoming fiscal year, citing federal funding cuts, rising inflation, demographic changes, and declining graduate enrollment. University leaders noted additional pressures from Trump-era policies impacting research funding and student visas. The layoffs will affect about 1% of BU’s workforce, with separation packages and transitional support offered to those impacted, though specific departments or positions have not been disclosed. Despite these measures, BU is continuing with major capital projects and has not announced tuition increases, which has led to growing frustration among students, especially international ones. University President Melissa Gilliam described the decision as a 'day of loss' but said it was necessary to secure BU’s future. The university is also pausing merit increases amid continued financial strain.