Johns Hopkins Austerity Measures May Last Through 2026

Johns Hopkins University has implemented a hiring freeze, paused annual pay increases, and slowed capital projects in response to over $850 million in federal funding losses, including terminated USAID and other grants, with cancellations occurring nearly weekly since January. The university has seen new federal research awards plummet by almost two-thirds compared to the previous year, and fears further cuts from agencies such as NIH, NSF, DOD, and DOE. These financial setbacks have already resulted in job losses, reduced research capacity, and delays or reductions in community and expansion projects. University officials and Baltimore leaders are concerned about the broader effects, including potential risks to student aid, faculty support, and international student visas. The university remains a major community partner, and the federal cuts threaten its local initiatives like violence prevention and job training. Leadership expects the austerity measures to remain in place through at least the 2026 academic year as long-term financial strategies are developed.