INDIANA—A new state law passed during the 2025 legislative session mandates that university programs must meet specific graduation thresholds or face elimination or consolidation. More than 400 degree programs across six Indiana state universities could be cut or consolidated following the implementation of the law.
The new law sets minimum annual graduation rates: 10 students for associate degrees, 15 for bachelor’s degrees, seven for master’s programs, and three for doctoral and specialist programs. Universities are now working to comply with these requirements.
Indiana University, across all its campuses, leads the state with 249 degree programs facing elimination, suspension, or consolidation. Purdue University and its campuses follow with 83 programs, including the proposed suspension of its Bachelor of Science in Microbiology program. A suspension allows current students to complete their degrees before the program is phased out.
Purdue Student Body President Rebecca Siener expressed concern over the changes, stating, “B.S. in microbio, a pretty decent-sized program. I think that’s a bit surprising. That does worry me a bit.”
The fate of these programs is not yet final, as the Indiana Commission for Higher Education is expected to decide on the universities’ recommendations later this month. Purdue University noted that approximately “1 in 1,000 students” on its main campus are currently enrolled in programs slated for suspension.
The new law has drawn mixed reactions. Democratic state Rep. Matt Pierce of Bloomington criticized the measure, arguing it’s unnecessary and creates a “Soviet-style, Communist government approach to higher education.” He contends that universities already adapt programs based on student demand through existing free-market mechanisms.
Conversely, Republican Governor Mike Braun supports the law, stating it aims to better prepare students for in-demand career opportunities. “This will help students make more informed decisions about the degree they want to pursue and ensure there is a direct connection between the skills students are gaining through higher education and the skills they need most,” Governor Braun said.
