Story perspectives

Minnesota Board Approves $25M Annual University Funding Shift

By Drooid · Oct 15, 2026, 11:55 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Minnesota State Board of Trustees approved shifting up to $25 million annually for four years to universities.
About $15 million per year will go to St. Cloud State and Bemidji State, with $10 million and $4.8 million for fiscal 2028.
Officials warn a $30 million deficit could grow to $100 million by summer 2028 without action.
Chancellor Scott Olson said the shift may force campus closures or mergers, including Detroit Lakes, by summer 2028.

History

Historical Context

In 2009, Governor Tim Pawlenty signed a $100 million reduction to Minnesota’s higher-education budget, prompting campus program cuts. The Minnesota State Board of Trustees, University of Minnesota, and the Minnesota Department of Education reported enrollment declines of 5 % across 12 campuses. Today’s proposal to shift up to $25 million annually to St. Cloud State and Bemidji State mirrors those austerity measures, risking further campus closures. If Minnesota repeats the 2009 trajectory, the projected $30 million deficit could swell beyond $100 million, pressuring mergers and reshaping the state’s higher-education landscape.

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Story summary

Minnesota State Board of Trustees approved shifting up to $25 million annually for four years to universities.
About $15 million per year will go to St. Cloud State and Bemidji State, with $10 million and $4.8 million for fiscal 2028.
Officials warn a $30 million deficit could grow to $100 million by summer 2028 without action.
Chancellor Scott Olson said the shift may force campus closures or mergers, including Detroit Lakes, by summer 2028.

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