Frostburg State University addresses enrollment decline and structural deficit in budget meeting

In a recent session of the Maryland General Assembly's Appropriations Committee, the spotlight shone brightly on the financial health and enrollment challenges faced by Frostburg State University. The meeting, held on February 28, 2025, revealed a university grappling with a significant structural deficit while also showcasing signs of recovery and strategic planning.

The session opened with a spirited discussion about the university's recent enrollment trends. After a decade-long decline of 36%, Frostburg has seen a modest increase in applications and enrollment, attributed to new marketing strategies and partnerships. The university reported over 5,000 applications for the first time, a hopeful sign after years of dwindling numbers. However, the stark reality remains: the institution has lost nearly a third of its undergraduate population since 2015.

Analyst Sarah Baker presented a detailed overview of the university's financial situation, highlighting a $7.7 million structural deficit projected for fiscal year 2025. This deficit is largely a result of declining tuition revenues, which have fallen significantly as enrollment numbers dropped. In response, Frostburg has implemented an Educational Market Alignment Plan aimed at stabilizing and increasing enrollment, which includes a budget increase for marketing efforts.

The committee also discussed the university's plan to reduce faculty positions as part of its budgetary adjustments. Initially, the university anticipated cutting 45 faculty roles, but through strategic retirements and other measures, this number has been reduced to just seven. This decision, while controversial, is seen as necessary to align faculty resources with the current student population and financial realities.

Frostburg's interim president expressed optimism about the university's future, noting that the institution has turned a $7.7 million deficit into a projected $3 million surplus. This turnaround is attributed to careful financial management and a commitment to maintaining academic programs without compromising student services.

In a poignant moment, the committee also addressed the legacy of Mary Clapsaddle, a former state employee and Frostburg alumna, by discussing a scholarship fund established in her honor. The university is seeking to amend budget language to ensure that the fund can be used to support students in perpetuity rather than being spent in the current fiscal year.

As the meeting concluded, the committee members acknowledged the challenges ahead for Frostburg State University but also recognized the proactive steps being taken to secure its future. The discussions underscored a broader narrative of resilience and adaptation within Maryland's higher education landscape, as institutions navigate the complexities of enrollment, funding, and community engagement.