More than a dozen colleges and universities have announced budget cuts, staff layoffs and tuition increases in June and midway through July to cope with rising budget deficits.

Recommitting to the humanities is not nostalgic: it is strategic. Students need both practical skills and deeper intellectual grounding to navigate an uncertain world.

Colleges face financial pressure from declining enrollment and rising costs, while students increasingly prioritize career-ready, flexible degrees. Experts suggest rethinking the traditional major in favor of customizable, modular programs that better align with workforce demands.