Overview

• University System of Maryland leaders reported widespread federal grant cancellations and warned that compounded cuts could force layoffs after $233 million in recent state reductions.
• Quantified losses include 37 canceled grants worth $48 million at UMB, 60 worth $30 million at College Park, and 30 worth $22 million at UMBC, with additional tens of millions in losses at Towson and UMES.
• The system projects $70 million to $150 million in annual federal shortfalls depending on reimbursements, putting about 2,200 graduate research assistant positions at risk.
• Johns Hopkins said new federal awards are down 40% versus 2024 with more than 80 existing grants canceled, its federal portfolio has fallen by over $500 million, and its hiring freeze announced in June will continue.
• Officials cited a funding slowdown at NIH and said some terminations were linked to DEI-related language, while students face looming hits from Grad PLUS changes in 2026, TRIO freezes, and declining international enrollment; the state reported a $521 million surplus and a $2.4 billion Rainy Day Fund but warned of fiscal turbulence ahead.