Overview

• University System of Maryland officials warned lawmakers that “crippling” cuts could lead to layoffs after $233 million in state reductions compounded federal pullbacks.
• System leaders reported canceled grants across campuses, including 37 at UMB worth $48 million, 60 at College Park worth $30 million, and 30 at UMBC worth $22 million.
• The system is forecasting $70 million to $150 million in annual losses depending on reimbursement policies, with 2,200 graduate research assistant positions in jeopardy.
• Johns Hopkins said new federal awards fell 40% year over year and its federal grant portfolio is down by more than $500 million excluding an $800 million USAID loss, prompting an extension of its hiring freeze.
• Officials cited a sharp NIH funding slowdown and terminations often tied to DEI language, while changes to Grad PLUS loans effective July 1, 2026, TRIO freezes, MSI grant cancellations, and declining international enrollment add further pressure.