Overview

• The reductions, begun in March across the Danforth and Medical campuses and the Central Fiscal Unit, are projected to save about $52 million annually.
• Chancellor Andrew D. Martin attributed the move to steep declines in federal research funding, evolving student needs, and operational redundancies.
• WashU has paused construction projects and will forgo university‑wide merit raises for fiscal 2026 as part of broader cost controls.
• Despite $20.5 billion in assets and a $12 billion endowment, the operating surplus fell 58% from FY2022 to FY2024 as expenses rose to $5.1 billion.
• Leaders say this round of cuts is complete, with continued evaluation of operations underway as an estimated $37 million yearly endowment tax adds strain.