The University of Maryland is preparing its 2026 working budget as the University System of Maryland faces $155 million in state cuts next year, university president Darryll Pines wrote in a university-wide email Friday.
This university is working with the system to determine the budget’s “ultimate impact” to the university, Pines wrote. This university also issued guidance to colleges and units to slow or reduce spending as it determines the impacts on the state funding cuts to its 2026 budget, he added.
The Maryland General Assembly finalized its fiscal year 2026 budget plan on Monday after lawmakers faced a projected $3 billion budget deficit. The university system’s allocated state operating appropriations were cut by $155 million, or seven percent.
Pines wrote that he appreciates state lawmakers for supporting Maryland higher education during a challenging budget year.
“This year’s budget brings with it some challenges for us to navigate as a community,” Pines wrote. “At the same time, we continue to be recognized for the value we bring to the state through teaching, research, economic impact and service.”
This university received strong support from the legislature for campus-wide infrastructure projects like a below-market graduate student housing and this university’s Health and Human Sciences Complex, Pines wrote. The state legislature also passed the annual Academic Revenue Bond bill to support campus-wide facility renovation projects, he added.
The TerpsEXCEED program, which supports students with intellectual disabilities, received funding for next year, Pines wrote.
“We appreciate the investments made in our capital budget and strong support for quantum research as an economic driver for the state,” Pines wrote.
