Smarter Financial Planning for 2026

In a recent Chronicle survey of 275 higher-ed employees who work with budgets or finances, 40 percent said their institution either faces an imminent budget crisis or will need to make significant changes to costs or revenues to achieve their mission.

From hiring freezes to program consolidations, institutions across the country are making tough calls as revenue streams fluctuate and expenses continue to climb.

A new Chronicle report, The Budget Crisis Is Here, explores how colleges’ financial strategies are evolving in response. Featuring survey data and in-depth reporting, this report shows how innovative institutions are adapting to a new financial reality and finding ways to thrive despite headwinds. 

With your purchase of a print or digital copy, you’ll also receive a downloadable dataset of the survey results, allowing your team to conduct independent analysis and benchmark against peers.

Order this report to learn:

• Why traditional incremental budgeting models are under pressure.

• How institutions are balancing cost containment with mission protection.

• Which revenue-generating initiatives are showing promise.

• Where leaders admit their strategies have not delivered expected results.