PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University (WSU) is preparing for a 3% reduction in state funding as lawmakers address a projected $12–15 billion budget shortfall.
According to a WSU release, Governor Bob Ferguson’s proposal allows the university to decide how to implement these cuts, offering flexibility to protect core priorities.
WSU said $714.5 million was requested for the 2025–27 biennium but is slated to receive $682.6 million, with $20 million designated for employee retention and compensation. Additionally, the governor’s budget includes one unpaid furlough day per month for state employees, potentially reducing pay by 4.6%.
Provost and Executive Vice President Chris Riley-Tillman noted the challenge of balancing general and proviso funding, saying, “If proviso funding is protected while general funding is cut, deeper reductions may hit our academic units.”
WSU said it’s prioritizing full funding for cost-of-living adjustments, support for the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine’s accreditation, and investment in the Native American Scholarship Program. Capital priorities include campus infrastructure upgrades to the Tri-Cities, Pullman and other campuses along with new building projects.
The school also announced a series of temporary cost-saving measures beginning April 1, 2025, to safeguard its essential role in the state and nation.
The measures, overseen by WSU’s executive vice presidents, include a strategic pause on non-essential hiring, suspension of out-of-cycle salary increases, and a halt on non-essential travel and training, according to a WSU Insider release.
Additionally, there will be an increased review of purchases and contracts, as well as renegotiation or termination of non-essential contracts. The university will also reduce food purchases and discretionary spending, WSU said.
Incoming WSU President Elizabeth Cantwell emphasized the university’s resilience, stating, “We will emerge stronger, more focused, and better prepared for the future.”
The final state budget decisions are expected by April 27. For more information on WSU’s financial planning and updates, visit WSU Insider.
