Live: USC layoff and budget cut tracker
Tomo Chien
March 11, 2025
USC is paring back spending as it faces what it says are significant financial headwinds.
Last year, the university ran up a $158 million operating deficit. It is apparently determined not to fall into such a shortfall again. “Difficult decisions are going to have to be made,” Provost Andrew Guzman told the Faculty Senate in November.
Below, find our list of all reported budget cuts and layoffs at USC starting August 2024.
We know for a fact that we’re missing several significant cuts. Know of one? Contact us confidentially.
Last updated March 14, 2025.
Report questions justification for budget cuts | March 2025
A third-party report commissioned by a USC faculty group suggested that the university’s ongoing controversial budget cuts are unnecessary.
The analysis, completed by an accounting professor at Eastern Michigan University, is the first formal report to question the university’s claim in November that it must slash spending to ensure “long-term financial resiliency.”
Trustee and Presidential merit scholarships | March 2025
USC ordered several undergraduate programs to dramatically reduce the number of merit scholarships they offer to incoming students next academic year, citing recent financial woes. The paring back of merit aid could leave the university with fewer tools to woo the nation’s top college applicants.
Scholarships for National Merit Finalists | December 2024
USC dramatically reduced a merit scholarship it offers for students who earn elite scores on their high school PSAT exams.
Students who currently receive the scholarship will not be affected by the roughly 43% reduction, a university spokesperson said.
Daily Trojan staff stipends | December 2024
The Daily Trojan can no longer afford to pay its staff or produce a daily print paper thanks to a significant budget cut, according to an internal announcement obtained by Morning, Trojan.
The paper, whose editorial operation is run by students but funded by USC, has historically paid its writers some $15 per story. Print production will now run three days a week rather than five.
Tuition benefits for children of employees | October 2024
USC significantly cut key benefits that pay college tuition for the children of faculty and staff, according to interviews and documents obtained by Morning, Trojan. It later partially walked back its decision.
“It’s truly seismic,” said James Moore, a professor emeritus who was present at a Faculty Senate meeting where the cuts were presented. “They’re going to go absolutely apeshit.”
Fundraising communicators | September 2024
USC laid off the vast majority of its Advancement Communications team, according to internal memos obtained by Morning, Trojan.
Those personnel were responsible for building and maintaining relationships with the university’s private donors.
A USC official wrote to staffers in a September email that the Advancement Communications department would transition to a “restructured team” with the university’s central communications staff.
Just five of 14 staffers who reapplied for roles were offered new positions, according to an employee familiar with the matter.
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