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<\/p>\nOn paper, the University of Texas at Arlington\u2019s proposed budget is growing. In practice, the university\u2019s hands are largely tied.\u00a0<\/p>\n
UTA expects $914 million in revenue for fiscal 2027, up 4.3% from this year\u2019s adjusted budget, according to a draft published by the UT System. Most of the increase comes from federal grants and student aid designated for specific purposes \u2014 rather than money that the university can spend without boundaries on salaries, building maintenance or other daily needs.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The university plans $936.1 million in expenses and transfers \u2014 $22.1 million more than the projected revenue. But the difference is not considered a cash shortfall.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Expenses include $59 million in depreciation, a noncash measure that reflects aging buildings and equipment. After adjusting for depreciation, construction and debt payments, UTA expects to draw $3.8 million from reserves.\u00a0<\/p>\n
UTA expects nearly $200 million from federal grants, contracts and student aid, up $40.1 million, or 25%. The university attributes the increase to additional Pell Grant activity and anticipated research growth. Much of the money must support specific students or research projects, limiting the university’s ability to redirect it toward daily operations.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Tuition revenue presents more challenges. UTA expects $498.7 million in tuition and fees, a 0.1% increase. But after discounts and allowances, net tuition and fee revenue would fall to $309.1 million \u2014 down $14.8 million.\u00a0<\/p>\n
State funding also remains nearly flat at $179.3 million.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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The draft cites \u201cenrollment-related challenges and changes in student mix\u201d as pressures on tuition revenue but does not identify which trends are driving the projection.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn response, U.T. Arlington continues to focus on enrollment growth, student retention, and diversification of revenue streams through expanded research activity, philanthropic support, strategic partnerships, and other external funding opportunities,\u201d according to the draft.<\/p>\n
UTA\u2019s international student enrollment fell 20%<\/a> from fall 2024 to fall 2025 \u2014 its largest annual decline in a decade. Net tuition revenue from international students fell about $26 million in fiscal 2025.<\/p>\n International enrollment decline has affected universities across Texas and the country. In a spring survey of<\/a> 585 higher education institutions nationwide, the Institute of International Education found 63% expected international enrollment to fall in the 2026-27 academic year.\u00a0<\/p>\n About 61% of those institutions cited international students\u2019 financial contributions, including tuition and living expenses, as an important reason to prioritize their enrollment.\u00a0<\/p>\n NAFSA: Association of International Educators projects that up to 111,000 fewer international students at U.S. colleges and universities this fall will cost local economies $3.4 billion in spending and more than 39,000 jobs<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cThe projections underscore what we\u2019ve long warned: U.S. policy and regulations affect where international students plan to invest their future \u2014 and their decisions carry significant short- and long-term consequences for U.S. society and economy,\u201d said Fanta Aw, the association\u2019s executive director and CEO, in a news release.<\/p>\n The declines came as international students faced delayed visa processing<\/a>, expanded vetting<\/a> for visa applicants and new entry restrictions<\/a> under the Trump administration.\u00a0<\/p>\n UTA\u2019s fiscal 2027 draft follows a year of staffing and academic changes. More than 200 faculty and staff accepted buyouts<\/a>, and the university also cut or consolidated<\/a> academic programs.<\/p>\n Budget documents say UTA targeted cuts and shifted money toward institutional priorities while trying to limit effects on students and preserve teaching, research and service. The draft does not detail those reductions or reallocations.<\/p>\n John Davidson, UTA\u2019s chief financial officer, told the Fort Worth Report that \u201cbudget reductions and allocations were spread across the entire university and ranged from zero to 10% depending on departments.\u201d The university didn\u2019t comment on potential future reductions.\u00a0<\/p>\n Dang Le is the higher education reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at dang.le@fortworthreport.org<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Fort Worth Report partners with Open Campus on higher education coverage.<\/p>\n The Report\u2019s higher education coverage is supported in part by major higher education institutions in Tarrant County, including Tarleton State University, Tarrant County College, Texas A&M-Fort Worth Christian University, Texas Wesleyan University, the University of Texas at Arlington and UNT Health Fort Worth.\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"UTA](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1786581564_493_full.png\")
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