A number of local universities are quietly cutting staff and spending in the face of both internal and external pressures. George Washington University blames declining grad school and professional school enrollment for layoffs and spending cuts, and stagnant grad student numbers are prompting belt-tightening at American University as well. Howard University cut 84 staff positions “to ensure long-term financial stability.” And the University of Maryland is cutting spending and raising tuition because of state budget pressures. We examine local schools’ budget challenges and ask if the cuts will affect campus life.