A report released today expects SUNY Fredonia to improve on its finances by 2028-29. Pictured is an aerial view of the campus.

A report released today by the State University of New York notes fiscal progress for the system as well as the local campus at Fredonia.

Chancellor John B. King Jr. said the report highlights a year of progress and momentum as SUNY’s long-term enrollment and sustainability continue to trend upward, marking significant achievements in supporting students and strengthening the state with three years of enrollment gains coupled with historic increases in New York state operating aid.

“SUNY is on the move and expanding programs and initiatives to support our students and campuses throughout New York state,” he said. “By following our comprehensive plan, and through the strong support and commitment from Gov. (Kathy) Hochul, the State Legislature, and the SUNY Board of Trustees, SUNY is delivering on our promise of an affordable and high-quality higher education for all New Yorkers.

Through our focus on improving academics and student success resources, expanding research systemwide, and providing more opportunities for internships and civic education and engagement, SUNY is reaching new heights, and we will continue to build on this progress.”

Close to home, the report says SUNY Fredonia expects to achieve a balanced budget with positive margins at the beginning of the 2028-29 fiscal year. “The campus has focused on growth opportunities, discontinuing programs that are no longer in demand, aligning their workforce to current needs, and pursuing creative use of shared services and operational efficiencies,” the report states. “The campus is committed to remaining diligent in continuing the necessary work to achieve its goal for a balanced budget in the next two years.”

That is a major rebound from the turmoil the campus was facing in 2023 when majors were slashed and the campus was facing a deficit of more than $16 million. Also last week, the university announced its spring numbers showed an increase when compared to last year at 2,985 from 2,950.

“This spring’s increase, while modest, is significant,” said Vice President for Enrollment Management and Services Kathryn Kendall. “Last fall, we shared encouraging signs of stabilization — including rising graduate enrollment and strong retention. To now see spring-to-spring growth reinforces that our strategies are gaining traction and that students continue to see the value of a Fredonia education.”

Other campuses mentioned in the report that have been facing hardships include Buffalo State, Potsdam as well as SUNY Delhi and SUNY Maritime College. All four are taking steps for viability, the report notes, with surpluses reported for 2024-25 for the latter two.

The initial SUNY Report on Long-Term Enrollment and Financial Sustainability was called for in the 2023-24 enacted State budget and released in January 2024, outlining a strategy to continue to grow enrollment and strengthen SUNY’s financial health. The initial report forecasted a $1 billion gap between revenue and expenses within a decade, which was reduced to $50 million based on strategies outlined in the February 2025 SUNY Report Update. This year’s update indicates that SUNY is on track to achieve a balanced budget at the 10-year horizon by continuing enrollment gains, state investment and responsible fiscal stewardship.