WA SB5909

Public baccalaureate institutions must annually identify "low-enrollment programs," defined as undergraduate degree programs producing fewer than 10 graduates per year averaged over five years

Programs appearing on the low-enrollment list for three consecutive years trigger a mandatory discontinuance review by the institution's governing board

Governing boards must consider extenuating circumstances before recommending discontinuance, including whether the program is new (under five years), equity and access considerations, workforce demand, regional needs, and accreditation requirements

Institutions must submit annual reports to the legislature detailing all low-enrollment programs, board actions taken, financial and student-outcome data, and strategies for either program closure (with teach-out plans for enrolled students) or continuation with justification

Effective date is July 1, 2026