CLEVELAND, Ohio --The University of Akron’s projected deficit for next year drastically dropped from $16 million to $3.6 million, according to a budget approved Wednesday.

Officials said in a university newsletter that the change is due to selectively filling vacancies and being “cost-conscious” with non-personnel costs. The school’s projected revenue changed less than 1 percent. The school did not give specifics on its cuts.

UA announced the $16 million deficit last summer, largely attributing the problem to a continued decline in enrollment. Officials predicted a drop of 7 percent for next year.

Wednesday’s announcement follows the start of a faculty buy-out program, which UA offered to about 47 percent of faculty. Those eligible were notified April 1 and have until May 31 to decide.

That buy-out program is not factored into next year’s budget.

But separate buy-outs offered in spring 2018 did contribute. About 48 faculty took those options, with savings estimated at more than $5 million, according to UA documents.

Next year’s projected deficit also does not include the degrees and degree-tracks UA is planning to cut as a result of an academic review. Last summer, the university announced it would phase out about 20 percent of its degree and degree-track programs.

Cleveland.com requested specifics on how the deficit was reduced. This post will be updated with that information when it is provided.