U.S. colleges poised to close in next decade, expert says
2 days ago
- #higher-education
- #college-closures
- #student-demographics
- Hundreds of U.S. colleges may close or merge in the next decade due to declining student numbers.
- Huron Consulting Group predicts up to 370 private colleges could shutter, triple the rate of the previous decade.
- The decline is linked to a falling birth rate since 2007, leading to fewer high school graduates by 2041.
- Closures could impact 600,000 students and $18 billion in endowment funds.
- Another 430 institutions with 1.2 million students and $134 billion in endowments face moderate threats.
- Recent closures include Northland College and Limestone University, with at least 40 schools announcing shutdowns since 2020.
- A 15% drop in students could force 80 more colleges to close, per Federal Reserve research.
- Colleges are advised to diversify programs and plan ahead to survive financial challenges.