A new projection indicates that more than a quarter of private colleges in the U.S. are at risk of closing due to financial pressures and declining enrollment. The report highlights small institutions like Sterling College in Vermont, which uses innovative teaching methods such as a 130-acre farm for agriculture education, but still faces challenges. These closures could reshape the higher education landscape, affecting thousands of students and faculty.
Key Points
- Over 25% of private colleges are projected to be at risk of closure.
- Factors include financial instability, low enrollment, and operational challenges.
- Examples like Sterling College show efforts to innovate amid difficulties.
Implications for Educational Freedom
The potential closure of private colleges could limit educational choices in higher education, reducing options for students and parents seeking alternatives to public institutions. This underscores the need for policies promoting educational freedom, such as expanded vouchers or support for private higher ed to enhance parental empowerment and competition.
Source: More than a quarter of private colleges are at risk of closing, new projection shows