How many colleges and universities have closed since 2016?

At least two colleges abruptly shuttered at the end of spring 2025. Even more announced their intention to close or turned to acquisitions to stay afloat.

Updated April 25, 2025

Indiana public colleges to shed or consolidate over 400 degree programs

The dramatic restructuring comes in response to a statute that aims to end programs that produce low numbers of graduates over a three-year period. 

Siena Heights University to close after coming academic year

The 105-year-old Catholic nonprofit in Michigan concluded it was “no longer feasible” to continue operating.

Yale pauses 10 construction projects as funding worries grow

Several universities are reassessing their capital plans due to rising costs and uncertain federal support.

Brown University preps for ‘significant cost-cutting’ amid federal funding disruption

The Ivy League institution's top officials signaled possible staff reductions along with scaled back capital spending and other measures.

HHS accuses Harvard of violating antidiscrimination law after antisemitism probe

The latest salvo from the Trump administration threatens "the loss of all federal financial resources.”

‘Outrageous’: Democratic lawmakers speak out against UVA president’s forced resignation

Jim Ryan abruptly stepped down following reports that the U.S. Department of Justice was pressuring him to resign over the university’s diversity efforts.

Stanford University expects layoffs in coming year

The private nonprofit is cutting $140 million from its budget as it grapples with “significant budget consequences” from federal policy shifts.

How can college officials know if they’re ready to lead ‘Big Scary Change’?

They should consider if they hold views counter to successfully leading an institution through a merger or acquisition, one consolidation expert says.

6 public university systems unveil plans to launch new accrediting agency

In his announcement, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis slammed the current system as an "accreditation cartel" and decried diversity standards at accreditors.

Key higher ed provisions in reconciliation bill violate Senate rules, official finds

Expanding Pell Grants to short-term programs and consolidating student loan programs were among the proposals flagged by the chamber’s parliamentarian.

DOJ sues Minnesota over in-state tuition for undocumented students

The move follows similar lawsuits against Kentucky and Texas as the Trump administration targets laws that states have had on their books for years.

How one Ohio initiative is boosting degree attainment for community college students

An eight-year study found 46% of students in a program with intensive advising and financial support earned a degree, compared to 31% who didn’t participate.

Persistence and retention rates hit some of their highest levels in nearly a decade

Over 86% of first-year students returned to college in the spring, according to the latest data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.

Federal judge orders OCR to reinstate laid-off employees — for now

The reduction in force left the office "incapable of addressing the vast majority" of complaints, the ruling said.

University of Connecticut eyes workforce cuts to manage funding shortfalls

Faced with cuts to state and federal funding, leaders are clamping down on hiring and reviewing temporary positions, along with other austerity measures.

Judge strikes down National Science Foundation’s 15% funding cap for research overhead

With the new ruling, efforts to cap research overhead reimbursement have now been blocked at four federal agencies. 

Tuition discounts at private nonprofits continue to climb, estimates show

Colleges have been giving larger aid packages to greater shares of students, the National Association of College and University Business Officers found. 

Columbia College Chicago lays off 20 faculty members

The cuts come as the private nonprofit attempts to “invest in areas that correspond to strong student demand,” one official told the campus community.

Temple University eyes job reductions amid $60M deficit for FY26

The public institution’s president said that enrollment is starting to rebound after a steep drop since 2017, but costs have increased much more quickly.

Majority of high schoolers say they don’t feel prepared for post-graduation

In a survey, about half of students said they’ve never had a job or internship, and more than a third said they’ve never gone for a college visit.

Do states have ‘statutory right’ to Education Department data and guidance?

The agency is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to allow its reduction in force — even as its laid-off employees remain on administrative leave.

Tennessee State operations get $96M boost from reallocated state funds

Tennessee's comptroller cited his confidence in the beleaguered university's current leadership team when signing the deal Tuesday.

Federal judge strikes down NIH directives against DEI research

The American Civil Liberties Union called the ruling "a major victory for public health.” Federal officials are exploring their legal options, including an appeal.

Tracking the Trump administration’s moves to cap indirect research funding

We’re keeping tabs of the agencies that have tried to limit reimbursement for overhead costs to 15% — and the legal challenges against them.

Updated June 24, 2025