The Impact of College Closures: Why Small Private Schools are Struggling

TLDRThe closure of small private colleges has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, with financial reasons and declining enrollment being major factors. These closures have left many students and faculty in a difficult situation, with poorer outcomes in re-enrollment and degree completion. The trend of top-tier schools getting stronger while the weaker ones struggle is exacerbating the issue. The test-optional policy has also affected college applications, with record numbers of applications received by elite schools. The financial challenges, reliance on tuition, and dwindling student numbers pose a significant challenge for smaller institutions.

Key insights

📉The closure of small private colleges has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to challenges for students and faculty.

💼College closures result in poorer outcomes for students in terms of re-enrollment and degree completion.

📚Top-tier schools are getting stronger while smaller institutions struggle with financial challenges and declining enrollment.

📈The test-optional policy has led to a surge in applications for elite schools, further impacting smaller colleges.

💸Financial challenges, heavy reliance on tuition, and dwindling student numbers pose a significant challenge for smaller institutions.

Q&A

Why are small private colleges closing?

Small private colleges are closing due to financial reasons and declining enrollment, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

What are the effects of college closures on students?

Students who experience college closures often face challenges in re-enrolling and completing their degrees.

Are top-tier schools also affected by college closures?

Top-tier schools, such as Ivy League and big state schools, have seen record application numbers and are not as heavily impacted by closures.

How has the test-optional policy affected college applications?

The test-optional policy has resulted in a surge in applications for elite schools, while smaller colleges struggle to compete.

What are the challenges faced by smaller institutions?

Smaller institutions face financial challenges, heavy reliance on tuition, and declining student numbers, making it difficult to sustain operations.

Timestamped Summary

00:00The closure of small private colleges has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to challenges for students and faculty.

05:58College closures result in poorer outcomes for students in terms of re-enrollment and degree completion.

09:40Top-tier schools are getting stronger while smaller institutions struggle with financial challenges and declining enrollment.

11:40The test-optional policy has led to a surge in applications for elite schools, further impacting smaller colleges.

12:20Financial challenges, heavy reliance on tuition, and dwindling student numbers pose a significant challenge for smaller institutions.