US Small College Closures: Lourdes University Ohio and Providence Christian College Set to Close End of Academic Year

In a stark reminder of the challenges facing higher education, two small private institutions—Lourdes University in Sylvania, Ohio, and Providence Christian College in Pasadena, California—have announced their permanent closures at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year. These decisions, revealed in early February 2026, underscore a growing crisis among small colleges grappling with enrollment declines and financial strains. Both schools, rooted in faith-based missions, cited insurmountable pressures that have plagued similar institutions nationwide.

Lourdes University made its announcement on February 11, 2026, following deliberations by its Board of Trustees and the sponsoring Sisters of St. Francis. Providence Christian College followed suit on February 7, 2026, with its Board of Trustees determining no sustainable path forward. As these campuses prepare for final commencements in May 2026, students, faculty, and local communities face uncertain transitions amid a broader wave of consolidations in American higher education.

🎓 Lourdes University: A Catholic Legacy Comes to an End

Lourdes University, established in 1958 by the Sisters of St. Francis, has been a cornerstone of Catholic higher education in northwest Ohio for nearly seven decades. Originally focused on teacher training, it evolved into a comprehensive liberal arts university offering undergraduate and graduate programs in fields like business, nursing, education, and social work. The 127-acre campus in Sylvania fostered a close-knit community, particularly through its robust athletic programs in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), which once aimed to boost enrollment by tripling the number of student-athletes.

Despite these efforts, enrollment plummeted from a peak of around 1,780 students in fall 2014 to just 964 in fall 2024, and further to under 600 by the current year. Financial woes compounded the issue: the university reported a $2.8 million operating deficit in fiscal year 2024, with net tuition revenue dropping over 7% year-over-year. A modest $13.6 million endowment, largely restricted, provided little buffer against rising operational costs. The Sisters, who historically subsidized operations, could no longer sustain the losses.

The Board emphasized that all classes, athletic events, and campus services will continue uninterrupted through June 30, 2026. Sister Dr. Nancy Linenkugel, OSF, DM, has been appointed as the final president to oversee an orderly closure, including teach-out plans to help students transfer credits seamlessly. Current students can complete their degrees or transition to partner institutions, with transcripts managed post-closure.

• Key programs affected: Nursing, business administration, and education majors will need alternative pathways.
• Athletes: Over 300 student-athletes impacted, prompting discussions on roster transfers in NAIA conferences.
• Community role: The Franciscan Center for lifelong learning remains operational beyond closure.

For more on navigating academic transitions, explore resources at AcademicJobs.com career advice.

Providence Christian College: Reformed Roots in Pasadena Fade

Providence Christian College, a small Reformed Christian liberal arts school, opened its doors in 2005 after incorporation in 2002. Nestled in Pasadena, California, it emphasized biblical truth, classical education, and worldview formation, attracting a diverse student body—including recognition as a Hispanic-serving institution in 2023. With majors in business, biology, English, history, music, and theology, it served around 168 students in fall 2024 on a compact urban campus.

Financial distress mirrored national trends: a tiny $25,322 endowment and nearly $1 million loss in fiscal year 2024. Declining enrollment, intensified competition, shifting donor priorities, and the abrupt halt of federal Hispanic-serving grants under recent policy changes sealed its fate. The Board explored mergers, relocations, and program cuts but found none viable for its mission-driven model.

Providence commits to a full academic year, with spring 2026 commencement on May 16. Over half of current students are set to graduate, while others benefit from teach-out agreements with nearby Christian colleges like Biola University, Concordia University Irvine, and The Master’s University. These partnerships guarantee credit transfers, comparable tuition costs, and automatic admission for those in good standing. A dedicated transfer team offers advising, and housing/meal plans extend through semester's end.Read the full Providence announcement.

• Student support: Counseling, job placement for student workers, and SEVIS transfers for internationals.
• Transcripts: Digital finals via email; long-term custody to be announced.
• Financial aid: No repayment of prior aid; guidance on FAFSA updates and loan discharges.

📊 The Mounting Crisis: Why Small Private Colleges Are Closing

These closures are not isolated. In 2025, at least 16 nonprofit colleges shuttered, matching prior years, with 2026 already seeing Trinity Christian College and others follow. Projections warn of an "enrollment cliff": U.S. 18-year-old population drops 13% from 2026 to 2041 due to plunging birth rates post-2008 recession. High school graduates enrolling in college fell from 70% in 2016 to under 63% in 2024, favoring larger publics or community colleges for affordability.

Small privates, reliant on tuition (often 80-90% of revenue), face:

• Demographic shifts: Fewer traditional students, rising non-traditional competition.
• Cost inflation: Facilities, compliance, and accreditation demands outpace revenue.
• Policy changes: Federal aid cuts, endowment taxes, and HSI grant pauses.
• Marketing failures: Athletics gambles like Lourdes' yielded short-term gains but long-term debt.

Inside Higher Ed reports operating margins for privates averaged -2.5% recently, versus surpluses at publics. New England lost 32 four-year colleges since 2015.Inside Higher Ed on Lourdes.

Impacts on Students, Faculty, and Communities

Students bear the brunt: disrupted education, transfer hassles, and emotional toll. At Lourdes, athletes mourn lost seasons; at Providence, faith-aligned transfers are prioritized. Faculty face job loss—Lourdes had dozens; Providence's small staff seeks new roles amid specialized credentials.

Local economies suffer: Sylvania loses a major employer; Pasadena a cultural hub. Yet, positives emerge—freed endowments could fund scholarships elsewhere, and alumni networks endure.

Actionable advice for affected parties:

Photo by Earl Wilcox on Unsplash

• Document credits immediately; request official transcripts.
• Research teach-outs via National Student Clearinghouse.
• Leverage Rate My Professor for destination school insights.
• Update resumes; apply to higher ed jobs openings.

Solutions and Hope Amid the Closures

Not all small colleges falter—some thrive via mergers, online pivots, or niche programs. Ohio privates recently united on federal policy (related news). Hope College bucked trends with record enrollment.

For job seekers: Closures create demand at survivors. Explore university jobs, adjunct positions, or remote higher ed roles on AcademicJobs.com. Faculty can share experiences on Rate My Professor; students rate courses via Rate My Course.

In summary, while Lourdes and Providence mark painful ends, they highlight resilience needs in higher ed. Share your thoughts in the comments, rate your professors at Rate My Professor, and discover openings at Higher Ed Jobs or Post a Job. For career guidance, visit Higher Ed Career Advice.