Hampshire College in the US announces closure as enrolment and funding efforts fall short

Hampshire College will close permanently after the fall semester following years of financial difficulty, according to statements from the college and its leadership.

The decision was approved by the board of trustees, which cited sustained financial pressure and unsuccessful recovery efforts. The college said attempts to refinance debt, increase enrollment, raise funds and generate revenue from land development did not produce a viable path forward.

“The College no longer has the resources to sustain full operations and meet our regulatory responsibilities,” the school said in a statement.

Students allowed to complete programmes

The college said it will not admit a new class this fall. Students in their final year will be able to complete their degrees by the end of the semester. Other students will receive guidance on transferring to partner institutions.

In a statement shared on Instagram, President Jennifer Chrisler said, “This is an incredibly painful moment for the Hampshire community, and we are doing everything to support our students.”

Hampshire employs about 250 people. Layoffs will take place in phases, with most positions ending by mid-June, according to NYT.

Years of financial strain and declining enrollment

The college, founded in 1965, has faced financial challenges for several years. It launched a $60 million fundraising campaign in 2020 and secured several large donations, including a $5 million contribution linked to filmmaker Ken Burns, an alumnus.

Despite these efforts, enrollment declined significantly. The college currently has about 625 students, roughly half its enrollment in the early 2000s, according to NYT.

Chrisler told NYT that tuition-dependent institutions are facing multiple pressures, including declining enrollment and rising costs.

Part of a wider trend in US higher education

Hampshire’s closure reflects broader changes affecting small colleges across the United States.

More than 300 colleges and universities closed between 2008 and 2024, according to an analysis by The Hechinger Report. Many of these institutions are small and rely heavily on tuition revenue.

Higher education analyst Jeffrey Selingo told NYT that demographic shifts are reducing the number of college-age students in several regions. He said many students prefer larger public or private universities that offer more programmes and campus activities.

“It’s a bifurcated market between the haves and have-nots,” Selingo said.

Changing student preferences and financial pressures

Experts say colleges are competing for a shrinking pool of students. Lower birth rates have reduced the number of high school graduates, while some students are choosing not to pursue higher education after the COVID-19 pandemic, according to AP.

To attract students, many colleges have increased financial aid, reducing tuition revenue while operating costs continue to rise. This has placed additional strain on smaller institutions.

New England, where Hampshire is located, has been particularly affected due to a high concentration of colleges and limited population growth.

A distinct academic model

Hampshire was known for its nontraditional academic structure. Students designed their own courses of study and focused on projects and fieldwork instead of standard grading systems.

Burns, who graduated in 1975, told NYT that the college played a central role in his development. “This is an extraordinary loss,” he said.

Uncertain path for students

Students say the closure creates uncertainty about completing their studies.

Hamish Currie, a third-year student, told NYT that he had expected to graduate from Hampshire but may now have to transfer. “It’s really sad that I’ve spent all this time working toward this goal,” he said.

The college said it will work with students to identify transfer options and ensure continuity in their education.

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