In the heart of St. Louis, a significant announcement sent shockwaves through the student body at Fontbonne University last March. As students gathered in the main gymnasium, they were informed that the institution would close its doors by August 2025. This decision left many students, like Christopher Rose, grappling with uncertainty about their academic futures. The university made arrangements with 25 other colleges to facilitate credit transfers, but the disruption remained profound. Rose eventually chose to transfer to the University of Missouri–St. Louis, adjusting his major and adding an extra year to his studies. This story reflects the broader financial struggles faced by colleges across the United States, where declining enrollment and rising expenses have forced nearly 100 institutions to shut down in recent years.
A Century-Old Institution Faces Closure
Founded in 1923 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Fontbonne University celebrated its centennial just before announcing its closure. Initially established as a women’s liberal arts college, it later expanded to include 44 undergraduate and 19 graduate majors. Despite its rich history, particularly in deaf education, the school saw a dramatic drop in enrollment over the past decade—from 1,781 students in 2014 to 874 in 2023. Financial instability became inevitable, leading the leadership team to make the difficult decision to wind down operations responsibly.
Fontbonne's financial challenges stemmed from several factors. With no substantial endowment and a majority of its graduates entering lower-paying service-oriented careers, large alumni donations were scarce. Additionally, 56% of current students relied on Pell Grants, and one-third were first-generation college attendees. The university could not increase tuition without jeopardizing accessibility for these students. Compounding these issues was the nationwide trend of fewer high school graduates enrolling in college, exacerbated by the aftermath of the 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Broader Implications for Higher Education
The closure of Fontbonne University is part of a larger crisis in higher education. Many small private colleges, which depend heavily on tuition revenue, are struggling to stay afloat. According to experts, this trend will likely worsen due to demographic shifts, with fewer young people applying to college. Families and prospective students must now be more vigilant in assessing a college's financial stability before making commitments. Key indicators include shrinking freshman classes, increased acceptance rates, and visible signs of campus neglect. Additionally, reviewing bond ratings and staying informed about financial news can help identify potential red flags.
For students like Christopher Rose, the closure of Fontbonne serves as a stark reminder of the importance of planning for contingencies. While transferring to a larger public university offered him stability, it also meant altering his academic path. The experience underscores the need for flexibility and thorough research when choosing an educational institution. As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, being proactive in evaluating a college's financial health can safeguard against unexpected disruptions and ensure a smoother academic journey.