On Dec. 1, The College of Saint Rose announced its closing due to low funding. During the announcement board chair Jefferey D. Stone stated, “It is with a heavy heart that the Board decided to close the college at the end of this academic year. The Board determined that Saint Rose does not have the financial resources to operate for the full 2024-2025 academic year and therefore cannot remain a standalone institution.”   

The College of Saint Rose, located in Albany, New York, has been a prominent institution for 103 years. Known for its strong liberal arts programs and commitment to academic excellence, Saint Rose has produced countless successful graduates. However, declining enrollment and financial difficulties have led to the difficult decision to close its doors. This shutdown, according to Stone, was caused by the negative impacts of COVID-19 and an apparent shrinking number of high school graduates. After several methods of cost-cutting, such as cutting administrators’ pay and reducing high-cost programs at the Saint Rose, the Board ultimately decided that there was no way to fund the institution.   

At an emotional community gathering, the President of the College Marcia White, informed students, staff, and faculty about the closure of the century-old institution. She stated that she was “heartbroken to have to share this devastating news with…students and [the] community.” Obviously, the closing will create an upset in the college’s student body, especially for freshmen who just commenced their college journey this past August. The closure of any educational institution has a profound impact on its students and faculty.   

Students who were in the midst of their studies at Saint Rose now face the daunting task of transferring to other institutions to complete their degrees. This transition can be emotionally and academically challenging. Faculty members, many of whom have dedicated their careers to the College, are also faced with uncertainty and the need to seek new employment opportunities at nearby schools or institutions. The closure of Saint Rose has sparked a strong response from the local community and alumni. Efforts are being made to support affected students and faculty during this difficult time. Alumni networks are mobilizing to provide resources and assistance to those impacted by the closure. The community is also engaging in discussions about the future of higher education and the importance of supporting small liberal arts colleges.   

This situation serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by small liberal arts colleges in the current educational landscape. It raises important questions about the sustainability of such institutions and the need for innovative approaches to ensure their survival. After all, the number of students, especially men, who are seeking college education is rapidly declining. According to Education Data Initiative, “the number of total enrolled postsecondary students declined 4.9% from 2019 to 2021,” in the United States. It should be noted that high tuition costs and career stability prevent many from going to college and seeking “white collar jobs”. After collaboration between colleges, exploring new revenue streams, and adapting to changing student needs are crucial for the future of higher education.  

The closure of Saint Rose is a significant event that highlights the complex issues faced by small liberal arts colleges in today’s educational climate. It serves as a call to action for institutions to adapt and innovate to meet the evolving needs of students. While the closure is undoubtedly a loss for the college community, it also presents an opportunity for reflection and reevaluation of the higher education system as a whole.