The University of Providence in Montana will close by summer 2027, the Catholic nonprofit announced this week. The university cited "years of sustained enrollment decline and increasing financial pressure" for the decision.
The university's fall headcount dropped 23.5% between 2019 and 2024, reaching 763 students, according to federal data. A major factor in the closure was the expected loss of an $8 million annual subsidy from Providence health system, which is affiliated with the same religious order as the university. The health system planned to end its support at the end of 2027.
The university declared financial exigency at the end of last year. In May, leaders said they would undergo an academic review and consider job cuts while aiming to raise $16 million in new revenue over four years through donations and enrollment increases. Those efforts proved unsuccessful.
The university's accreditor, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, placed it on probation in August and required submission of a teach-out plan by this month. The last day of classes will be Aug. 20. The University of Providence said each student will receive an individualized academic plan, and some may have access to accelerated graduation options to complete degrees by summer's end.
The university plans to use its $21 million endowment and continue accepting donations to reduce graduate tuition costs and offer scholarships to undergraduates taking summer classes. It said out-of-pocket student expenses will not exceed what they would have been had the university remained open.
Carroll College, a fellow Catholic institution 90 miles south, offered transfer support services to University of Providence students this week.