Hampshire College Announces Closure Amid Financial Struggles and Enrollment Decline
Hampshire College, a liberal arts institution in Amherst, Massachusetts, has announced its closure at the end of 2026 due to persistent financial difficulties and declining enrollment. Despite raising $55 million through a fundraising campaign led by notable alumni, the college could not overcome its economic challenges. The college, known for its unconventional curriculum without grades or majors, has faced a significant operating deficit and a shrinking endowment. Enrollment has steadily decreased over the years, contributing to the financial strain. The college's president, Jennifer Chrisler, cited complex financial pressures and external factors as reasons for the closure.