Hampshire College Announces Permanent Closure After 54 Years, Citing Financial Crisis
At the conclusion of 2026, Hampshire College in Amherst will cease operations, marking the end of its 54-year legacy. The decision, made by the board under chair Jose Fuentes, was influenced by financial challenges such as dwindling enrollment, a $21 million bond obligation, and an unsuccessful land sale. President Jennifer Chrisler indicated that the institution could no longer maintain its operations. Students currently enrolled can finish their degrees this fall, while others will have options to transfer to affiliated schools. Incoming students for 2026 will receive refunds. The New England Commission of Higher Education had mandated the college to validate its accreditation amid financial difficulties. Hampshire's endowment stood at $24 million, with a deficit of $3.7 million. Noteworthy alumni include filmmaker Ken Burns and Gary Hirshberg.
Key facts
- Hampshire College will permanently close at end of 2026
- Founded in 1965, opened to students in 1970
- Citing financial difficulties including declining enrollment and $21 million bond debt
- Current enrollment: 700+ students as of fall 2023
- 55 full-time and 8 part-time faculty employed
- $24 million endowment with $3.7 million deficit reported
- Tuition above $60,000 with average aid package over $51,000
- Transfer pathways arranged with Amherst College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, UMass Amherst
Entities
Artists
- Ken Burns
- Gary Hirshberg
Institutions
- Hampshire College
- Amherst College
- Mount Holyoke College
- Smith College
- University of Massachusetts Amherst
- New England Commission of Higher Education
- Anna Maria College
- Bay State College
- Boston College
- Pine Manor College
- Stonyfield Organic
- WBUR
Locations
- Amherst
- Massachusetts
- Boston
- Londonderry
- New Hampshire