Hampshire College to Close Amid Financial Strain and Enrollment Decline

Hampshire College, located in Amherst, Massachusetts, has announced its impending closure after the fall 2026 semester due to financial difficulties and declining enrollment. The college's board stated that despite "aggressive" efforts to increase student numbers, restructure debt, and sell land, they were unable to reverse the financial strain. Current seniors will be allowed to complete their degrees on campus, while other undergraduates are being directed toward transfer agreements with nearby institutions, including Amherst College, Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

NewserJonathan Turley

Founded in 1970, Hampshire College was known for its progressive educational model, which emphasized narrative evaluations over traditional grading systems. This approach aimed to foster a unique learning environment but has been criticized for producing graduates with limited marketable skills. The college's commitment to a progressive agenda, including a focus on climate change and social justice, has led to accusations of prioritizing ideological indoctrination over academic rigor.

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Jennifer Chrisler, the president of Hampshire College, described the closure as an "incredibly painful moment" for the college community. She emphasized that the decision was made only after exploring all possible alternatives. Critics, however, argue that the college's ideological focus contributed to its decline, suggesting that the institution's failure to adapt to changing educational demands and public skepticism towards higher education played a significant role in its closure.

Jonathan Turley

The closure of Hampshire College has sparked discussions about the broader implications for liberal arts education in the United States. Critics assert that many institutions, including Hampshire, have become entrenched in a "woke" academic culture that prioritizes ideological conformity over educational quality. This perspective posits that the failure of such colleges reflects a growing discontent among families and students who seek more balanced and market-oriented educational experiences.

Jonathan Turley

Hampshire College's closure is part of a troubling trend, with hundreds of colleges across the United States shutting down in the past 15 years. Filmmaker and alumnus Ken Burns described the closure as an "incalculable loss," warning that its impact will resonate beyond the campus. The Chronicle of Higher Education has raised concerns about whether other smaller liberal arts colleges may face similar fates in the near future.

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While some sources attribute the closure primarily to financial mismanagement and declining enrollment, others emphasize the ideological factors at play. The debate over the role of progressive agendas in higher education continues, with no consensus on the primary causes of the college's failure.

Jonathan Turley

• “President Jenn Chrisler stated in an announcement that “The College no longer has the resources to sustain full operations and meet our regulatory responsibilities.” — Jenn Chrisler, President of Hampshire College

Jonathan Turley

• “Jennifer Chrisler, the school's president, conceded on social media that this is an "incredibly painful moment" for the Hampshire College community, per the AP.” — Jenn Chrisler, President of Hampshire College

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• “death of the liberal arts college,” — Joan Priester, Sophomore at Hampshire College

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