Part 4/6:
A noteworthy observation in the discourse on college closures is the notable distinction between different types of institutions. Experts have identified a “barbell” structure within the higher education landscape: on one end, there are prestigious schools like Ivy League colleges that attract students globally and enjoy financial stability; on the other end, there are less recognized institutions, including many for-profit colleges, which are witnessing higher closure rates. In fact, historical data reveals that approximately 1,600 schools have closed over the last two decades, with a significant majority being for-profit organizations. Meanwhile, only about 7% of closures have occurred at what are traditionally recognized as liberal arts colleges.