Part 4/12:
However, smaller and less prestigious schools—including second-tier state colleges, liberal arts colleges, and private institutions that lack strong academic branding—are at significant risk. They will likely face declining enrollments, forcing these schools to adapt through mergers, closures, or drastic tuition cuts. The trend toward merging smaller institutions, such as potential combinations like Cal State Dominguez Hills and Cal State LA, could become commonplace, especially since state-run schools are less prone to bankruptcy.