Member News

Small Private Schools Are Struggling, But Merrimack Has Found Its Footing

Across the country, from New Hampshire to Kentucky to California, small private colleges are struggling. They’re merging with neighbors, cutting programs and staff, and offering steep tuition discounts to get students into seats. Some are going out of business altogether.  But Merrimack College, in sleepy North Andover, has recalibrated its approach to move away from the traditional liberal arts offering — and the strategy is working.  
By stressing health sciences, business, and engineering over humanities and by tailoring its financial aid to attract high school graduates that best fit the small school, Merrimack has managed to boost student enrollment, build facilities, and stabilize its finances.
Read Full Article

More news from NAICU

  • Planned Merger of Findlay and Bluffton Universities Nixed by Findlay
  • KC-area University President Leaves to Lead Utah School
  • Dr. Dean McCurdy Elected 10th President of Colby-Sawyer College
  • Potential Increase in Endowment Tax Has Private Universities on Alert
  • Pro-Palestinian Demonstrators Stage Sit-in at Barnard Over Expulsions
  • Ending Diversity Push Or Fueling Student Anxiety? Trump Administration's Anti-DEI Stance Sparks Debate
  • Back to Article Overview