Illinois-based for-profit Midstate College, one among the oldest post-secondary schools in the state, will cease operations next month.
The college, which opened in 1888, announced its closure on Monday due to declining enrollments over the years. The leadership will permanently shut the doors on August 16 and later put the campus on sale, according to The Journal Star report.
“It is with a heavy heart that I inform you today that Midstate College will cease operations at the end of the summer 2019 term on August 14, 2019,” college President Meredith Bunch wrote in an email.
“We will work with you to provide transfer options where you can complete your academic programs at another institution. This process may take a little time, so please bear with us as we try to accommodate all students to the extent possible with a path forward for you education.”
The college offered bachelor’s degrees in business administration, accounting, computer science, and health services administration, law along with a master’s program in business administration, which was introduced last year.
The leadership has terminated the services of all its administrative staff with immediate effect while the teaching staff would remain on payroll till August 14.
Midstate College colors and logo day! #SpiritWeek pic.twitter.com/ivvdtuhXDF
— Midstate College (@midstatecollege) December 13, 2018
Students who have applied for the fall term will have their application fee refunded, while for already enrolled students, the college staff is working on to provide transfer options with its educational partners.
Many colleges and universities across the nation have either closed or are currently on the verge of closure due to a steep decline in enrollments and weak finances. Last month, Marygrove College announced closure due to similar circumstances.
Western Illinois University’s president Jack Thomas announced his resignation after he couldn’t improve its enrollment numbers and struggled to place the campus on sound financial footing.
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