Between 2020 and 2025, approximately 100 private nonprofit colleges and universities closed or merged. Our analysis of enrollment and financial data suggests that, over the coming decade, more institutions will face mounting financial pressure. Here’s what that could mean in real terms:
private nonprofit colleges and universities may be at risk of closure
students' academic paths could be disrupted
billion dollars in endowments are at stake
Colleges and universities are navigating mounting pressure from every direction — public scrutiny, policy shifts, rising competition, and evolving workforce demands. Leaders must make decisions quickly, balancing mission, market realities, and financial sustainability.
The challenges below reflect a cross-section of the complex, interdependent issues institutions are tackling as they adapt, stay competitive, and position themselves for long-term success.
Move beyond incremental cuts and rethink revenue streams. Restructure budgets, modernize technology, and integrate AI to improve operational efficiency, protect margins, and promote long-term financial viability.
Address skepticism about rising costs. Redesign pricing strategies, deploy targeted financial aid, and strengthen recruitment, retention, and completion strategies to expand access while sustaining enrollment and revenue.
Counter skepticism with transparency and measurable outcomes. Strengthen career alignment, clearly communicate results, and engage stakeholders to reinforce higher education’s value and return on investment.
Respond to enrollment pressures and changing learner expectations. Expand nontraditional pathways, enhance student life, including athletics and support services, and design experiences that attract right-fit students.
Higher education isn’t just our business; it’s our passion. We believe in its power to transform lives and are committed to helping colleges and universities succeed. Hear from Huron leaders about why serving higher education matters to us personally and professionally.
Leaders at the world’s most respected colleges and universities trust us to bring clarity, insight, and execution to their most critical decisions.
We have over 1,200 experts dedicated to higher education and research as of March 31, 2026.
We have worked with over 750 higher education institutions around the world.
We have served all 71 members of the Association of American Universities and top 100 tier-one research (R1) universities.
Public and private research universities (Carnegie R1, R2, and emerging
classifications)
From CRM and ERP to AI and SIS, we help institutions select, implement, and optimize the technologies that power performance. A preferred partner to leading and emerging technology companies, we apply our on-the-ground higher education knowledge to ensure your investments work harder for you.
Managing Director
,Education & Research AI & Innovation Lead
EDUCATION CONSULTING SERVICES
Higher education’s challenges don’t sit in silos. They cut across the president’s cabinet and demand aligned, enterprise-wide action.
We know this responsibility firsthand. Many of our leaders have served in college and university leadership positions, including presidents, provosts, CFOs, CIOs, and deans. We understand what’s at stake, and what it takes to move an institution forward.
We turn complexity into collaborative action, aligning people, processes, technology, and strategy to advance your mission and accelerate results.
Huron is a global professional services firm that collaborates with organizations to help solve their most complex challenges and achieve their most ambitious goals. Working across the private and public sectors, we partner closely with clients to improve performance, accelerate transformation, and unlock new opportunities for growth.
Our clients choose us because of our deep industry and technical expertise and proven track record of turning sound strategies into action. By combining practical experience, innovative thinking, and advanced analytics and technology, Huron helps organizations translate today’s ideas into tangible results and long-term value.
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