Will My College Survive?
Sector-specific financial health analysis for 9,000+ U.S. colleges and universities
About This Tool
Colleges and universities in the United States are facing an unprecedented set of economic stressors, from an enrollment cliff, to falling international enrollment and changing domestic preferences, all of which are contributing to significant financial strain.
While many colleges fail because of factors that are not public (such as sizeable deferred maintenance), other factors — such as falling enrollment, decreasing selectivity, and limited endowment to weather risks — are disclosed via the IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System).
This tool provides sector-specific financial health analysis for U.S. colleges and universities. Unlike one-size-fits-all approaches, we recognize that public, private non-profit, and for-profit institutions face fundamentally different financial pressures and require tailored risk assessments.
Data Sources
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) — U.S. Department of Education (2005–2025)
- U.S. News & World Report Rankings — National University Rankings (2024)
See Data Sources & Status for full details on all 22 data sources and coverage dates.
Methodology
We use sector-specific risk factors (7 for public, 11 for private non-profit, 9 for for-profit) derived from analysis of institutional closure patterns and financial distress indicators. Each institution is evaluated against factors relevant to its sector, measuring financial stability, enrollment trends, revenue sustainability, and academic outcomes.
Understanding Institution Types
Not all colleges face the same financial pressures. We evaluate 10,429 U.S. institutions using sector-specific risk factors tailored to three distinct types:
Public Institutions
State universities and colleges. Receive state funding but are vulnerable to appropriation cuts and enrollment declines.
Private Non-Profit
Independent colleges and universities. Rely heavily on endowments, tuition, and donations. Evaluated on endowment strength and sustainability.
For-Profit
Operated for investor returns. Heavily dependent on federal student aid and face higher regulatory scrutiny and closure rates.
Risk Distribution by Institution Type
Each sector shows different risk patterns based on their unique financial models and challenges:
Public Institutions
Private Non-Profit
For-Profit
College Closures Over Time
5,445 Title IV institutions have closed since 1984. 2,408 are tracked on this site with financial data.
Source: Federal Student Aid PEPS closed school database. Includes all main-campus Title IV closures.