Education
Fontbonne University to close due to deficits and declining enrollment
Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by Robert C. Hoopes
Fontbonne University To Close in 2025, Campus Bought by Washington University
In a significant development for the higher education landscape in St. Louis, Fontbonne University, a 101-year-old institution in Clayton, will be closing its doors in fall 2025. The university’s 16-acre campus will be acquired by neighboring Washington University, marking the end of an era for Fontbonne.
The decision to close Fontbonne comes after years of struggling with declining enrollments and budget deficits. Despite efforts by university leaders to seek out potential mergers or acquisitions with other colleges, closure ultimately became the only viable option.
As a result, no freshman class will be admitted this fall, and courses will continue through the summer of 2025. Fontbonne will assist current students with transferring to other colleges as they wind down operations on campus. The university will also lease back the campus from Washington University for a nominal amount during this transition period.
Fontbonne has faced a 60% decline in enrollment and a loss of $14 million in revenues over the past decade. The university has implemented budget cuts, faculty layoffs, and even attempted to tap into restricted endowment funds in an effort to stay afloat. The departure of several administrators in recent months further signaled the university’s financial struggles.
The news of Fontbonne’s closure has been met with sadness and disappointment by students and alumni alike. The university’s fate is a reflection of a broader national trend, with small, liberal arts colleges facing increasing challenges in today’s higher education landscape.
Fontbonne’s closure serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of the education sector and the need for institutions to adapt to changing times. As Fontbonne prepares to say goodbye, its legacy as a respected institution in St. Louis will surely be remembered for years to come.
