Many colleges in the U.S. are struggling with rising costs and declining enrollment. In Vermont, three state colleges merged into one to keep campuses open and preserve affordable higher education.
LEILA FADEL, HOST:
Between rising costs and declining enrollment, many colleges around the country are struggling. Dozens have simply shut down, while some state schools are trying to find ways to keep from doing that, especially those in rural areas, where students have few other options for higher education. One state is trying to keep campuses open by merging them with other colleges. Vermont Public’s Liam Elder-Connors reports.
LIAM ELDER-CONNORS, BYLINE: Back in 2020, Vermont state universities were in trouble. Enrollment was down more than 11%, and fewer Vermont students were graduating high school. Then COVID hit. Students went home, and the state colleges had to refund room and board payments, putting them near the financial brink. Jeb Spaulding, the chancellor of the state colleges at the time, proposed closing three campuses.
