Key Points:
- Trinity Christian College closure set for 2026 over financial struggles.
- Students and staff will get support through teach-outs and resources.
- Final commencement scheduled for May 8, 2026.
Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois, has announced that it will close its doors at the end of the 2025–2026 academic year. The decision, made by the college’s board of trustees, comes after years of financial strain caused by declining enrollment, pandemic-related losses, and increased competition in higher education. This marks the official Trinity Christian College closure.
President Jeanine Mozie described the closure as a deeply emotional moment for the college community. “It’s a sad day for our students and families. It’s a sad day for our staff and our faculty,” she said, adding that the college is committed to helping students complete their degrees or transition to other institutions.
Transition Plans for Students and Faculty
To assist students, the college is arranging teach-out agreements with St. Xavier University, Calvin University, and Olivet Nazarene University. These partnerships are designed to help students graduate on a similar timeline and with comparable out-of-pocket costs.
Many students have expressed both sadness and gratitude for their time at Trinity. Kara Huttner, a junior who recently transferred to the college, said she was heartbroken by the news. “I cried immediately. I was really excited to come here,” she said.
For others, the closure brings a sense of uncertainty but also hope. Katie Timmer, a nursing student, shared, “It’s a weird feeling — kind of a heavy heart. But I’m thankful for how I’ve grown here and the community I’ve found.”
The college, which currently serves about 800 students, has stated that faculty and staff will be provided with resources and support to help them find new professional opportunities as part of the Trinity Christian College closure plan.
Efforts to Overcome Financial Struggles
Trinity Christian College has implemented several strategies in recent years to stabilize its finances. In 2023, the institution launched a tuition transparency and access initiative, lowering annual tuition by more than 40%, from over $33,000 to just under $20,000.
Despite these efforts, the financial challenges proved too great. The college cited a combination of shifting donor priorities, competitive pressures, and the lingering effects of post-COVID enrollment declines as key factors behind the Trinity Christian College closure.
Freshman Maya Miller said the closure has left her emotional, but determined to continue her education. “I still want to continue college, of course, but I definitely want to stay in touch with those from Trinity because they mean a lot to me,” she said.
Final Year and Commencement
The college will continue normal operations through the academic year, with its final commencement ceremony scheduled for May 8, 2026.
As Trinity Christian College prepares for closure, its legacy as a small private institution focused on Christian higher education will be remembered by students, faculty, and alumni who have been part of its close-knit community.
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