Trinity Christian College in Chicago's southwest suburbs announced Tuesday that it is closing its doors for good at the end of the academic year.
The board of trustees has voted to close the 66-year-old religious college in Palos Heights, Illinois, a news release announced Tuesday. Trinity will hold its final commencement ceremony on May 8, 2026.
Trinity said it has tried its hardest to adjust its growth model and eliminate its deficit, but was hampered by post-COVID losses, persistent operating deficits, a decline in enrollment, increased competition for students, and shifting giving priorities by donors. After reviewing many options, the board voted on Monday to close the college.
"Our deepest commitment in this season is to care for our people, particularly our students, faculty and staff, as we mourn this ending. Trinity will provide advising, support and a multitude of resources to our students to help them complete their academic pursuits here or at other institutions," Jeanine Mozie, acting president of Trinity Christian College, said in a news release. "Our leadership team is deeply saddened, and we dedicate ourselves in service to the Trinity community until we close our doors."
Students on campus were left dismayed and in disbelief following the announcement.
"We're all like one little family, you could say, so it's just really sad to just see what's happening," Sean Crofton said.
The announcement also proves shocking to those just starting their college journey, including freshman Alexa Chapman.
"I went to class and I walked in and no one was in there except for my professor and I said, 'It's real?' and then I started crying and left and I've been crying ever since," she said.
Chapman is also on the softball team, where she said she's developed strong ties with friends that have made the academic community a home.
"It's about my friends, everyone here is so nice. Like people I don't even know will come up and say hi and give me a hug or give me a handshake or something, everyone, the community, it's just really great. I'm gonna miss it.' Chapman said.
Experts said Trinity College's closing is just the latest in a national trend in higher education of colleges and universities suffering from low enrollment and financial strain. David Tretter is the president of the Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and universities, said the most vulnerable institutions are the smaller ones, mainly on the private side.
"The number of students that go to college is down, that's true in Illinois, we've known that for a while, he said. "Certainly, you have to throw in just the inflationary environment we've been in. Running a campus, from the electrical bill to the maintenance,"
Tretter said colleges are having to rethink their programs they offer to become more efficient and get on a better financial footing. He also said policy decisions have a major impact.
"What can Springfield do, what can DC do, I think the main things they can do are sustained, predictable funding across the board," Tretter said.
For students like Chapman, the future is uncertain, but she knows her experience at Trinity is irreplaceable.
"There's going to be a big hole from losing this campus," she said.
For students who are not yet eligible to graduate, Trinity said it would make provisions in May for pathways forward in their education. Trinity said students have several options through teach-out and transfer opportunities to other Christian colleges, and these options will not impede their ability to graduate on time.
Faculty and staff will receive resources for moving to new jobs elsewhere, the college said.
Trinity College was founded in 1959 and offers more than 70 programs through bachelor's, master's, and adult degree completion courses.