Massachusetts Officials Warn Anna Maria College May Lack Funds for Next 18 Months

Anna Maria College, a small Catholic institution in Paxton, Massachusetts, received a notice from the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education on Friday. The notice states that the college may not have sufficient resources to sustain operations and enroll students for at least the next 18 months.

This announcement is part of a state system designed to assess financial risks at higher education institutions.

The Department of Higher Education requires institutions to post public notice of their financial condition if the department cannot confirm adequate resources after engagement with the institution. Anna Maria College meets the criteria for this notice.

Background on Anna Maria College Founded in 1946 by the Sisters of Saint Anne as a women's college, Anna Maria College has since become co-educational and expanded its programs over 75 years.

It currently enrolls just over 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students, with offerings in areas such as fire science and social work. Enrollment has declined by about 300 students since 2019, from 1,458 to the current figure. In 2022, the college discontinued three music majors due to declining interest.

Last March, the New England Commission of Higher Education identified the college as being in danger of failing to meet its institutional needs and planned to monitor enrollment growth and expense reductions through the spring. Last week, the Worcester Telegram & Gazette reported allegations that the college had not made payments to the Paxton police department, which a college spokesperson said had been resolved.

Current Financial Status and Response The college's board and President Sean Ryan issued a statement affirming commitment to operating in full compliance with state standards and meeting student academic needs.

The statement attributes challenges to broader issues in higher education, including enrollment declines affecting small, tuition-dependent institutions. Student deposits for the upcoming fall semester are trending ahead of prior years, and the college plans further expense reductions.

Since 2014, at least 20 colleges in Massachusetts have closed or merged with larger institutions, according to state data.

This reflects nationwide trends of fewer students attending college and declining tuition revenue relative to operational costs. The Department of Higher Education now requires Anna Maria College to develop a contingency plan to ensure minimal disruption to students and families if the institution closes. Such a plan would facilitate continued education elsewhere.

The notice serves as an early warning to prospective students and current enrollees about potential risks.