Anna Maria College Holds Final Commencement Ceremony Before Closure
‘I never wanted to leave’: Anna Maria College celebrates final commencement before closing its doors
The Boston Globe
Image: The Boston Globe
Anna Maria College in Paxton, Massachusetts, celebrated its last commencement on Saturday, marking the end of an era for the institution founded in 1946. The college, which has faced financial difficulties and declining enrollment, will officially close after the 2026 academic year, leaving its final graduating class to reflect on their unique experiences.
- 01Anna Maria College will close its doors after the 2026 academic year due to financial challenges.
- 02The final commencement ceremony took place on a rainy Saturday, attended by a large crowd.
- 03Graduates expressed their emotional connection to the college, describing it as a family and home.
- 04A transfer agreement has been established with Regis College for students who have not completed their degrees.
- 05The closure reflects a broader trend of private colleges facing financial difficulties across the U.S.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Anna Maria College in Paxton, Massachusetts, held its final commencement ceremony on Saturday, marking the end of its 77-year history. Founded in 1946 by the Sisters of Saint Anne, the college has provided education to many first-generation and working-class students. The bittersweet ceremony saw graduates like Amari McKinnon and Adrianna Fraioli celebrating their achievements while mourning the loss of their beloved institution. Despite efforts to stabilize finances, including reducing costs and boosting fundraising, the college could not overcome its financial woes, leading to its closure after the 2026 academic year. Graduates were encouraged to cherish their time at Anna Maria and remember the community it fostered. A transfer agreement with Regis College in Weston has been established for students who have not yet graduated, ensuring they can continue their education. The closure of Anna Maria College is part of a growing trend, with approximately 400 private colleges expected to close in the next decade due to similar financial challenges.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The closure of Anna Maria College will leave a significant gap in educational opportunities for local students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds seeking higher education.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
What do you think is the main reason for the closure of private colleges like Anna Maria?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.



