Hampshire College, a private liberal arts institution in Amherst, Massachusetts, will shut down after the fall 2026 semester, a decision reflecting a larger crisis in U.S. higher education. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, about 100 colleges have closed, with 442 private nonprofit colleges at risk of closure. Factors contributing to this trend include declining enrollment due to a decrease in the number of 18-year-olds, rising tuition costs, and a growing skepticism about the value of a college degree. Additionally, the current political climate has led to a 36% decline in visas for international students, further straining college finances. The closure of colleges not only affects students—who may struggle to transfer or complete their degrees—but also has significant repercussions for local communities, including job losses and declining housing values. As public sentiment turns against colleges, often viewed as elitist or overly liberal, the future of higher education faces increasing uncertainty.