Education & Careersbreaking news
University of Providence board votes to close the Montana school in 2027
The Great Falls university has a teach-out plan coming for students, and staff and donors have open questions of their own.
The board's vote
The University of Providence in Montana will close at the end of summer 2027, following a vote by its board on Tuesday. [1] The board of trustees voted unanimously to shut down the university. [2]
The Catholic nonprofit cited years of sustained enrollment decline and increasing financial pressure as the reason for the closure. [1] University President Caroline Goulet cited falling enrollment and financial pressures too, and said the school could not find a financially sustainable way forward. [2]
How the school got here
The university declared financial exigency in December 2025. [2] In August, its accreditor put it on probation over financial stability concerns. [1] The accreditor required the university's leaders to submit a teach-out plan by October. [1]
The Providence health system provided substantial financial support as the university sought a viable long-term operating model, but those efforts were ultimately unsuccessful. [1] The university also set a goal of increasing revenue by $16 million over the next four years through donations and increased enrollment. [1]
In 2025 the university had $28.6 million in revenue, $35.6 million in expenses, and total assets valued at $48.6 million, according to ProPublica. [2]
Why the board chose a planned closure
The board explored all options to stay open, including academic and budget cuts, new enrollment and revenue strategies, a merger or being acquired. [1] It chose a planned closure rather than the risk of an abrupt ending. [1]
Providence Ministries said the Sisters of Providence saw a need in Great Falls and looked to fill it, and that financial sustainability is no longer feasible. [2]
The school and the city
The university is a private Roman Catholic liberal arts school founded in 1932 by the Sisters of Providence. [2] It is located on a 44-acre campus near Benefis Hospital in Great Falls. [2]
Great Falls Mayor Cory Reeves called the closure a huge loss for the city. [2]
What it means for students, staff and donors
If you are a student, the university will soon share details of a teach-out plan intended to keep your out-of-pocket expenses from exceeding what they would have been had the university stayed open. [1] The Montana University System said it would support Providence students seeking to find a new school. [2] Carroll College offered transfer support services to University of Providence students on Tuesday. [1]
The university is working with legal counsel on steps required to permit use of endowment funds as scholarship support for continuing students. [2]
If you work at the university, you face questions about benefits and employment details. [2] Faculty members' last day will be determined by program requirements and institutional needs. [1]
If you are a donor, you will be contacted to discuss alternatives that honor the original intent and purpose of your gifts. [1]
Sources
- University of Providence to shutter in summer 2027 — Higher Ed Dive
- University of Providence to shutter in 2027 — Yahoo
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