Trinity Christian College Announces Closure

"Trinity Christian College outside Chicago will close at the end of the current 2025-26 academic year due to insurmountable financial pressures. The college announced the move Tuesday, citing a litany of challenges, which include "post-Covid financial losses; persistent operating deficits; a decline in college enrollment and increased competition for students; and a shift in donor giving and financial circumstances," according to a statement from officials posted on a frequently asked questions webpage."

"Acting President Jeanine Mozie said in a video message that the Board of Trustees considered multiple options to address "significant and rapidly evolving financial challenges," but ultimately, there was "no sustainable path forward for our beloved institution." The FAQ page noted that the Board of Trustees considered "significant programmatic changes, strategic partnerships, and the like" but "determined that these and other alternatives were insufficient to overcome the college's deficit" and sustain Trinity's mission over the long term."

"A review of the college's finances shows that Trinity operated at a loss in eight of the last 10 fiscal years and relied significantly on a small pool of donors. An estimated 76 percent of all financial contributions came from just three donors in 2024, according to Trinity's latest audit. Trinity also had less and less cash on hand. According to the audit, "cash and cash equivalents" fell from nearly $7.2 million in fiscal year 2023 to just under $5 million-a drop of nearly 31 percent. Trinity also had a meager endowment, valued at $11 million at the end of the 2024 fiscal year."

Trinity Christian College will close at the end of the 2025–26 academic year because of insurmountable financial pressures. The college cited post‑COVID financial losses, persistent operating deficits, declining enrollment, increased competition for students, shifts in donor giving, and changing donor financial circumstances. The Board of Trustees evaluated programmatic changes, strategic partnerships, and other alternatives but found no sustainable path forward. Recent leadership turnover and staff layoffs occurred, including the resignation of the former president. Financial records show losses in eight of the last ten fiscal years, heavy reliance on a few donors, a cash decline from $7.2M to under $5M, and an $11M endowment.

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