The decline of college towns (and the decline of towns with colleges) has been reported on for years, but there has never been a comprehensive list to illustrate the extent of this phenomenon we call the de-gowning of America. The schools include small private colleges, community colleges, HBCUs, and state universities that are not flagship institutions.
Like steel towns, mill towns, fishing towns, mining towns, and prison towns that have faced economic and population declines, these towns face challenges as the colleges and universities they have supported are struggling--and in some cases are closing or have closed.
Some of these college towns will adapt well, especially if there are other businesses in the area, wealthy communities are nearby, and real estate is valuable. Others will muddle on. Some are in financial trouble and will face an exodus.
Elite schools like Williams College are doing well but may not be paying sufficient taxes, and folks are leaving. State university systems, like the University of Wisconsin, have closed branch campuses in order to save money as austerity occurs. Working-class towns, like Johnstown (PA), Flint, and Youngstown, previously known as industrial centers, will have to adapt again.
The Financial Elites Know
We have no doubt that the financial industry (from banks to bond raters) has detailed proprietary data. Data that they can use for their advantage and the disadvantage of others. EY, for example, keeps tabs on the financial status of colleges and universities. Moody's, Standard & Poor's, and Fitch Ratings assess higher education institutions and municipal bonds.
This list is not exhaustive, and it may be controversial, but it is a start to a conversation that needs to occur. We welcome your comments and feedback.
- Keene, NH (Keene State University)
- Poultney, VT (Green Mountain College)
- Williamstown, MA (Williams College)
- Alfred, NY (Alfred University)
- Aurora, NY (Wells College)
- Fredonia, NY (SUNY Fredonia)
- Oneota, NY (SUNY Oneota and Hartwick College)
- Bloomsburg, PA (PA System)
- California, PA (PA System)
- Cannonsburg, PA (Washington and Jefferson College)
- Clarion, PA (PA System)
- Edinboro, PA (PA System)
- Hazleton, PA (Penn State)
- Huntingdon, PA (Juniata College)
- Indiana, PA (PA System)
- Lock Haven, PA (PA System)
- Mansfield, PA (PA System)
- McKeesport, PA (Penn State)
- Johnstown, PA (Pitt-Johnstown)
- Gambier, OH (Kenyon College)
- Granville, OH (Denison University)
- Greenville, OH (Edison State Community College)
- Kent, OH (Kent State University)
- Oberlin, OH (Oberlin College)
- Youngstown, OH (Youngstown State University)
- Wilberforce, OH (Wilberforce University and Central State University)
- Wilmington, OH (Wilmington College)
- Yellow Springs, OH (Antioch College)
- Ada, OH (Ohio Northern University)
- Muncie, IN (Ball State University)
- North Manchester, IN (Manchester University)
- Gailsburg, IL (Knox College)
- Adrian, MI (Siena Heights University and Adrian University)
- Albion, MI (Albion College)
- Flint, MI (University of Michigan)
- Kalamazoo, MI (Western Michigan University)
- Mt. Clemens, MI (McComb Community College)
- Muskegon, MI (University of Wisconsin System)
- Green Bay, WI (University of Wisconsin System)
- Platteville, WI (University of Wisconsin System)
- Oshkosh, WI (University of Wisconsin System)
- Platteville, WI (University of Wisconsin System)
- Waukesha, WI (University of Wisconsin System)
- Ettrick, VA (Virginia State University)
- Fairmont, WV (Fairmont State University)
- Philippi, WV (Alderson-Broaddus University)
- Shepardstown, WV (Shepard University)
- Adairville, KY (Lindsey Wilson College)
- Sewanee, TN (University of the South)
- Orangeburg, SC (Claflin, South Carolina State)
- Livingston, AL (University of West Alabama)
- Albany, GA (Albany State University)
- Greenwood, MS (Mississippi Valley State University)
- Kirksville, MO (Truman State University)
- Pinebluff, AR (University of Arkansas)
- Emporia, KS (Emporia State University)
- Ada, OK (East Central University)
- Ardmore, OK (East Central University)
- Havre, MT (Montana State University-Northern)
- Silver City, NM (Western New Mexico University)
- Arcata, CA (Cal Poly Humboldt)
- LeGrande, OR (Eastern Oregon University)
- Pullman, WA (Washington State University)
Related links:
Why College Towns Are Disappearing (Something Different Films)
IVM finds heightened risk in higher education as stimulus funds expire (Kasia Lundy, EY Parthenon, 2024)