Sad News – Northland College to Close
Announced on February 19, 2025, Northland College’s Board of Trustees declared the institution’s impending closure at the conclusion of the 2024–25 academic year. This decision brings an end to a 133-year legacy of environmental stewardship and liberal arts education in Ashland, Wisconsin.
Established in 1892, Northland College was a pioneer in integrating environmental studies within a liberal arts framework. Nestled on the southern shores of Lake Superior and surrounded by northern forests, the college fostered a unique educational experience, encouraging students to explore the intricate connections between nature, place, and people.
Despite concerted efforts to navigate financial challenges, including aggressive cost-cutting measures and fundraising campaigns, the college faced insurmountable economic and demographic pressures. Board Chair Ted Bristol expressed the collective sentiment: “Despite the collaborative efforts of the entire Northland family, we no longer have the resources needed to navigate the economic and demographic storms endangering small, liberal arts institutions today.”
In March 2024, the Board declared financial exigency, prompting over a thousand donors to contribute to a critical fundraising appeal. The college also streamlined academic offerings and reduced staff, focusing on nine majors for the fall 2024 semester. However, these measures proved insufficient to establish a sustainable path forward.
As Northland College prepares to close its doors, it leaves behind a rich legacy of environmental advocacy and interdisciplinary education. Its influence will continue to resonate through the countless students, faculty, and community members who were part of its storied history.
Northland College joins a number of other Division III schools that have closed in the past few years. And this list continues to grow…
- Cazenovia – 2022
- Finlandia – 2023
- Cabrini – 2023
- Medaille – 2023
- Fontbonne – 2024
- Birmingham Southern – 2024
- Wells College – 2024
- Eastern Nazarene University – 2024
- Clarks Summit – 2024
God Speed to the soccer players, student athletes, and everyone else at Northland as they look to pursue new opportunities.
SC.