Hampshire College Running Out of Cash to Finish Final Semester Before Closure

“We believe it is important to share this information now so that members of our community can make informed decisions about their future”

Posted by Mike LaChance Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 09:00am 0 Comments

Hampshire College is ending with a very rough landing. What an embarrassing situation.

WCVB News reports:

‘Hard to hear’: Hampshire College president warns final semester faces funding gap

Hampshire College may not have sufficient funding to complete another semester before closing, according to a new statement from the president of the cash-strapped Massachusetts institution.

In April, the college announced it would not admit a new class for fall 2026, but said it had a teach-out plan in place to help current students finish their degrees or transfer.

Over the weekend, however, College President Jennifer Chrisler sent a letter to students, staff and faculty indicating the plan may not be viable. NewsCenter 5 obtained a copy of the letter, which was sent out on Saturday morning.

“I recognize that this update comes at an already difficult time. I am deeply sorry for that. Nonetheless, I believe sharing this information now is the responsible course of action,” Chrisler wrote.

According to Chrisler’s letter, she and the Board of Trustees are working to balance required expenses for the semester against available revenue and assets.

“I remain committed to stating plainly that which is hard to hear, and so I want you to understand the planned teach-out is contingent on the College obtaining sufficient financial resources,” she wrote. “Our financial modeling shows that presently the college does not have enough available funds to cover the expected expenses for the teach-out.”

Chrisler said Hampshire College is working with faculty on negotiating terms of work for the teach-out and planning for the creation of cohorts to support students in their independent study projects, which Hampshire calls Division III, during the fall semester.

“We believe it is important to share this information now so that members of our community can make informed decisions about their future,” Chrisler wrote. “This is particularly important for students as they consider transfer options ahead of a number of June 1 deadlines. It is equally relevant for faculty and staff who are evaluating opportunities related to the teach-out.”