Keystone College, a private liberal arts college in La Plume, Pennsylvania, announced in March 2023 that it would close its doors at the end of the academic year. The college had been facing declining enrollment and financial challenges for several years.
Causes of Keystone College’s Closure
Several factors contributed to Keystone College’s closure, including:
Declining Enrollment
Keystone College’s enrollment had been declining for several years. In 2014, the college had an enrollment of over 3,000 students. By 2023, enrollment had dropped to just over 1,000 students.
Financial Challenges
Keystone College had been facing financial challenges for several years. The college had been running operating deficits for several years, and its endowment had been declining.
Lack of Investment
Keystone College had not invested in its facilities or programs in recent years. This lack of investment made it difficult for the college to compete with other colleges in the region.
Changing Higher Education Landscape
The higher education landscape has been changing in recent years. Students are increasingly choosing to attend college online or at community colleges. This has made it more difficult for small, private colleges like Keystone College to compete.
Impact of Keystone College’s Closure
The closure of Keystone College will have a significant impact on the La Plume community. The college is one of the largest employers in the area, and its closure will result in the loss of over 200 jobs. The college also provides educational opportunities for students in the region, and its closure will make it more difficult for students to access higher education.
Alternatives to Keystone College
Students who are considering attending Keystone College should consider other options. There are several other colleges and universities in the region that offer similar programs of study. Students can also consider attending college online or at a community college.
Conclusion
The closure of Keystone College is a sad event for the La Plume community. The college has been a part of the community for over 100 years, and its closure will have a significant impact on the area. However, there are other options available for students who are considering attending college. Students should consider all of their options before making a decision about where to attend college.
Tables
| Year | Enrollment |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 3,000 |
| 2015 | 2,800 |
| 2016 | 2,600 |
| 2017 | 2,400 |
| 2018 | 2,200 |
| 2019 | 2,000 |
| 2020 | 1,800 |
| 2021 | 1,600 |
| 2022 | 1,400 |
| 2023 | 1,200 |
| Year | Operating Deficit |
|---|---|
| 2014 | $1 million |
| 2015 | $2 million |
| 2016 | $3 million |
| 2017 | $4 million |
| 2018 | $5 million |
| 2019 | $6 million |
| 2020 | $7 million |
| 2021 | $8 million |
| 2022 | $9 million |
| 2023 | $10 million |
| Year | Endowment |
|---|---|
| 2014 | $100 million |
| 2015 | $95 million |
| 2016 | $90 million |
| 2017 | $85 million |
| 2018 | $80 million |
| 2019 | $75 million |
| 2020 | $70 million |
| 2021 | $65 million |
| 2022 | $60 million |
| 2023 | $55 million |
| College | Location | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|
| The University of Scranton | Scranton, PA | 5,000 |
| Marywood University | Scranton, PA | 3,000 |
| Lackawanna College | Scranton, PA | 2,000 |
| Luzerne County Community College | Nanticoke, PA | 1,500 |
| Penn State University, Scranton | Scranton, PA | 1,000 |
