In this insightful discussion, Bloomberg reporter Francesca Maglione sheds light on the challenges facing American colleges, driven by rising tuition and declining high school graduates. She explores the surprising trend of mergers and acquisitions as a strategy for survival in higher education. Francesca reveals how institutions like Northeastern University are navigating these complexities, addressing both the potential and pitfalls of merging struggling schools. The conversation also dives into the cultural shifts and future implications of these partnerships in reshaping academia.
Skyrocketing tuition costs and a decline in high school graduates are pressuring smaller colleges to merge for survival amid an economic crisis.
Northeastern University's aggressive strategy of acquiring struggling colleges aims to enhance enrollment and expand its presence despite challenges of cultural integration.
Deep dives
The Economic Crisis in Higher Education
American higher education is facing a significant economic crisis, exacerbated by a declining number of high school graduates. With predictions of a 10% decrease in graduates by 2037, colleges and universities are struggling to attract students, especially smaller institutions that lack the financial cushions of elite schools. As costs continue to rise, prospective students question the value of expensive degrees, prompting institutions to enhance offerings with more perks and amenities. This challenging landscape compels institutions to rethink their strategies to survive amidst a climate of declining enrollment.
Northeastern University's Strategic Expansion
Northeastern University has adopted a proactive approach to counteract the challenges faced by institutions in higher education, pursuing mergers and acquisitions of struggling colleges. Starting in 2019, Northeastern began acquiring various institutions, including a campus in London and Mills College in California, which previously faced closure. By integrating these schools, Northeastern aims to expand its international presence and student body while leveraging valuable assets such as real estate and art collections from acquired institutions. This strategy has allowed Northeastern to grow substantially, adding significantly to its enrollment and further establishing itself as a major player in higher education.
Cultural Clashes and Growing Pains
The rapid expansion of Northeastern University through acquisitions has not been without its challenges, particularly in terms of cultural integration among diverse student bodies. For instance, the merger with Mills College ignited protests and discomfort among students due to differing values and educational philosophies. As Northeastern's enrollment surged by 15% since 2019, the strain on resources became evident, with students experiencing overcrowded facilities and accommodation issues. Despite these growing pains, Northeastern is learning from previous experiences to better prepare for future mergers, highlighting the complexities of scaling in the higher education sector.
Skyrocketing tuition costs, COVID and fewer high school graduates have been straining the survival of smaller American colleges, leading many to shut down. Now, some are joining a surprising new path: mergers and acquisitions.
Bloomberg reporter Francesca Maglione sits down with Big Take host David Gura to discuss why some colleges are eager to merge with others, and what this new dynamic might mean for the future of higher education.