Will My College Survive?
Sector-specific financial health analysis for 9,000+ U.S. colleges and universities
About This Tool
This tool provides sector-specific financial health analysis for U.S. colleges and universities. Unlike one-size-fits-all approaches, we recognize that public, private non-profit, and for-profit institutions face fundamentally different financial pressures and require tailored risk assessments.
Data Sources
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) - U.S. Department of Education (2012-2023)
- U.S. News & World Report Rankings - National University Rankings (2024)
Methodology
We use sector-specific risk factors (7 for public, 10 for private non-profit, 8 for for-profit) derived from analysis of institutional closure patterns and financial distress indicators. Each institution is evaluated against factors relevant to their sector, measuring financial stability, enrollment trends, revenue sustainability, and academic outcomes.
Understanding Institution Types
Not all colleges face the same financial pressures. We evaluate 9,041 U.S. institutions using sector-specific risk factors tailored to three distinct types:
Public Institutions
State universities and colleges. Receive state funding but are vulnerable to appropriation cuts and enrollment declines.
Private Non-Profit
Independent colleges and universities. Rely heavily on endowments, tuition, and donations. Evaluated on endowment strength and sustainability.
For-Profit
Operated for investor returns. Heavily dependent on federal student aid and face higher regulatory scrutiny and closure rates.
Risk Distribution by Institution Type
Each sector shows different risk patterns based on their unique financial models and challenges: