More US Colleges at Risk of Closing or Merging, Fitch Says

More colleges and universities in the US are headed for closures or mergers, with enrollment declining across higher-education institutions, according to Fitch Ratings Inc.

A handful have already shuttered or combined with others so far this year. Alliance University in Manhattan’s financial district said it will wind down its courses as of Aug. 31 while Medaille University in Western New York held its final commencement in May. On July 1, Bloomfield College in New Jersey merged with Montclair State University, concluding a roughly two-year search for a partner to help the school avoid closing due to financial challenges.

Enrollment declines ...