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Anna Maria College to Shut After Spring Semester

An audit questioning its viability after state and accreditor warnings set off a planned wind down.

Overview

  • Anna Maria College, which announced Thursday, will cease academic operations at the end of the spring 2026 semester.
  • Leaders pointed to a recent audit that raised “substantial doubt” about continuing operations, a state notice under its risk-monitoring program that questioned resources, and an accreditor warning over financial standards.
  • Graduating seniors will finish and walk at the May 9 commencement, admitted students will get deposit refunds, and current students are being guided to transfer options.
  • Transfer supports are taking shape, with Regis College set to hold Anna Maria’s academic records and offer pathways, and Worcester State guaranteeing transfers and housing for affected students.
  • Enrollment had fallen to about 1,200 by fall 2024 and finances were thin, with an endowment near $1.5 million and debt reported above $18 million, in a pattern also seen as Hampshire College moves to close.