Financial Issues Force 124-Year-Old Massachusetts College to Close

Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, Massachusetts is closing due to "persisting financial issues."

Eastern Nazarene College, a fully accredited Christian liberal arts college, was founded in 1900.

Dr. David W. Bowser, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Eastern Nazarene College, said in a press statement, "We know this news will come as a shock and disappointment to many, especially those whose lives have been transformed by their affiliation with Eastern Nazarene College through its rich history."

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ENC is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. The school "offers over 50 undergraduate and graduate certificate and degree programs, delivered online and on its campus," according to the ENC website.

A statement on the ENC website says, "The Board of Trustees of Eastern Nazarene College has voted unanimously to begin the process of closing ENC and transitioning it into a new educational enterprise that will carry on ENC's legacy of providing a transformational education that equips diverse students to lead and serve our world as an agent of Christ's love and truth."

College officials offered no details about ENC's "season of transition" other than to say, "The Board and administration are focused on caring for the present, honoring the past, and ensuring a vibrant future."

ENC says it had 541 undergraduate and graduate students in Fall 2022, over 100 fewer than the prior year and 150 fewer than in 2020.

According to its website, there are 850 students representing 30 different states enrolled in more than 50 majors at Eastern Nazarene College.

Haitian rapper, singer and record producer Wyclef Jean is a notable alumnus of Eastern Nazarene College.