Trinity Christian College, a private liberal arts institution founded in 1959 in Palos Heights, a southwest suburb of Chicago, announced that it will permanently close its doors at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year. This decision, made public on November 4, 2025, follows a vote by the Board of Directors on November 3, 2025, following a period of intensive deliberations and rigorous financial review.
The establishment, which welcomed nearly 1,000 students and offered more than 70 programs of study, is facing a deep financial crisis. For several years, Trinity Christian College had suffered persistent budget deficits, a sharp decline in its financial reserves, and an increased reliance on a small number of major donors. Student enrollment has fallen about 18% since 2019. The college’s endowment stood at just $11 million in 2024, well below the national median for this type of institution.
Faced with these difficulties, the board of directors, led by Ken Dryfhout, made the decision to cease all academic activities following the May 2026 graduation ceremony, marking the final graduation ceremony for the outgoing class. The official announcement was communicated to the entire university community during an assembly and relayed by a joint video from Ken Dryfhout and interim president Jeanine Mozie.
Trinity Christian College is committed to supporting the students concerned by facilitating their transfer through teach-out agreements concluded with Calvin University, Olivet Nazarene University and Saint Xavier University, guaranteeing the continuation of their studies in comparable conditions. Staff and faculty members also receive personalized support during this transition phase.
The decision provoked strong reactions from students, alumni and Christian figures. Several testimonies underline the sadness and the attachment to an institution considered as a university “family”. College officials say all strategic options, including partnerships and downsizing, were thoroughly explored before concluding that the activity could not continue.
Sources: trnty.edu, Christian Post, Inside Higher Ed, CBS Chicago, ABC7 Chicago, CRCNA News, Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Yahoo News, Patch.com, Higher Ed Dive, Olivet Nazarene University.
