ALBANY – The College of Saint Rose’s accreditation as an institute of higher learning is “in jeopardy,” according to a warning letter from its accreditor that raised concerns about the finances of the four-year school.
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has given Saint Rose six months to make improvements. It must show that it has enough money to continue, including showing a multi-year budget, according to the not-for-profit’s letter dated June 22.
Middle States issued a warning, but did not go so far as to place the college on probation. That means the college “appears to demonstrate the capacity to sustain itself in the long term” and has the capacity to fix its problems within 36 months, according to the accreditor.
The college must show “sufficiency of resources to fulfill its mission and goals and to support its educational purposes and programs” and “financial planning and budget processes that are aligned with mission, goals and objectives and are evidence-based,” the letter said.
The letter from Middle States, a 136-year-old organization that reviews colleges and university to determine the validity of degrees and credits, is the latest sign of trouble at Saint Rose. Enrollment has declined there, but financial warning signs have existed for years. Middle States noted that in 2020 it asked for annual updates that would show “improved financial viability and sustainability.” Diplomas are still valid if a college or university loses accreditation but students can face problems including difficulty transferring credits, and the possible loss of financial aid and scholarships.
The liberal arts college, founded in 1920 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, once enrolled 4,000 students. For the 2022-23 school year, it had 2,800 students.
The college has cut multiple programs, closed a build it is now trying to sell, and laid off…
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