Trinity Christian College Drops Bombshell It Will Close At End of 2025-2026 Academic Year

PALOS HEIGHTS, IL — Trinity Christian College dropped a bombshell announcement Wednesday morning that the college would be shutting its doors at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year. Trinity will hold its final commencement ceremony on May 8, 2026.

The college’s board of trustees voted on Tuesday to close the 66-year-old private institution after discouraging assessments from multiple advisors, projections for future revenue and enrollment, and strategic alternatives. Trustees decided to close the college to ensure a smooth transition for current students who are not set to graduate this year.

Despite strategic efforts to adjust its growth model and eliminate its deficit, Trinity has faced fast-evolving economic and cultural realities. The college citied post-Covid financial losses, persistent operating deficits, a decline in college enrollment, increased competition for students and shifting donor giving and financial circumstances.

The board of trustees and college officials said these challenges impacted Trinity’s ability to continue providing a transformative, affordable education rooted in its Christian mission. After reviewing the assessment of multiple advisors, projections for future revenue and enrollment, and strategic alternatives.

“Our deepest commitment in this season is to care for our people, particularly our students, faculty and staff, as we mourn this ending. Trinity will provide advising, support and a multitude of resources to our students to help them complete their academic pursuits here or at other institutions,” Trinity’s acting president, Jeanine Mozie, said in a written statement. “Our leadership team is deeply saddened, and we dedicate ourselves in service to the Trinity community until we close our doors.”

Trinity was tied for the #25 spot on the U.S. News And World Report's 2026 list of “Best Regional College,” in the Midwest, #22 as a “Best Value College,” and, again, tied for the #28 spot for “Top Performers In Social Mobility." According to the rankings, Trinity had a student enrollment of 754 in 2024. Tuition is $20,980, with 56-percent of first-year students receiving need-based financial aid. The average net price for federal student loan recipients is $20,384.

The college sad it will continue to provide students not eligible for graduation in May with pathways to continue their education. Through teach-out and transfer opportunities offered by other regional Christian institutions, the college said students have multiple options with comparable academic offerings, affordability and student programming that offers them the opportunity to stay on the same timetable to graduation.

Faculty and staff will receive resources and guidance to transition to new professional opportunities. Alumni, donors and other members of the Trinity community will be invited to celebrate the legacy of this beloved institution throughout the 2025-2026 academic year.

“We thank our God for the impact of this community, and we thank the faculty, staff, alumni, donors and dedicated Board members who have worked tirelessly to serve our students for 66 years,” Mozie said. “The Trinity story is enduring. It lives in the generations of people who have been formed by the faithful service of this community and will continue to impact their own communities for years to come.”

Trinity Christian College was founded in 1959 by a group of businessman who felt a Christian college was a needed in the south suburbs. Originally opening on a former golf course as a 2-year Christian college, Trinity began offering 4-year degrees in 1966. The college follows the traditions of Reformed Christianity as it was reshaped in the 16th century Protestant Reformation. Currently, Trinity offers 70 degreed programs, and has won accolades for its nursing and social work programs.

Students can find personalized support through one-on-one advising, counseling services, a dedicated hotline and a resource website. To stay up to date on the closure process and next steps, please visit Trinity Christian College.

~ This story was updated with new information.