Examining college and university mergers and consolidations in the United States
Is Your Institution Choosing the Right Path?
Many colleges and universities facing financial strain default to Plan A—hoping for a turnaround that rarely comes. But waiting too long can lead to closure. Plan B—strategic partnerships, affiliations, or mergers—offers a transformative path forward.
Survival is not the goal. Strength is.
Read our latest article to learn why Plan B should become Plan A for institutions navigating today’s challenges.
Higher Ed Consolidation Solutions (HCS), a leading advisor on mergers and acquisitions in higher education, today announced the launch of its new practice in Affiliations and Shared Services. This resource is designed to assist colleges and universities in exploring and implementing collaborative partnerships, including shared services and academic program affiliations, to enhance institutional sustainability and effectiveness.
Read MoreHigher Ed Consolidation Solutions (HCS) is excited to introduce its new “Merger Runway” service in response to the rapidly changing challenges faced by higher education institutions. This service is designed to assist college leaders and boards in strategically evaluating their readiness for potential mergers, acquisitions, or affiliations. We aim to ensure long-term sustainability for institutions while effectively serving their students.
As colleges grapple with declining revenues, growing deficits, and mounting financial pressures, many explore mergers or affiliations as potential lifelines for sustaining their missions and maintaining academic offerings. To effectively assess these options, institutions must clearly understand their current financial position and the time available to act—often dictated by cash flow. Conducting a merger runway analysis enables colleges to gauge how much time and money they have to execute strategic options. This analysis allows leadership to quickly eliminate seemingly attractive but ultimately unviable paths and focus on actionable solutions that align with their financial reality.
Read MoreHigher education institutions face various challenges, from declining enrollment to sustainability pressures. With its newly launched training programs, Higher Ed Consolidation Solutions (HCS) equips presidents, cabinet members, and boards of trustees with the tools and knowledge needed to successfully navigate merger, acquisition, affiliation, and consolidation opportunities.
“Our trustee and leadership training goes beyond the basics,” said Dr. Brian Weinblatt, HCS Founder and Principal. “We focus on the critical issues boards face today, providing actionable insights and strategies tailored to their institution’s unique needs. This is about ensuring trustees are prepared to lead strategically and precisely.”
Read MoreAs colleges and universities face mounting pressures, the idea of mergers is no longer confined to struggling institutions. Even thriving schools are beginning to explore the potential for transformative partnerships. But where should institutional leaders start when considering such a complex and impactful decision? And how can a consultant guide them through the uncharted waters of a merger? This article provides insights into the early stages of merger exploration and the critical role of expert guidance, helping higher education leaders understand how to take that first step with confidence and strategic foresight.
Read MoreHigher Ed Consolidation Solutions (HCS), the leading full-service higher education merger consultancy, is announcing the launch of its Teach-Out Planning services.
Read MoreDue to heightened activity and interest in higher education mergers, acquisitions, consolidations, and closures, the United States Department of Education published Updated Guidance and Procedures for Changes in Ownership. While the new procedures can add steps and time to the process, they are reasonable considering the significance of these transactions and how they impact stakeholders, especially students.
Read MoreHCS Founder and Principal Brian Weinblatt and Senior Consultant Ricardo Azziz were featured in University Business Magazine with the article Have you considered a merger? Because hope is not a plan in higher ed.
Read MoreHCS Founder and Principal Brian Weinblatt was recently featured in a CalMatters article: Mills-Northeastern merger a sign of challenges facing women’s colleges. The article discusses the Mills College and Northeastern University merger.
Read MoreA listing of reports, articles and books about college and university mergers and consolidations.
Read MoreHCS Founder and Principal Brian Weinblatt was recently featured in an article and audio report on the state university consolidations in Pennsylvania: PASSHE Approves Plan To Merge Six State Universities Into Two.
Read MoreHCS Consultant Guilbert Hentschke was recently featured in the U.S. News & World Report article: A Guide to the Changing Number of U.S. Universities.
Read MoreThe HCS senior consultant, veteran university administrator and higher education industry leader passed away July 1, 2020.
Read MoreHCS senior consultant Lloyd A. Jacobs recently co-authored a commentary piece in The Chronicle of Higher Education, A Merger Can Save Your College, but Don’t Wait Too Long.
Read MoreHigher Ed Consolidation Solutions and its Founder and Principal Brian Weinblatt were recently featured in the New York Times article: Radical Survival Strategies for Struggling Colleges.
Read MoreHCS senior consultant Lloyd A. Jacobs, along with other university merger experts, recently published a new book entitled Strategic Mergers in Higher Education.
Read MoreHigher Ed Consolidation Solutions Founder and Principal Brian Weinblatt was recently featured in an article published by Debtwire on the University of Alaska consolidation.
Read MoreThe Uncertain Future of American Public Higher Education by Daniel M. Johnson, Ph.D.
Read MoreHigher Ed Consolidation Solutions Founder and Principal Brian Weinblatt was recently featured in an article published by Inside Higher Ed on college closures and their impacts on nearby institutions.
Read MoreHigher Ed Consolidation Solutions Founder and Principal Brian Weinblatt was recently featured in an article published by Inside Higher Ed on challenging situations at Hampshire and Green Mountain Colleges. Hampshire College recently announced plans to not admit students for the upcoming fall semester. At Green Mountain College, a group called SaveGMC is working to raise funds to prevent the institution from closing.
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