Lourdes University to Close After 2025-26 Academic Year

Ohio school cites financial challenges from declining enrollment and rising costs

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Lourdes University, a private liberal arts school in Sylvania, Ohio, announced it will permanently close following the completion of the current 2025-26 academic year. The Catholic and Franciscan university's Board of Trustees attributed the decision to financial difficulties stemming from declining enrollment, increasing operational costs, and an unsustainable funding model.

Why it matters

The closure of Lourdes University underscores the growing financial pressures facing smaller, private institutions of higher education. Declining enrollment trends and rising costs have created a challenging environment, potentially leading to further consolidation or closures within the sector.

The details

Lourdes University officials shared the news with faculty and staff on February 11, 2026, and plan to hold town hall meetings with students and parents in the coming weeks. The university intends to continue full operation through the remainder of the academic year, maintaining all scheduled courses, academic programs, and student services. Dr. Nancy Linenkugel, a Sister of St. Francis, will serve as the university's 13th and final president, replacing William J. Bisset who stepped down following the announcement.

  • Lourdes University announced the closure on February 11, 2026.
  • The university will remain open and fully operational through the end of the 2025-26 academic year.

The players

Lourdes University

A private liberal arts school located in Sylvania, Ohio, that is Catholic and Franciscan in its orientation.

Board of Trustees

The governing body that attributed the university's closure to financial challenges from declining enrollment, increasing costs, and an unsustainable funding model.

Dr. Nancy Linenkugel

A Sister of St. Francis who has been named the 13th and final president of Lourdes University.

William J. Bisset

The previous president of Lourdes University who stepped down following the announcement of the school's closure.

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What they’re saying

“The immediate priority is to support students, faculty, and staff through the transition, ensuring they can complete their studies 'with clarity, dignity and care.'”

— Dr. Nancy Linenkugel, President, Lourdes University (newsy-today.com)

“There are several unresolved details still.”

— Dr. Nancy Linenkugel, President, Lourdes University (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The university plans to hold a town hall meeting for students on Thursday, February 12, and a virtual meeting for parents the following week to provide more details on the closure and support available.

The takeaway

The closure of Lourdes University highlights the growing financial challenges facing smaller, private colleges and universities, as declining enrollment and rising costs create an unsustainable environment for many institutions. This trend may lead to further consolidation or closures within the higher education sector in the coming years.