The End of an Era for North Coast College
After providing educational services for nearly six decades, North Coast College in Ohio has announced its closure, marking the end of an era. Slated to cease operations at the end of August, the college leaves behind a legacy that has spanned generations. President Milan Milasinovic has pointed to the evolving educational landscape and the changing needs of the community as the driving forces behind this difficult decision. Over the years, North Coast College has faced numerous challenges that have proven insurmountable, from financial difficulties to accreditation issues, which have ultimately led to this outcome.The college has particularly struggled in recent years, with significant downturns in student enrollment and graduation rates. Contending with an increasingly competitive educational market and shifting student preferences, the for-profit institution has been unable to keep pace with the changing demands. The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) had placed North Coast College on probation in 2022, due to its failure to meet standards in several critical areas including management, financial structures, and student outcomes – signs that not all was well within its walls.
A Reflection of For-Profit College Challenges
North Coast College’s struggles reflect a broader downturn plaguing U.S. for-profit colleges, exacerbated by increased regulatory pressure and declining enrollments. Formerly thriving, this sector’s capacity to receive student aid has sharply contracted over the years. North Coast College acknowledges how COVID-19 amplified its financial woes, disrupting necessary audits and thus pushing the already fragile institution towards the edge. Its graduation rates nosedived from above 50% in 2017 to a dismal 25% in 2022, while failure to meet regulatory standards spelled further turmoil. Similarly, Mountain State College in West Virginia shut down after a drop in student population. These instances highlight the sector’s critical challenges, including adjusting to novel educational platforms, enduring intense regulatory oversight, and maintaining financial health. The declining trend in for-profit education signifies a pressing need for these institutions to adapt or face closure.
