Citing “challenges” from under-endowment, Hampshire College has announced it is grappling with whether to admit an incoming class of freshmen for this fall as leaders search for a “strategic partnership” to help propel the college into the future.

College President Miriam Nelson announced the news via a letter to the community Tuesday morning.

The college is coming up on its 50th anniversary and has a $52 million endowment that “has performed well,” she wrote.

Hampshire hopes to create a partnership by the end of the upcoming semester. This could affect the amount of staff and enrollment — Hampshire currently has 1,400 students.

A decision about bringing in a new class this fall comes down to whether or not new students would have the same experience throughout their college career. Officials anticipate making a decision by Feb. 1.


Despite “stiff headwinds” that Hampshire and similarly sized colleges face, the college will not close, as assured by a list of potential questions on the partnership. Leaders hope to transition Hampshire into its new model by July 2020 after the 50th anniversary festivities.

Read President Nelson’s full statement: