Rosemont College’s enrollment has dropped by 45 percent, but those remaining behind have decided to stick it out until the school closes in 2028, writes Susan Snyder for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Villanova University is purchasing the financially-strapped Rosemont College in a merger agreement.
Meanwhile, the campus’s remaining 428 students are keeping busy.
“Classes are the most active, lively ones I’ve taught anywhere,” said Frank Klose, an associate professor who chairs the communication, theology, and religious studies departments. “There’s a lot of great discussion. The students who are here really want to be here.”
It could get harder going forward as the 104-year-old college enrolls fewer students each year.
This year’s freshman class of 21 students is one-quarter the size of last year’s, and next year, NCAA sports will be discontinued.
Many of the faculty and administration have committed to staying put until the end.
The remaining students say they are staying because of the small class sizes and close relationships with professors.
Others are conflicted about being the last graduating class.
“It will be kind of historic but also kind of weird and sad at the same time,” said Barbara Feiler, 19.
Read more about Rosemont College’s closing in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Editor’s Note: This post was initially published on DELCO.Today in November 2025.
