Lincoln College, a private higher education institution based in Illinois, announced its permanent closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a cyberattack in 2021.
Over the past 157 years since its establishment, Lincoln College survived great challenges including a major campus fire in 1912, the Spanish flu in 1918, the Great Depression, World War 2, the 2008 global financial crisis, and many more.
However, the combination of the COVID-19 pandemic and the cyberattack crippled its finances. The institution’s Board of Trustees decided to cease all of its academic programs on May 13.
In Fall 2019, Lincoln College had a record-breaking student enrollment. Its residence halls were at maximum capacity. However, the pandemic negatively impacted its enrollment, all campus activities, and its financial situation.
“Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic dramatically impacted recruitment and fundraising efforts, sporting events, and all campus life activities. The economic burdens initiated by the pandemic required large investments in technology and campus safety measures, as well as a significant drop in enrollment with students choosing to postpone college or take a leave of absence, which impacted the institution’s financial position,” according to Lincoln College in its announcement.
