Bryn Athyn College eliminates varsity sports and staff positions to address financial deficit.

Bryn Athyn College of the New Church, a small private Christian institution located in Montgomery County, has announced the elimination of its 11 varsity athletic programs, a move that accompanies the reduction of approximately 20 full-time positions. This decision comes as the college grapples with a significant financial deficit and a declining endowment.

In a communication to the college community in March, President Sean Connelly characterized this decision as a crucial step for the institution’s long-term sustainability. He emphasized the difficulty of the situation, stating that ignoring the current financial realities would pose a greater risk to the future of the college.

In the same month, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education notified Bryn Athyn that its accreditation status could be jeopardized due to non-compliance with governance and leadership standards. The college has until October 1 to submit a report demonstrating its compliance and the steps it is taking to address these concerns.

Founded in 1877, Bryn Athyn College reported an enrollment of 272 undergraduate students for the fall of 2023. It is part of a broader trend among higher education institutions, as many colleges—regardless of size or public/private status—face financial challenges. The institution’s struggles mirror those of others in the region, including the recent announcement from Rosemont College, which plans to cease operations over the next three years and transfer its campus to Villanova University.

Notable closures in the past year include Cabrini University and the University of the Arts, as well as a merger between the University of the Sciences and St. Joseph’s University in 2022. Moreover, Salus University has announced plans to merge with Drexel University, which recently laid off 60 staff members in response to its own budget challenges.

In light of its financial difficulties, Bryn Athyn has outlined strategies beyond cutting athletic programs. The college is outsourcing its information technology operations and restructuring various departments, including fundraising, alumni relations, marketing, and academic advising. Despite the elimination of the varsity teams and other workforce reductions, no instructional positions were impacted.

The college’s endowment had fallen below million by 2023, violating a prior warning from a college committee regarding the need for downsizing if it fell below that threshold. Currently, Bryn Athyn is dealing with a true deficit of approximately .4 million, contributing to its cumulative operating deficit of .7 million since 2007.

President Connelly concluded his communication by suggesting that while change is inherently difficult, it can be a necessary path to ensure the institution’s survival and potential renewal. The college’s comprehensive approach to addressing its financial troubles indicates a commitment to restructuring for sustainable growth in the future.