A Historic College Reaches an Unthinkable End
On May 13, 2022, Lincoln College permanently closed after more than 150 years of operation. The closure marked the end of one of the nation’s oldest colleges and a historically Black institution located in rural central Illinois. Founded in 1865 on President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, the college had survived two world wars, the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic, and the Great Depression. Despite its long history of resilience, modern financial and digital challenges proved too difficult to overcome.
Pandemic Pressure on an Already Strained Institution
Lincoln College had been struggling financially for several years before the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many small colleges, it faced declining enrollment, limited reserves, and rising operating costs. When the pandemic disrupted higher education nationwide, those challenges intensified.
Campus operations were interrupted, student recruitment slowed, and tuition revenue dropped. The sudden shift to pandemic-related expenses placed additional strain on an already fragile budget. For Lincoln College, the pandemic did not create the crisis, but it accelerated it.
A Ransomware Attack Deepens the Crisis
Ransomware Blocks Access to Critical Systems
In December, Lincoln College suffered a ransomware attack that shut down key computer systems across campus. The attack blocked access to data needed for student recruitment, retention, and fundraising. These systems were critical to the college’s ability to recover financially.
The malware disrupted both online and on campus operations for nearly two weeks. During that time, the college could not process new student applications or effectively communicate with prospective students. This disruption led to a sharp drop in incoming enrollment, further weakening the college’s financial position.
Cyberattacks on Colleges Are Increasing
Lincoln College is one of many higher education institutions impacted by ransomware attacks in recent years. Colleges have become frequent targets due to limited cybersecurity resources and high volumes of sensitive data. These attacks often result in significant financial losses and long-term operational damage.
For institutions already under financial stress, a cyberattack can be devastating. Disruptions to admissions, fundraising, and student services can quickly turn a manageable challenge into an unsustainable situation.
Recovery Efforts Fell Short
According to a statement from President David Gerlach, Lincoln College worked to restore its computer systems and assess the damage caused by both the pandemic and the cyberattack. By March, the college regained access to its systems. However, new projections showed significant enrollment shortfalls.
College leadership determined that a major donation or long-term partnership would be required to continue operations beyond the current semester. Despite efforts to secure that support, the necessary funding was not obtained. Without a viable path forward, the decision was made to close the college.
Impact on the Community and Higher Education
The closure of Lincoln College represents a major loss for students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community. For generations, the college served as a source of education, employment, and opportunity. Its absence leaves both an economic and cultural gap.
More broadly, the situation reflects ongoing challenges across higher education. Many Historically Black Colleges and Universities operate with limited financial margins and were hit especially hard by the pandemic. Enrollment declines, layoffs, and hiring freezes have become common across the sector.
A Warning Sign for the Future
The closure of Lincoln College highlights how financial instability and cybersecurity threats can intersect with lasting consequences. In today’s higher education environment, digital resilience is just as important as financial planning.
Long histories alone are no longer enough to ensure survival. Institutions must adapt to modern risks, including cybercrime and sudden enrollment disruptions, to remain sustainable in an increasingly uncertain landscape.