Hampshire College faces a potential shutdown unless it can refinance $24.9 million in debt and remedy negative cash flow, auditors warn; bondholders and declining net assets have left the small liberal‑arts college vulnerable. At the same time, Santa Monica College’s board approved roughly 60 layoffs and opened additional senior roles to possible elimination as it confronts a projected structural deficit that could reach $17.5 million next fiscal year. The pair of actions underscores mounting fiscal strain across higher education—especially at small private colleges and community colleges relying on enrollment and one‑time reserves.