Anna Maria College’s governing board voted to close the Massachusetts institution at the end of spring term, citing years of financial pressure it said it could not overcome. President Sean Ryan and board Chair David Trainor said the decision followed efforts including cost reductions, enrollment initiatives, and exploration of mergers or other partnerships. The college reported spring enrollment growth and deposit pacing earlier this year, but warned that operating deficits and shrinking reserves left it unable to sustain operations under state regulatory expectations. Federal data show fall headcount fell 16.6% from 2019 to 2024, and the college carried long-term debt of $18.4 million as of last June. Leaders said affected employees would be laid off in waves depending on role, while transfer agreements with five regional colleges are intended to support students who cannot complete graduation by the end of term.