Senior university leaders warned that a meaningful share of America’s colleges could close as declining international enrollments, tuition‑dependent finances and rising costs converge. Brandeis University’s president estimated 20–25 percent of colleges could shutter in coming years, while several institutions have already announced closures or are facing acute financial stress. The California College of the Arts announced it will close and transfer its campus to Vanderbilt after failing to sustain a tuition‑driven model. Other institutions such as Hampshire College remain at risk, and state higher‑education bodies are advising consolidation and integration to shore up fragile campuses. Analysts point to international‑student declines, high fixed costs and limited endowment cushions as drivers of the emerging shakeout. Boards and presidents are examining mergers, program consolidations and large restructuring measures to avoid closure; the sector faces a period of painful portfolio adjustments.