Two private colleges signaled divergent outcomes after fiscal crises: Guilford College announced it has been removed from accreditor probation after deep budget cuts, fundraising gains and operational restructuring, while Martin University said it will pause operations at semester’s end amid plunging enrollment and no endowment. Guilford told its regional accreditor that it cut expenses, balanced budgets for 2025 and reported sharp gains in alumni donations and unrestricted cash. SACSCOC lifted probation after the institution presented a plan and results, though trustees and faculty acknowledged painful staffing reductions. Martin’s trustees cited a sustained enrollment decline, cybersecurity disruptions and limited state support; the board said it will seek pathways to viability and minimize disruption for remaining students. These cases highlight the limited margin for small mission‑driven colleges and the operational choices boards face — program pruning, tuition resets, and partnerships — to retain accreditation and continue operations.