Arthur Levine, newly appointed president of Brandeis University, warned at an AEI event that 20 to 25 percent of U.S. colleges could close in coming years as regional institutions shift online and financial pressures mount. Levine linked closures to unsustainable tuition‑driven models and demographic and enrollment shifts. His estimate amplifies concerns already reflected in recent closures, consolidation talks, and state recommendations for targeted institutional integration. The sector’s financial models—especially for small liberal arts colleges reliant on full‑tuition revenue—remain vulnerable to enrollment volatility and rising costs. College leaders, state higher‑education agencies and trustees are facing increased pressure to consider mergers, program consolidation, and new revenue strategies to prevent further failures.