Northwestern College in south suburban Oak Lawn, formerly known as Northwestern Business College, more than a century old, permanently closed Saturday, according to a notice on its website.
The message about the abrupt closure said the “difficult decision” to cease operations was made by the college administration “after careful analysis of its current and projected financial situation.”
“Northwestern College has provided highly skilled professionals to the Chicago area for more than 122 years, and while we are saddened by the need to end our educational mission, we will uphold our legacy in the thousands of graduates who have been a part of our history,” the message read in part.
According to Northwestern College, students will be able to complete their studies at other institutions of higher education, depending on their degree. These institutions include Prairie State College, Moraine Valley Community College, Chamberlain University and Malcolm X College.
Individual schools will have information on their websites about their policies regarding the transfer of credits earned at other institutions of higher education, the college said. The for-profit college was founded in 1902 with the goal of “providing individuals with the specialized training necessary for successful careers in the business world,” according to its website.
The full letter from Northwestern College is below:
“The difficult decision to cease operations of Northwestern College effective July 6, 2024, was made by the college administration after a careful analysis of its current and projected financial situation.
Throughout its 122-year history, Northwestern College has offered in-demand degree and diploma programs to prepare students for employment in high-demand professions. Northwestern College’s exceptional curriculum and instructors have helped thousands of individuals achieve their personal and family financial goals. Northwestern College has provided highly skilled professionals to the Chicago area for more than 122 years, and while we are saddened by the need to end our educational mission, we will uphold our legacy in the thousands of graduates who have been a part of our history.
Northwestern College has notified the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), and the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM) of the college’s closure.
