Northwestern College, formerly Northwestern Business College, a more than 100-year-old school in south suburban Oak Lawn, closed permanently Saturday, according to a notice posted on the school’s website.
The message about the sudden closure said the “difficult decision” to cease operations was taken by the university’s administration “after careful analysis of the current and projected financial situation.”
“For more than 122 years, Northwestern College has been producing highly skilled professionals for the Chicago area. While we are sad to see our educational mission end, we will continue to uphold our traditions through the thousands of alumni who have been part of our history,” the message read.
Northwestern University said students can complete degree-related programs at other higher education institutions, including Prairie State University, Moraine Valley Community College, Chamberlain University and Malcolm X College.
The university said each school will provide information on its website about its policies regarding the transfer of credits earned at other higher education institutions. The for-profit academic institution was founded in 1902 with the goal of “providing people with the professional training they need to succeed in business,” according to its website.
The full letter from Northwestern University is below:
“The difficult decision to cease operations at Northwestern University effective July 6, 2024 was made by university officials after careful analysis of the university’s current and future financial situation.”
Throughout its 122-plus year history, Northwestern College has offered in-demand degree and diploma programs to prepare students for in-demand careers. Northwestern’s outstanding curriculum and instructors have helped thousands of individuals and families achieve their financial goals. For more than 122 years, Northwestern College has been producing highly skilled professionals for the Chicagoland area. While we are sad to see our educational mission end, we will continue to uphold our traditions with the thousands of graduates who have been part of our history.
Northwestern University has notified the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), the Joint Review Committee for Education in Radiological Technology (JRCERT) and the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM) of the university’s closure.
