Higher Learning Commission Drops Alverno College’s “Financial Distress” Designation

In June, Alverno College, a women’s liberal arts college in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, declared a financial state of emergency. To alleviate the college’s  fiscal challenges, the college eliminated 20 academic programs, cut a dozen faculty positions, discontinued its track and field team, and restructured several staff roles and academic departments.

Last month, the Higher Learning Commission officially removed Alverno College’s “financial distress” designation after an advisory board found the women’s college had adequately restored its financial stability. Over the past five months, the college has received roughly $15 million in external donations and a six-year $1.9 million grant from the National Science Foundation.

“This is the best possible outcome for the college, as well as for our students, faculty and staff,” said Christy L. Brown, president of Alverno College. “Alverno continues to offer our students an excellent education while contributing to the growth of the Milwaukee area and beyond. We are grateful to faculty, staff, and trustees who helped demonstrate our strength to the HLC.”