Clarks Summit University to Close
Another Christian university closing its doors due to financial hardship
Clarks Summit University (CSU) announced on July 1 that the college, including its Baptist Bible Seminary, will not offer classes as of the fall 2024 semester.
Clarks Summit University / Photo via social media
CSU is a private Christian Baptist college located in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania. Dr. Richard J. Murphy, along with a group of pastors and educators, founded the university in 1932. According to its website the university has prepared Christ-centered, career-ready graduates for over 90 years.
In an email, CSU’s 10th president, James Lytle, announced the “difficult news” with a “heavy heart.”
CSU’s Board of Trustees made the “difficult and painful” decision to begin the closure process due to financial circumstances, the email said. CSU’s homepage now hosts the news along with an FAQ section, confirming that in fall 2024 all campus operations will cease.
Students will be able to participate in a teach-out plan, with agreements between CSU and Cairn University, Liberty University, and Davis College as collaborators to take on CSU’s students.
This teach-out plan applies to all students who have already begun their studies at CSU, but it does not apply to those planning to start in the fall 2024 semester or later.
The partner schools will accept all credits earned at CSU (with some conditions), so students can continue on their original timeline towards a degree. The registrar’s office will remain open for 90 days to help facilitate the transfer process.
Lancaster Bible College has also collaborated on a transfer agreement.
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In terms of refunding incoming students’ enrollment deposits, CSU states that it will distribute the proceeds from the sale of school property and assets to creditors in the legally prescribed order. If sufficient funds are available, it says—those claims will be paid in full.
Just last month, MinistryWatch reported that Christian colleges and universities are facing unprecedented pressure from spiraling costs, shrinking demographics, plus technological and other cultural concerns.
Higher Ed Dive claims that at least 116 colleges have closed since 2016. Between 2010 and 2020, 29 Christian colleges closed or merged with other schools.
CSU is yet another Christian college to join the list. MinistryWatch has reported on the closures of many Christian colleges, but our reporting has barely touched on the magnitude of the problem.
CSU says they are committed to helping students navigate the “extraordinarily difficult” news and encourages students to consider other colleges and universities that hold the same values and beliefs.
The page concludes by asserting that the biblical principles upon which CSU established its foundation will continue to hold true.
“Alumni, students, and friends of CSU—anchor your hope in our Savior, not in circumstances. Remember and act on the words of the college hymn, which are based on Titus 1:9, ‘Holding fast the faithful Word as he has been taught…’ (NKJV). Neither God nor His Word will fail. Pray for one another. Love one another as the body of Christ. Support one another as you have done so well as members of this amazing community. Don’t confuse this circumstance with a lack of love or lack of presence of God. He remains faithful. Our hope is that everyone in the CSU family finds peace, guidance and strength in His love as you trust Him.”
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