As of June 24, 2026, the expansive 261-acre campus of the former Anna Maria College in Paxton, Massachusetts, is officially on the market. This private Catholic institution, founded in 1946 by the Sisters of Saint Anne, has had a storied history but has faced significant challenges in recent years, culminating in its closure announcement made by President Sean Ryan and Board of Trustees Chair David Trainor. The decision to cease operations came following warnings from the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, indicating that the college lacked the resources to continue functioning amidst declining enrollment and financial strain.
The campus boasts nine residential halls, two health and wellness centers, a dining hall, and ample parking—seven lots to be exact. Beyond that, it offers athletic facilities including soccer and softball fields, an auditorium, a gym, a weight room, a library, and even a chapel. In total, there are 16 buildings encompassing about 344,000 square feet. Most of these structures were built during the 1950s and 1960s, yet they remain in great condition, which is promising for potential buyers.
A New Chapter Awaits
As it stands, Kelleher & Sadowsky Associates is handling the sale of this unique property. William D. Kelleher IV, a managing partner at the firm, has expressed interest in exploring various uses for the campus. Ideas like senior living and renewable energy initiatives are on the table. The zoning classification of the property as General Residential B allows for residential and senior housing as well as healthcare and educational facilities—so there’s a variety of potential directions this could take.
Interestingly enough, the college’s financial records paint a stark picture. They reported around $25.34 million in net revenue against $32.74 million in expenses through June 30, 2025. Despite efforts to cut costs and reduce staffing, the college couldn’t find a viable path forward. The announcement of the closure was made on April 23, 2023, and by June 3, faculty members were required to vacate their offices. Students were encouraged to transfer to partner institutions, and seniors were assured their commencement would still take place.
The Bigger Picture
This closure is not an isolated incident; it reflects a troubling trend in the American higher education landscape. Since 2004, a significant number of colleges—861 to be exact—have shut their doors, with an average of one college closing each week since 2015. The pandemic exacerbated existing issues, leading to a decline in enrollment and, consequently, financial viability for many institutions. In 2023 alone, 99 colleges permanently closed, including both community colleges and four-year universities. Sadly, smaller, private liberal arts colleges like Anna Maria are often hit the hardest.
In a world where college tuition keeps rising and the value of a degree is increasingly scrutinized, many prospective students are finding themselves weighing alternatives—like starting their own businesses, as proposed by investor Peter Thiel, who is even offering $100,000 to high school graduates who choose entrepreneurship over college. With the landscape shifting rapidly, it’s a tough time to be in the education sector.
The fate of Anna Maria College may be sealed, but the campus stands ready for a new chapter. As the bidding process is set to begin in September, the future is wide open. It’ll be intriguing to see what comes next for this historic site.