Another Candle Extinguished: Siena Heights to Close in 2026

Siena Heights University has announced it will close its doors after the 2025–26 academic year, citing “financial and operational challenges” and “concerns about sustainability.”

We’re saddened — but we’re not surprised.

Based on projected 2028 data generated by the Collegiate Survivability Index (CSI) — a proprietary model developed by The University Deathpool — Siena Heights was already flashing red. The university ranked #471 out of all private, not-for-profit institutions in the U.S., with a survivability score of –0.16.

These are not backward-looking numbers — they are forward-facing projections based on IRS 990s, IPEDS metrics, and census-driven enrollment forecasts. And they’ve proven alarmingly accurate.

Let’s look at Siena’s risk profile in our model:

• Cash flow: Forecasted at –$3.5 million by 2028.
• Endowment: Projected to stagnate at $16.9 million, far below sustainability thresholds.
• Academic productivity: Less than 6 degrees awarded per faculty member.
• Overall efficiency and resilience: Among the lowest quartile in every major category.

A Tale of Two Futures

To understand the contrast, consider University of Detroit Mercy, Michigan’s strongest projected performer.

By 2028, our model shows:

• Positive cash reserves exceeding $30 million
• Endowment over $85 million
• Greater academic efficiency and a CSI score nearly 10x higher

Both are private, faith-based institutions operating in the same state. But only one had the financial and academic runway to survive the enrollment cliff.

The Hard Truth

Siena’s President offered a thoughtful farewell:

“The spirit of Siena Heights will continue long after the institution itself closes its doors…”

He’s right. And we honor that spirit.

But we also believe in examining the signs before the doors close — not just eulogizing afterward.

The Collegiate Survivability Index is designed to do exactly that.

This marks yet another closure the model correctly projected — a painful validation of the work. As more institutions struggle against mounting demographic and financial pressures, the CSI will remain a critical tool for transparency, foresight, and action.

Because prayers are good. But projections don’t lie.

Explore the full rankings and future forecasts at universitydeathpool.com.