📉 Case Studies: Where Prediction Meets Reality
Our Collegiate Survivability Index (CSI) is more than just a model — it's a predictive tool built to spotlight schools most at risk of closure.
Within months of completing our initial rankings, two universities flagged in the bottom 10th percentile shut their doors permanently. While unfortunate, these closures validate the CSI as a meaningful early warning system for institutional risk.
🪦 Limestone University (Closed April 2025)
Limestone, a 180-year-old private institution in South Carolina, was ranked 736th out of 843 in our model.
- CSI Percentile: 37.6%
- Projected 2028 Endowment: -$36.3 million
- Graduation Rate Forecast: 17.5%
- aCFI Score: Deeply negative
Despite its legacy and religious affiliation, Limestone's financial fragility, low academic efficiency, and weak market conditions aligned with CSI red flags. The university officially announced closure in April 2025.
🔗 News coverage of Limestone’s closure →
🪦 St. Andrews University (Closed May 2025)
St. Andrews, a Presbyterian college in rural North Carolina, ranked 753rd out of 843 institutions.
- CSI Percentile: 36.9%
- Projected 2028 Endowment: $3.3 million
- Instructional Costs (2028): $10.6 million
- Market Saturation: Highly competitive region with declining youth population
Low enrollment, financial stress, and regional competition made recovery unlikely. St. Andrews announced closure in May 2025.
🔗 Christian Post coverage of St. Andrews’ closure →
📊 Why It Matters
Both schools had Composite Financial Index (CFI) scores previously considered strong by traditional standards. Yet the CSI model captured deeper vulnerabilities across finance, academics, and market position — and signaled risk long before closure.
These case studies underscore the importance of a multidimensional framework when evaluating institutional viability.