Pomona College is exploring the possibility of acquiring Claremont Graduate University (CGU). The two schools began confidential talks in late spring and have recently moved into exclusive discussions. They hope to finalize an agreement over the next six months.
Both schools are part of the Claremont Colleges consortium, which has been a collaborative effort among seven independent institutions for over a century. This partnership aims to enhance academic experiences while allowing each college to maintain its unique identity.
CGU has been searching for a partner for more than a year, aiming to find a “mission-aligned partner” to help with its challenges in financial stability and evolving educational demands. The university emphasizes that any partnership must retain its academic identity, and students would continue to graduate with CGU degrees.
The discussions between Pomona and CGU are nonbinding, meaning either school can end the talks at any time. CGU has stated that if the partnership is not beneficial, they won’t move forward. Pomona President Gabrielle Starr reassured that the college’s focus on undergraduate liberal arts education remains unchanged and will not be compromised.
A primary goal of this potential partnership is to promote CGU’s stability and success. Both institutions have seen different enrollment trends; as of fall 2023, Pomona’s student body grew by 5.8% to 1,664, while CGU’s enrollment fell by 6.3% to 1,763 students over five years. In terms of finances, Pomona boasts significant resources with $3.9 billion in assets, while CGU has $347.4 million.
Two years ago, CGU faced financial difficulties and set up a committee to explore new models for sustainability. Recently, they contacted over 100 institutions for partnership opportunities and eventually narrowed it down to Pomona for further discussions. CGU’s Interim President Michelle Bligh emphasized that this is not a bailout but rather a collaborative opportunity to innovate graduate education for the future.
This partnership could also benefit Pomona’s students by opening new pathways for graduate education. The educational landscape is evolving, especially as institutions adapt to financial pressures and changing student needs. With expert insights confirming the necessity of strategic collaborations, this potential alliance may hold the key to thriving in these uncertain times.
For those interested in exploring the topic further, you can find more detailed information on [CGU’s official website](https://www.cgu.edu/academics/).
