Trinity Christian College to Close
The Board of Trustees of Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Ill., has voted to close the 66-year-old private institution at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year.
Trinity is an accredited Christian liberal arts college with deep, historical connections to the Christian Reformed Church in North America. The school was founded in 1959 by local families who wanted to provide Christian higher education in the Reformed tradition. It continued to have a foundational relationship with the CRC, including hosting its synod (general assembly) on several occasions. Today the school offers more than 70 programs through bachelor’s, master’s, and adult degree completion courses of study. Trinity will hold its final commencement ceremony on May 8, 2026.
“We have received this news with sadness,” said Zach King, general secretary of the CRCNA. “Trinity has been such a blessing to the Christian Reformed Church and its congregations for the past nearly 70 years. It has raised up leaders and shaped generations of young people. Its impact is far-reaching and will continue to be felt through its graduates even as the doors close next May.”
The Trinity board released a statement saying, “Despite strategic efforts to adjust its growth model and eliminate its deficit, Trinity has faced fast-evolving economic and cultural realities: post-Covid financial losses, persistent operating deficits, a decline in college enrollment, increased competition for students, and shifting donor giving and financial circumstances.”
These challenges affected Trinity’s ability to continue providing transformative education rooted in Reformed theology at an affordable rate. After reviewing the assessments of multiple advisers, projections for future revenue and enrollment, and strategic alternatives, the board voted Nov. 3, 2025, to close the college and to facilitate a smooth transition for students.
“Our deepest commitment in this season is to care for our people, particularly our students, faculty, and staff, as we mourn this ending. Trinity will provide advising, support, and a multitude of resources to its students to help them complete their academic pursuits here or at other institutions,” said Jeanine Mozie, acting president of Trinity Christian College. “Our leadership team is deeply saddened, and we dedicate ourselves in service to the Trinity community until we close our doors.”
The statement from Trinity noted that the school will provide current students with pathways to continue their education such as teach-out and transfer opportunities to other regional Christian institutions. Faculty and staff will also receive resources and guidance to transition to new professional opportunities.
Alumni, donors, and other members of the Trinity community will be invited to celebrate the legacy of the school throughout the 2025-2026 academic year.
“We thank our God for the impact of this community, and we thank the faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and dedicated board members who have worked tirelessly to serve our students for 66 years,” said Mozie. “The Trinity story is enduring. It lives in the generations of people who have been formed by the faithful service of this community and will continue to impact their own communities for years to come.”
