The Invisible Colleges Revisited: An Empirical Review

ABSTRACT

This study undertook an empirical examination of those institutions identified as “invisible” in The Invisible Colleges: A Profile of Small, Private Colleges With Limited Resources. As of 2012 to 2013, 354 of the original invisible colleges continued to operate as accredited private, 4-year institutions. However, 80 of the invisible colleges had closed and 57 had merged with other institutions, lost accreditation, or converted to public, for-profit, or 2-year status. Although understudied, these institutions provide a critical access component in American higher education. Changes in religious affiliation, geographic location, gender of students enrolled, enrollment of full-time and part-time students, and invisible historically Black colleges and universities are examined.

KEYWORDS:

• Higher education
• liberal arts colleges
• private colleges and universities