ASHLAND, Wis. (WFRV) - A small liberal arts school in northern Wisconsin announced that it will officially close, likely for good, after the end of the school year, citing attendance drops and high costs. According to the Department of Workforce Development, Northland College's closure is expecte d to be permanent as of May 31. With a few exceptions, all employees will be impacted. Draft City Music Fest reveals schedule for Wednesday & Saturday at Leicht Park, De La Soul & Less Than Jake to headline 112 employees will be laid off as a result of the closure. Northland College, founded in 1892, originally announced the news in February, citing financial jeopardy that has been problematic since March 2024. "Despite collaborative efforts, we no longer have the resources needed to navigate economic and demographic storms endangering small, liberal arts institutions today," Board of Trustees Chair Ted Bristol said via a release. Bristol also cited declining enrollment in the February release. Four finalists named for UW-Oshkosh chancellor position "With declining enrollment and soaring costs, it takes more to operate the College than we raise in tuition," Bristol said via the release. "Even after enacting aggressive measures to cut costs and raise revenues, Northland College has no sustainable path forward." Bumping rights will not be available for any impacted employees. Interim President Barb Lundberg said that the official closure will be May 31. ...read more read less