DePaul University, the largest Catholic college in the U.S. in terms of total enrollment, is facing a projected budget gap of $56 million. Other religious institutions are faring even worse. Now the Chicago institution is moving forward with a plan to fix its budget projections—including measures that will likely include shedding employees and programs. Multiple Catholic institutions have announced closures in recent months due to challenges largely related to enrollment and financial issues. They include Cardinal Stritch University, Presentation College and Holy Names University; others, such as Medaille University, will be absorbed in mergers.
