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Allegany College to close Somerset Campus

January 17th, 2017 by WCBC Radio

The Somerset County Campus of Allegany College of Maryland, which has faced steep declines in enrollment and revenue losses that are projected to continue, has announced that it will cease full-service operations June 30, 2017. The trend, which has caused significant loss for the Cumberland, Md.-based institution in recent years, has persisted in spite of increased marketing efforts, reductions in operating expenses and the introduction of new academic programs. After an extensive review of options for the local campus, ACM has concluded that, as a publicly supported college, it can no longer endure such losses and will not offer credit classes at the Somerset County Education Center after the spring 2017 semester, which opens Jan. 18. ACM started offering academic programs in Somerset County in response to an invitation by community leaders to make higher education opportunities more readily available to area residents. 

The local community college, which has served area residents since 1989, has seen enrollment plummet more than 50 percent in the last half-dozen years due to increased competition in higher education online and in the classroom.

 

In addition, Somerset County has invited a Pennsylvania based community college to serve its citizens, negating the need for ACM’s educational services.

 

Due to continuing enrollment declines and revenue shortfalls, ACM’s Board of Trustees directed that necessary actions be taken to eliminate further losses and to ensure sustainability of the institution for the future.  

 

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