Palos Heights, IL — A Christian college in Cook County is set to shut down, leaving more than 100 employees without jobs and marking a significant shift in the local higher education landscape.
According to a WARN notice shared this week, Trinity Christian College will permanently cease academic operations at the end of the 2025–2026 academic year. The closure affects the campus located at 6601 W. College Drive in Palos Heights and is expected to result in 107 layoffs.
The layoffs are scheduled to take effect May 4, 2026, giving faculty and staff over a year’s notice as the institution begins winding down operations. The notice indicates the shutdown will be permanent, ending decades of educational services at the private Christian college.
Trinity Christian College has served students in the southwest suburbs of Chicago for years, offering faith-based higher education programs. The decision to close comes amid broader challenges facing smaller private colleges, including declining enrollment and financial pressures impacting institutions nationwide.
Local officials and community members are expected to feel the impact of the closure, as the college has been a longstanding presence in Palos Heights. The loss of jobs and reduced campus activity may also affect nearby businesses and services that rely on student and staff traffic.
It remains unclear what will happen to the campus property following the closure. Additional details regarding student transitions, faculty support, and potential redevelopment plans have not yet been released.
This is a developing story and updates are expected as more information becomes available.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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