FAQ

Under Construction! Please bear with us!

What happened?

Hampshire College President Jen Christler announced via email at 9:05AM on April 14th that despite best efforts, financial pressures on the College’s operations have become increasingly complex and as a result, the Board of Trustees voted to permanently close Hampshire College following the Fall 2026 semester.

Will current students still be able to graduate?

Hampshire College is working with state and accreditation partners to support students’ academic progress through two main pathways: Completion and Transfer (pending approval).

Eligible Division III students can finish their degrees at Hampshire. Summer field study will help prepare for completing their independent Div III project in Fall 2026. Housing and academic support will be available during that semester.

Some advanced Division II students may qualify for an accelerated path to complete their degree at Hampshire by December 2026. Eligibility will be reviewed by the Center for Academic Support and Advising (CASA).

Students who choose to transfer can move to partner institutions, including Amherst College, Bennington College, Mount Holyoke College, Massachusetts College of Art & Design, Massachusetts College of the Liberal Arts (MCLA), Prescott College, Smith College, and UMass Amherst. These schools are working with Hampshire to ensure smooth credit transfers.

CASA will guide students through both pathways, including evaluating eligibility, selecting transfer institutions, and preparing required documentation.

The College will host a transfer resource fair on campus prior to the completion of the Spring 2026 semester. Students should check their Hampshire email regularly for more information. Throughout the teach-out, staff in CASA and financial aid will support students in their process. Teach-out resources and further information will be updated here: https://www.hampshire.edu/closure-information.

What about commencement?

Hampshire will hold Commencement on May 16, 2026 for eligible graduates, and a Commencement ceremony next winter for those who complete in December.

I just committed to Hampshire. What now?

All deposits will be refunded. In addition, the Hampshire admissions team would be happy to provide information for admitted students who put down a deposit to support exploring other options. Please email admissions@hampshire.edu

I want to help. Who can I contact?

Start by filling out some of the forms on this website. There are some dedicated to keeping in touch with alums, current students, staff, etc., there are some dedicated to helping current students transfer or consider next steps, and some to help preserve Hampshire's legacy. This is a nascent project and any and all help is appreciated!

I now have to transfer from Hampshire College. Where do I start?

Hampshire will be holding a transfer fair for students choosing the Transfer Pathway on Monday April 20 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the Robert Crown Center.

Hampshire's transfer partner colleges will have representatives attending. These institutions are in the process of partnering with Hampshire to develop specific credit mapping procedures aimed at enabling the smoothest possible transition for our students:

● Amherst College

● Bennington College

● Mount Holyoke College

● Massachusetts College of Art & Design

● The Massachusetts College of the Liberal Arts (MCLA)

● Prescott College

● Smith College

● The University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Additionally, representatives from Antioch College and Warren Wilson College will attend the fair.

Hampshire staff members from CASA and Financial Aid will also be in attendance and available to speak with you.

Jen strongly encourages all students who plan to transfer to attend.

I already graduated. Where can I request my transcript?