Central MA College Among 2 Schools Cutting Nearly 350 Jobs

MASSACHUSETTS — A Central Massachusetts college that recently announced it will close has now filed formal layoff notices with the state, affecting hundreds of employees.

Anna Maria College in Paxton plans to lay off 150 workers between June 22 and June 30, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification filing. The layoffs come after the school said it will shut down following the spring 2026 semester.

Officials at Anna Maria said the decision to close comes after ongoing financial challenges, including declining enrollment and rising operational costs. The private college, founded in 1946, has struggled in recent years to maintain long-term sustainability despite efforts to boost recruitment and expand programs.

• Central MA College to Close After Spring 2026 Semester

The Anna Maria announcement came just one day after Hampshire College in Amherst filed a similar WARN notice.

Hampshire College plans to lay off 199 employees in phases between June 16 and Dec. 31, according to its filing.

President Jennifer Chrisler and the Board of Trustees leaders said the closure is part of a broader restructuring tied to financial pressures and shifting enrollment trends.

Founded in 1970, Hampshire has faced repeated budget challenges in recent years and has explored various strategies to stabilize its finances.

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