34:06

In this episode of the College Financial Health Show, hosts Gary Stocker and former economics professor Matt Hendricks examine Elmira College’s financial condition using audited statements, IRS 990s, and NCES/IPEDS data. They trace net assets from a 2016 median of $74 M to $88 M in 2024, noting a modest rise but a $30 M shortfall versus peer median. A 2019 loan forgiveness of $36 M temporarily boosted assets, but operating deficits have since eroded both total and unrestricted net assets (an 8 % drop in unrestricted assets). The endowment fell 42 % (from $44 M to $25 M) and the college has repeatedly sought Attorney General permission to draw unrestricted funds from it, already taking $7 M and planning more. Operating losses average $6–7 M annually, representing roughly 20 % of $24 M revenue, with expenses around $31 M when depreciation is added. Revenue has collapsed 39 % due to a 54 % enrollment decline, while tuition per student remains roughly $16 K. Staffing is mis‑aligned: about 24 employees per $1 M revenue (vs. a healthier 18) and a staff‑to‑student ratio of 0.92, implying a need to cut 133–187 positions to reach sustainable ratios. Expenses are inflated in several areas: non‑officer compensation (48 % of budget vs. 42 % norm), benefits, payroll taxes, insurance ($800 K annually), and especially the food‑service contract with Parkhurst ($5,600 per student versus a $1,800 benchmark). Other high‑cost vendors include EAB ($600 K) and various contractor fees. The hosts argue that revenue growth alone cannot rescue Elmira; aggressive cost‑cutting, staff reductions, and renegotiating contracts are essential. They also note that Elmira’s graduation rate (~60 % four‑year) is relatively strong, but merit‑aid reductions have likely contributed to enrollment loss. The episode concludes with a call for Elmira to consider the Strategic Compass benchmarking tool for deeper analysis and cost‑restructuring, and the hosts remark that Elmira’s plight reflects a broader national crisis among private colleges.

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