33:09

In this episode of the College Financial Health Show, host Gary Stocker (founder of College Viability) and analyst Matt Hendricks examine the financial viability of three private colleges—Barton College (NC), Northland College (WI, now closed), and Hastings College (NE). Using audited financial statements, IRS Form 990s, and IPEDS data visualized through the Advanced Financial Compass and College Viability apps, they benchmark each school against peer institutions. They uncover: (1) Barton’s unsustainable 27% endowment draw, flat endowment growth, and a misleading net‑income margin spike that masks a projected 11% loss once the draw is normalized; (2) Northland’s chronic deficits, negative cash flow, heavy reliance on endowment loans, minimal CapEx, and a failed $12 M emergency fundraising effort that preceded its closure; (3) Hastings’ turnaround, driven by 43% revenue growth, disciplined 8‑9% expense growth, modest endowment draws, but still lagging endowment returns (7% vs. 11% median) and a graduation‑rate below 50%. The hosts discuss the importance of benchmarking, the role of accreditors in market transparency, and how their tools enable colleges, boards, and prospective students to spot financial red flags early. They also showcase the College Viability app’s ability to compare graduation rates, enrollment trends, unfunded institutional grants, debt levels, endowment size, and program‑level market share, emphasizing the need for balanced academic portfolios.

Chapters

More from Gary

youtube.com

This Week In College Viability (TWICV) for March 16, 2026

7mo ago
youtube.com

What does it look like when a college increases both total revenue and total expenses?

7mo ago
youtube.com

This Week In College Viability (TWICV) for Mar 9, 2026

7mo ago
youtube.com

Hide ‘n Seek from the Mandate - Beyond the College Brochure

7mo ago
youtube.com

College Financial Crisis? We look at the financial health of Bay Path U. (MA) and Coe College (IA)

7mo ago
youtube.com

This Week In College Viability (TWICV) for Mar 2, 2026

7mo ago
youtube.com

Private College Financial Crisis? We look at the financial health of Hobart William Smith College

7mo ago
youtube.com

This Week In College Viability (TWICV) for Feb 23, 2026

7mo ago
youtube.com

Financial Compass tutorial (Private college version.) Financial statements compiled 2016-2025.

7mo ago
youtube.com

The Final Whistle | Beyond the College Brochure

7mo ago
youtube.com

6 years as the graduation standard | Beyond the College Brochure

7mo ago
See all content