Ken Burns’ Alma Mater Hampshire to Close Amid Higher-Ed Woes

Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts.
Photographer: Dave Roback/The Republican/AP Photo

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By Elizabeth Rembert and Amanda Albright

April 14, 2026 at 4:24 PM UTC

Updated on

April 14, 2026 at 6:50 PM UTC

Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts, will close after the 2026 fall semester, becoming at least the sixth university this year to announce plans to shutter or be acquired.

The school, known for alumni like documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and bestselling author Jon Krakauer, does not have the resources to stay open and meet regulatory responsibilities, according to a statement posted on its website Tuesday.