The State of M&A in Higher Education

Jennifer Lundy - Gannon University
Tom Springer - Schneider Downs Capital, LLC
Scott Montgomery - Worldgate LLC

In 2025, Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) in higher education are shaped by financial pressures, enrollment declines, and the need for technological and operational scale. Strategic consolidations, robust IT integration, and cultural alignment are critical for success, while regulatory shifts and political uncertainties add complexity.

Institutions must act proactively, leveraging external expertise and aligning M&A with long-term missions to navigate this challenging landscape. While closures remain at risk, well-executed M&A offers a path to sustainability and growth in an evolving sector.

During this session, the panel will share insights on:

  • What makes for a solid acquisition strategy prior to a transaction
  • The importance that operational consolidations, technology integration and IT strategy have in M&A
  • Regulatory and political influences changing the market
  • Unique cultural and governance challenges in higher education and their impact on M&A activities.

Learning Objectives

  1. Identify and explain the critical elements of an effective acquisition strategy for higher education institutions.
  2. Discuss cultural and governance challenges unique to their institutions.
  3. Deliver recommendations to their institutions and board leadership about potential positioning for acquisition or to acquire, based on real-life learning.

CPE Available

  • 1 Credit: Finance