🏚️ Welcome to the "Ouch List" — The 50 Most At-Risk Universities in America
You’ve heard of the Dean’s List. This is... not that.
Introducing the Bottom 50 Map, our latest look at the private universities that are academically limping, financially wheezing, and market-wise... well, let’s just say they’re not trending on TikTok.
đź”— Click here to explore the Bottom 50 map
đź“Ť What Is This?
The Bottom 50 Map shows the 50 lowest-scoring private universities according to the Collegiate Survivability Index (CSI). We based these rankings on 2028 projections of:
- 🏦 Financial viability (adjusted CFI)
- 🎓 Academic efficiency (degrees per faculty, instructional cost)
- 🧠Market saturation (number of competitors per state vs. population)
It’s colorful. It’s interactive. It’s kind of heartbreaking.
🔥 Heat, Meet Map
Each university is represented by a circle, shaded from "Still in Trouble" yellow to "Severe Risk" crimson. You can click each marker for more info — or if you're one of these universities, to begin your strategic planning session.
The legend includes labels like:
- “Worrisome”
- “Bleak”
- “Dire”
- And our personal favorite: “Severe Risk” (previously named Hopeless but hey, we’re trying to be constructive).
🧠Why This Matters
We make jokes, but here’s the truth: The enrollment cliff is real. The financial landscape of higher ed is shifting. This map is meant to spark dialogue, inform strategy, and maybe encourage some honest soul-searching before the budget cuts start landing.
📬 What’s Next?
- We’re building out an Elite 50 Survivors Map — because balance is important.
- Faith-based universities will get their own map and analysis.
- A methodology page is coming (so the math people can sleep at night).
Until then, grab a coffee, zoom around the map, and shoot us a note if you have feedback, questions, or if your university would like a custom survivability consult.