Saint Augustine’s University to halt fall classes amid bankruptcy

Saint Augustine’s University, a 158-year-old historically Black college (HBCU) in Raleigh, North Carolina, will not offer any classes or educational programs during the fall 2026 semester. This decision follows the institution's loss of accreditation and its subsequent filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection earlier this year.

The university had previously planned to launch eight online, non-degree programs in September covering subjects such as artificial intelligence, programming, and public health. However, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge David Warren questioned the institution's ability to fulfill promises to prospective students, describing the university as “essentially closed” during a court hearing.

University and bankruptcy administrators indicated that halting educational offerings is a strategic move to reduce budget expenditures and slow the rate of spending. The current priority is to emerge from bankruptcy in a stronger financial position. The university is expected to return to court on August 26.