How to Choose a College That Will Be Here for You, All Four Years

When families explore colleges, they consider academics, outcomes, campus culture, cost, and fit. There's also a baseline expectation that often goes unspoken: the institution you choose should be stable, well-managed, and prepared to support you through graduation and your career.

At Siena University, that expectation is met and independently validated.

In January 2026, Siena University was reviewed by The College Financial Health Show, which evaluates the long-term financial health of colleges using publicly available data. The review examined Siena's audited financial statements and IRS Form 990 filings from 2016-2024 and concluded that Siena is financially healthy, citing positive operating cash flow, growing net assets and endowment values, and relatively low debt compared with peer institutions. The show is produced by economists and data analysts who regularly analyze audited financial data of colleges across the country, helping families better understand institutional stability.

That context matters, especially right now.

Across higher education, some institutions are facing real challenges, including layoffs, restructuring, and closures. In New York State, recent closures have left students needing to transfer and re-plan their futures.

It's reasonable for families to pay attention to those stories. But not all colleges are in the same position. Higher education finances are complex, and headlines rarely capture long-term performance or peer context. Institutions under financial pressure may rely more heavily on unusually deep discounts that go well beyond their historical aid patterns, which is why families are encouraged to weigh long-term institutional stability alongside their cost to attend when comparing financial aid offers.

These answers tell you whether a university can continue operating smoothly better than a news headline ever will.

But here's the important part: Some institutions are meeting the moment head-on and getting stronger because of it, including Siena.

So how do you make sure the college you choose will be there for you all the way through graduation and beyond?

Let's break it down.

What to Look For When Evaluating a College's Stability

The best thing to do is ask how a college is positioned for the future. Here are the questions that matter most.

1. Financial Strength

You don't need a finance degree to ask smart questions. Look for colleges that:

• Carry low debt

• Have positive cash flow

• Have a healthy endowment

These are signs of resilience over risk.

What about Siena?
Siena is financially sound and operating from a position of strength. Our endowment exceeds $200 million. We carry very low debt. We're seeing record philanthropy and support.

Like nearly every college in the country, we've had challenges. In 2025, Siena's unrestricted operating revenues came in slightly below unrestricted operating expenses, by about 3% of the overall budget. When you look at the complete financial picture, including activity from restricted assets, Siena posted an operating surplus of more than $1.7 million. When non-operating activity is also included, the surplus grows to nearly $13 million.

What does that mean in plain terms? Siena's net assets are growing, and the University has strong positive cash flow-so we can operate smoothly, invest in students and facilities, and plan for the future without disruption.

Bottom line: Siena is financially stable and positioned for long-term sustainability.

2. Continued Investment in Campus and Student Life

Look for colleges that:

• Maintain and modernize academic facilities

• Invest in residence halls and student spaces

• Commit to the full student experience

These investments signal confidence.

What about Siena?

Siena continues to invest in its campus and its students. We opened the $40 million Nobel Hall science complex, have renovated nearly all residence halls, and continue to enhance student life.

These are long-term investments made by institutions planning to be here for decades.

3. Academic Programs That Reflect Today's World

Strong colleges evolve academically.

Look for colleges that:

• Launch new majors and programs

• Align degrees with workforce demand

• Regularly review and update curriculum

These are signs of relevance and adaptability.

What about Siena?
Today, 40% of Siena students are enrolled in programs that didn't exist 10 years ago. Graduate enrollment has tripled through new degrees and program acquisitions in high-demand fields.

We continue to launch programs and career-building initiatives aligned with today's careers and tomorrow's opportunities-all with the intention of creating more pathways and better outcomes for students.

4. Career Outcomes Built In, Not Left to Chance

Strong colleges build career acceleration into the educational experience.

Every school has a career center and offers internships. Look for colleges that:

• Connect academics directly to careers

• Offer multiple ways to gain real-world experience

• Provide guidance and access beyond the existence of a career center

These are signs the institution is invested in outcomes and the future.

What about Siena?

This is a core pillar of the Siena Guarantee.

We know internships are valuable, but they're not the right fit for every major or career path. That's why Siena focuses on career-accelerating experiences, which may include:

• Internships

• Faculty-mentored research

• Entrepreneurship and applied projects

• Capstones and community-based learning

• Study abroad and global learning

Most Saints complete multiple career-building experiences before graduation. If you want real-world experience, the Siena Guarantee ensures you won't graduate without it.

5. A Clear Path to On Time Graduation, Guaranteed

When families worry about a college's stability, one concern rises above all others: Will my student be able to finish their degree on time?

Look for colleges that:

• Actively support on-time graduation

• Take responsibility for keeping students on track

• Are willing to stand behind that commitment

What about Siena?

Through the Siena Guarantee, Siena commits to students graduating in four years. And if a student does everything they're supposed to do and still can't complete their degree on time, Siena will cover the cost of the remaining required courses and credits.

Colleges that are uncertain about their future don't make assurances like this.

6. Proactive Planning (Not Crisis-Driven Cuts)

College finances change. The difference is whether leaders plan ahead or scramble.

Look for colleges that:

• Make intentional, long-term decisions

• Adjust early rather than waiting for a crisis

• Prioritize the student experience when making changes

These are signs of strong leadership.

What about Siena?
Think of a successful company that grows quickly. It expands to meet demand, then pauses to evaluate and adjust so quality doesn't suffer. That's smart business decision-making.

During several years of record enrollment, Siena expanded staffing and resources to support more students, including a period when more than 200 residential students lived off campus. As enrollment returned to historically typical levels, Siena began realigning people and resources-without laying any staff off-to stay focused on teaching, mentoring, advising, and student success.

Some headlines have framed this as enrollment "decline," but that misses important context. Siena's freshman enrollment the past two years are similar in size to each other and historic norms, signaling stability.

7. Clear Leadership and Honest Communication

Trust matters. Look for colleges that:

• Speak openly about challenges

• Communicate decisions clearly

• Share a confident vision for the future

Stability isn't about pretending challenges don't exist. It's about showing how they're being addressed.

What about Siena?

We're honest and open about the challenges that nearly all colleges and universities face and we're proud of the steps we're taking to meet them. Like many strong institutions nationwide, Siena is modernizing operations and reallocating resources so academic quality and student support remain the priority. We're building a future that ensures Siena will be here-thriving-for generations to come.

The Bottom Line

Higher education is changing. Siena is adapting with confidence and clarity, backed by real promises.

Siena is on the rise.