Dowling is not the only small private college struggling with financial trouble.

Long Island News reports.

Schumer: Struggling colleges should warn students earlier

NEW YORK – Sen. Charles Schumer says federal education officials should be forcing colleges that are struggling to stay afloat to notify students the schools are on the brink of closure as soon as they realize they are in dire financial straits.

The Democratic senator says the notice would allow students to make decisions about their future and avoid panic caused when schools announce their closing within days of shutting down.

“The bottom line is students shouldn’t be caught unaware and have the rug pulled out from under them,” the New York Democrat told The Associated Press. “They should get a warning. If students are going to be left high and dry, they should be able to plan.”