DCCC 2026-27 Budget FAQs

Do you foresee sunsetting any academic majors in the next few years due to low enrollment?

As the community’s college, it is our duty to routinely assess program viability as it relates to regional employability.

DCCC conducts ongoing program viability review to assess the academic and financial sustainability of its program offerings. This ongoing process may result in the closure or revision of certain academic programs, with the intention of strengthening offerings academically and financially, to meet the region’s high-demand occupations.

What operational changes outside of position and program elimination are being made to ensure the College’s fiscal health moving forward?

With this assessment of the national higher education landscape, the College’s finances, and the needs of Delaware and Chester Counties, the College determined it was best to consolidate our locations. DCCC closed two of its Delaware County centers (located in Sharon Hill and Upper Darby), to enhance the operations of that region’s new Southeast Center in Drexel Hill. Chester County’s Pennocks Bridge Center (West Grove) will close in June 2026. Additionally, rented teaching kitchen spaces in Phoenixville and Marple were closed in 2025. The DCCC community of students and employees were informed of these changes in 2024 and 2025 accordingly.

An additional example of expenditure assessment changes includes the elimination of the underutilized inter-campus shuttle system, saving the College over $300,000 annually.

DCCC’s cost-saving explorations are ongoing and will be implemented in the College’s upcoming new strategic plan. Firmer financial responsibility and oversight have been and will continue to be a priority of president Dr. Marta Yera Cronin’s since taking office in July 2023.

How will DCCC continue to support the students?

The College will continue our robust academic advising and counseling services to students, providing support for their academic journeys, including:

Communicating and assisting students in understanding degree requirements, policies, and procedures and assisting in selecting appropriate coursework and co-curricular activities.
Providing a respectful and confidential space to ask questions, discuss interests, and academic concerns as they arise.
Giving encouragement in developing realistic academic goals corresponding to personal, educational and career factors.
Assisting students in identifying and connecting with appropriate College resources and services.

Will DCCC continue to have locations across two counties?

Yes, three in-person locations provide full student support services, including Learning Commons, testing services, and enrollment support.

Marple Campus includes an independent STEM building, an Advanced Technology Center and a Nursing SIM lab, and houses the College’s Theatre and Fine Arts programs.
The Southeast Center includes the Kelleher Annex for Workforce Development, the Center for Culinary Arts and Hospitality Studies, a Nursing SIM lab and an Early Learning Center for Early Childhood Education in partnership with the YMCA.
The Downingtown Center includes a STEM wing, Nursing SIM labs and additional classroom and collaboration spaces.
Virtual, online programming available to all who need the flexibility this modality provides.
Coatesville houses a new, need-based site for our Building and Facilities Maintenance Certification program, opening Summer 2026.

Does the College feel that these cost-saving measures will go a long way toward fiscally “righting the ship”?

President Cronin states: “It is my sincere hope that, though this moment is painful, it will ultimately mark a turning point in how we are able to confidently support our student population for decades to come – and that our College will emerge stronger, and reflective of the evolving higher education landscape so that we can meet the challenges ahead. Together, we will navigate this with compassion, integrity, and care for one another.”

Nationwide press on the state of higher education institutions:

Harrisburg Area Community College

University of Maryland

Hampshire College

Temple University

Boston University

DCCC 2026-27 Budget FAQs

Why is DCCC restructuring?

Enrollment declines further impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, flat state funding for several years, and the natural rate of inflation, has left the College with a structural deficit.

What is a structural deficit?

A long-term, persistent budget gap that occurs when expenses consistently exceed revenue. This occurs because of prolonged deficits and a persistent misalignment between revenue and cost growth. At DCCC this was especially evident when it came to staffing levels and enrollment which necessitated the recent organizational restructuring.

How did DCCC choose what personnel and initiatives to eliminate?

DCCC’s leadership conducted a thorough analysis of its entire workforce, assessing duplicative efforts and looking at opportunities for efficiencies and cost-saving measures.

How many employee positions were eliminated?

43 total positions have been eliminated, approximately 10% of the College’s workforce.

Have there ever been significant layoffs at DCCC?

No, this is the first time since DCCC’s opening in 1967 that significant layoffs have been implemented. The steady decline in student enrollment suggests that earlier action to restructure the organization would have been warranted.