by Mick Rhodes | editor@claremont-courier.com

Pomona College may soon enter into exclusive talks to purchase Claremont Graduate University, possibly bringing an end to CGU’s long-standing financial uncertainty.

The negotiations could begin as soon as this week, the Claremont Independent reported Saturday. CGU announced in April that it was seeking “a strategic partner or partners” to right its financial ship. Among those showing interest were Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, LA’s Loyola Marymount University, Northeastern University in Boston. Pomona formed a special committee of trustees and administrators to explore a CGU deal in August, and since then “continues to explore a range of potential partnerships as part of our long-term strategic planning,” CGU Vice President of Strategy Patricia Easton wrote in a statement. “These conversations are ongoing and confidential, and we want to ensure that any information we share is accurate and complete. Once there are updates appropriate for release, we will share them through our official channels.”

Then interim CGU President Tim Kirley told the Courier in September 2024 the university — which is celebrating its centennial this year —  had been operating at a deficit for more than 10 years, and was at a financial crossroads.

“We are now focusing intently on a course correction, which includes the need to significantly grow the endowment, increase research funding, and candidly evaluate our assets, programs, and internal operations,” Kirley said. “We need to move diligently and deliberately in this process.”

Kirley said CGU’s then $190 million endowment was “very specific in what the funds can be used for,” and simply tapping it to pay down what has been reported as $50 million in liabilities wasn’t possible.

One of the primary factors contributing to CGU’s recent financial troubles is a drop in international enrollment due to changes in federal immigration policy, Kirley said.

Emails to current CUG Interim President Michelle Bligh seeking comment were not returned.

This story was updated December 8.