Low enrollment and financial troubles have caused a slew of Vermont’s small, independent colleges to shut their doors. What’s causing the problem — and is there a solution?

VPR’s Amy Noyes, who has been reporting on higher ed in Vermont with a fellowship from the Education Writers Association, has answers to these three questions:

“Why are student populations shrinking?” — Diana Clark, South Burlington

“Are small liberal arts colleges closing throughout New England? Throughout the United States? Or just in Vermont?” — Andy Davis, Brattleboro

“What are other small colleges, like Goddard in Plainfield, doing to prevent this from happening?” — Cassie Major, Barre

Listen to the full story here.