After 130 years, the Dubois Business College is closing.

 

The private school offered courses including Accounting, IT Maintenance and Graphic Design.

 

The college also had satellite locations in Huntingdon, Philipsburg, and Oil City.

 

The decision comes after the school experienced problems with its accrediting agency, Accrediting Council of Independent Colleges and School or (ACICS,) which directly impacts financial aid. 

 

The school’s owner, Jackie Syktich, said about 150 students enrolled during a regular school year at all of the locations on September 22nd.

 

Students said it’s break for their degree, but it’s also an emotional situation.

 

Syktich said about 50 teachers and other faculty will lose their jobs.

 

Jody August, the Executive Director for the Greater Dubois Chamber of Commerce said the closure is considered a loss for the community.

 

Administration said it has developed “teach-out” plans that can help students transfer credits and carry on with their studies.

 

Students said they’re hopeful the program can guide them in the right direction but relocating is definitely inconvenient.

 

Leanne Hackett, a student at the school, said it will be tough to find a place that will compare to the Dubois Business College.

 

And when that time comes…Students say it will be a tough goodbye. 

 

“It’s heartbreaking cause, the DBC, we have a great facility, we do. Our faculty, we’re one big family,” Hackett said.

 

Administrators noted that some of the schools that are a part of the “teach-out” plans will have online courses available.