A liberal arts university in South Carolina with nearly two centuries of history could begin the process of closing by the end of April unless it finds a staggering $6 million for emergency funds.

Limestone University, a private Christian liberal arts college in Gaffney — previously known as Limestone College, was founded in 1845 as one of the first women’s colleges in the country. It could now move towards online-only instruction or shuttering altogether on April 22 before the semester ends.

The Board of Trustees at Limestone University shared an urgent message on its website last week announcing the emergency, citing nationwide enrollment decreases, rising costs, and other structural challenges liberal arts colleges disproportionately face.

“The Board’s priority is to preserve the Limestone mission of education and service on our campus in addition to online. But without this financial lifeline, we will have no choice but to move all operations online, which means closing our physical campus,” said Randall Richardson, Chair of the Limestone University Board of Trustees.

The indicated $6 million that the board said is needed would help cover operational costs and resources to create long-term solutions, according to the press release.

The university took a particularly hard hit during the 2022-2023 fiscal year and operated at a $12.6 million deficit — over $10 million more than the previous cycles, according to ProPublica.

Students and locals alike are beginning to panic as the thought of Gaffney without Limestone University may soon become a reality.

“The psychological and emotional toll will be equally profound. Limestone has been a point of pride, tradition, and inspiration for our residents. It has opened doors for countless local students and families. Many of them were first-generation college students and helped shape dreams into realities. As a proud alumni, I will forever love and honor Limestone University,” Gaffney Mayor Lyman Dawkins wrote on Facebook.

Others were blindsided by the trustees’ announcement, including university staff.

“I’m just a bit scared. We don’t really know like the next steps of what’s gonna happen or fully what’s going on but we just have to take it one step at a time and figure out what we’re gonna do for ourselves and how we’re gonna say goodbye to each other if we have to,” sophomore Annabelle Dougherty told WJBF.

Some are even taking to social media for donations, with many students posting videos on TikTok and asking for influencers like Mr.Beast to lend a hand.

Limestone University has already been in contact with the NCAA and will be hosting a “reverse college fair” on April 25 so that current students can explore other universities.