HNU struggled financially as it faced rising operational costs, declining enrollment, and an increased need for tuition discounts and institutional financial aid. Both COVID-19 and an economic downturn disproportionately impacted HNU students. In the past year, HNU’s Board of Trustees explored many partnership and funding opportunities, but did not secure an agreement that would allow the University to continue. Therefore, the University announced it will cease operations in May 2023 after the completion of the spring semester. HNU and Dominican University of California have formalized an agreement by which academic programs at HNU will transfer seamlessly to Dominican after the spring term and accreditation body approvals.