Jamestown Business College, founded in 1886 and known for its “students come first” motto, said it was halting enrollment and will eventually close.

The “very difficult decision” was officially announced Thursday.

In a statement posted to its website’s homepage, the college said it will continue to provide the coursework and graduation requirements for all students currently enrolled.

“Eventually, this change will lead to the closure of Jamestown Business College,” the for-profit institution said. “These changes are the result of the college’s size and the expanding government regulations.”

No specific closing date was announced by the Fairmount Avenue college, which in 2024 entered its 138th year of existence.

JBC did not state how many students it currently has enrolled. In 2015, a year prior to its 130th anniversary, the college had 121 graduates.

At present, the school was offering a bachelor’s degree in business management and associate’s degrees in accounting, marketing and management, and medical administration.

“JBC is 100 percent committed to helping all of our current students complete their programs. The college will be reaching out to all enrolled students to discuss their schedules,” the college said. “Admissions will be reaching out to all applicants to assist them with other college options. JBC has been part of our community and serving its students since 1886.

“Over the years, countless students have earned their degrees and moved on to successful futures. You would be hard-pressed to enter a business in Jamestown … and not come across one of our grads because the majority of JBC grads stay and work locally.”

David Conklin is the college’s longtime president; the vice president is Pamela Reese.

On its website, Jamestown Business College lists 23 faculty members as well as eight who are part of the administration.

“For the foreseeable future, it will be business as usual for JBC,” the college said. “We look forward to a continued celebration of the college’s wonderful history as we work through this final chapter with our current students, our alumni, and our local community.”