Kinman was founded in 1891 by Charles L. Kinman and originally offered courses in bookkeeping, shorthand, and typewriting. Over the years, the school expanded and began offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in business, technology, and healthcare. The university had two campuses: its main campus in Spokane, Washington, and a satellite campus in Missoula, Montana.
At its peak, Kinman had an enrollment of nearly 8,000 students. However, enrollment began to decline in the early 2000s due to increased competition from online schools and community colleges. The university also faced legal challenges, including a class-action lawsuit filed by former students who alleged that the school had engaged in predatory lending practices.
The COVID-19 pandemic put financial strain on colleges and universities across the United States, and Kinman was no exception. The university struggled to make ends meet and ultimately decided to close its doors.
The closure of Kinman Business University left over 6,000 students displaced. Some students were able to transfer to other universities, while others had to withdraw from school altogether. The closure also had a negative economic impact on the Spokane community, where Kinman was a major employer.
Following the closure, Kinman officials announced that the university would work to place remaining students at other schools in the greater Spokane area.