Merger Planned For Upper East Side’s Marymount Manhattan College

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — As the closure looms for Marymount Manhattan College on the Upper East Side, a bit of Boston is set to arrive in New York City.

The small college nestled on the Upper East Side has revealed intentions to merge with a larger educational powerhouse—Northeastern University, based in Boston.

Marymount Manhattan’s name will change to Northeastern University-New York City when it joins Northeastern’s network, which includes campuses in London, Silicon Valley and Toronto.

Marymount Manhattan College officials said that the decision stems from the current challenging economic landscape confronting smaller liberal arts colleges and universities.

“Recognizing the significant headwinds facing small liberal arts colleges, MMC’s Board decided to pursue this path to ensure the continuation of MMC’s student-centered approach to education for generations to come,” said Abby Fiorella, Chair of MMC’s Board of Trustees.

The merger is anticipated to progress in phases over the next two years, with the final timeline contingent upon receiving regulatory approvals at both state and federal levels, Marymount Manhattan College said in a statement.

Until the merger is finalized, the college says students should expect little to no change in their day-to-day experiences until the merger is complete.

"The agreement provides an incredible opportunity for MMC students to benefit from the extensive resources and global learning network that defines Northeastern University, while preserving MMC’s mission and signature programs," Fiorella said.

Marymount Manhattan originated as a two-year women's college in 1936 before transitioning into a four-year institution 12 years later.

Notable alumni encompass Golden Globe Award-winning actor Alexander Skarsgård, LGBTQ advocate and actress Laverne Cox, Tony Award-winning producer Aaron Glick, and Rose Ann Scamardella, the inspiration behind Gilda Radner's memorable "Roseanne Roseannadanna" character on Saturday Night Live.

While Marymount Manhattan College has garnered recognition primarily for its performing arts programs, notably in theater, the college provides a comprehensive academic experience with 34 majors available to its approximately 1,400 students, spanning disciplines from biotechnology and finance to marketing and philosophy.

In the merger, Northeastern will absorb all of Marymount’s assets and liabilities, Northeastern’s press release said.

Marymount Manhattan College's enrolled and admitted students will benefit from personalized coaching and assistance designed to facilitate clear pathways to degree completion. Northeastern authorities have also stated that tuition and fees for Marymount Manhattan students will not increase after the merger, with the exception of annual adjustments.

Regarding staff, Marymount Manhattan's 80 full-time faculty members will be extended one-year contracts and will be assessed for faculty positions within Northeastern University, according to statements from both institutions.

“I want to thank the leadership of Marymount Manhattan College for their partnership,” Northeastern President Joseph Aoun said. “Their foresight and dedication to the well-being of their students is both admirable and increasingly necessary as the higher education landscape continues to shift.”