Marymount Manhattan College and Northeastern University: A New Chapter in Higher Education
Institutions across the country are confronting significant challenges regarding enrollment and finances, particularly small, private liberal arts colleges like Marymount Manhattan College (MMC). To address these challenges and ensure the continuation of its student-centered approach to education, MMC has entered into a merger agreement with Northeastern University. This article explores the details of this merger, its implications for students and faculty, and the broader context of Northeastern's expansion.
The Merger: A Strategic Alliance
The merger between Marymount Manhattan College and Northeastern University has been approved by the governing boards of both institutions. The agreement aims to combine the distinctive attributes of these two educational institutions, creating Northeastern - New York City. The completion of the merger is subject to state and federal regulatory approvals, with the process expected to occur in stages over the coming months.
Under the terms of the agreement, upon completion of the merger, Northeastern will assume all of MMC’s assets and liabilities. Once the merger is complete, the new entity will be called Northeastern University - New York City.
Preserving MMC's Legacy and Mission
Northeastern values MMC’s legacy and intends to preserve and enhance MMC’s East 71st Street campus for generations to come. Both MMC and Northeastern are committed to honoring the history and mission of MMC and ensuring that its vision and values carry forward into the future. This includes further enhancing MMC’s signature performing arts programs and aligning MMC’s other degree programs with Northeastern’s curriculum.
Additional commitments include the continuation of the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) and MMC’s prison education programs at the Bedford Hills and Taconic correctional facilities.
Read also: Marymount University Analysis
Impact on Students
Enrolled and admitted students at the time of the merger will continue to make academic progress in their chosen field(s) of study. Consistent with the agreement, students enrolled at MMC at the time of the merger will not incur additional tuition or fees apart from customary annual increases. MMC students who transition to Northeastern - New York City in their mapped Northeastern equivalent degree programs will be able to take every course required for their program at the Northeastern - New York City campus. If these equivalent degree programs require language and math courses, then it can be expected that there will be a suitable number of those courses to accommodate the number of students who need to take them for their degree.
Faculty and Staff Integration
All full-time MMC faculty members at the time of the merger will become Northeastern faculty and receive one-year contracts, with the option to be considered for available tenured, tenure-track and non-tenure-track positions. All staff employed by MMC upon the effective date of the merger will become employees of Northeastern University. As part of the merger, Northeastern will establish a center that reflects the strengths and traditions of MMC.
Northeastern's Expansion and Global University System
Northeastern’s merger with MMC follows two other successful mergers as part of building out the global university system. In 2019, Northeastern merged with New College of the Humanities in London, England, leading to the establishment of Northeastern University - London. In 2022, Northeastern University “merged” with the small all women’s four year institution Mills College in Oakland, CA. Mills’ environment echoed that of Marymount Manhattan’s: focused on arts, culture, and a population of predominantly women - MMC has a population of roughly 80% women and Mills was a historic all women’s college.
The development of the global university system has strengthened Northeastern in myriad ways, including our financial health, demand for our educational offerings, faculty recruitment, philanthropic opportunities, and brand visibility. Most importantly, our multi-campus network has expanded the impact of our teaching and research.
A New York City Hub for Multidisciplinary Learning
Through the planned merger, the unique mission and creative community that define MMC will be amplified by the global resources of Northeastern to support Northeastern - New York City’s long-term future as a thriving hub of multidisciplinary learning and study in New York City. Northeastern is committed to expanding opportunities for undergraduate and graduate education and lifelong learning, and will continue to evaluate offerings across its global system, including the New York City campus.
Read also: Marymount Fees and Costs
Institutional Perspectives on the Merger
“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 ’83, Chair of MMC’s Board of Trustees.
“I want to thank the leadership of Marymount Manhattan College for their partnership and willingness to embark on this exciting journey together,” wrote Joseph E. Aoun, President of Northeastern University in a message to the Northeastern community.
“MMC and Northeastern are natural partners. The institutions reflect each other in many ways, including how we foster meaningful engagements with our communities and create opportunities for our students to take advantage of the resources of world-class cities to find an edge in career and life,” said Peter Naccarato, Interim President of MMC.
MMC's History and Northeastern's Strengths
MMC was founded in 1936 and has a long history of serving diverse populations in need of higher education. Today, MMC’s approximately 1,400 students are pursuing BA, BS, and BFA degrees in 34 majors, 40+ minors, and pre-professional programs, which are taught by 80 full-time faculty members and highly qualified part-time faculty.
Northeastern, established in 1898, is the world leader in experiential learning, which integrates classroom instruction with professional experience in more than 140 countries.
Read also: A Look at LMU
Student Concerns and Transition
Since the semesters start, hundreds of students have again roamed the halls of Marymount Manhattan College’s Upper East Side campus - this time however, something is different. The Marymount Manhattan College and Northeastern University merger, announced in May of 2024, has been a developing story with information being released sporadically. Yet one thing remains strong: students are confused.
Regarding the way the merger will affect already existing clubs, Mr. Aliyah Madrigal, a student leader in the Intercultural Center, feels that NU is already greatly shifting campus culture. After LaNae Plaxico stepped down from her role as Intercultural Center Assistant Director, student leaders in the IC have begun seeing changes beginning with the replacement of the door. Additionally, the merger has other aspects that are expected to affect MMC students in transition.
Regulatory Approvals and Timeline
The merger is expected to be completed in stages over time, and the ultimate timing to completion is subject to state and federal regulatory approvals. In the meantime, MMC and Northeastern are initiating a planning process for integrating their vibrant campuses and communities, including input from faculty, staff, and other key stakeholders.
Accreditation and Teach-Out Plan
To note the complex substantive change site visit occurred to the merging institution main campus location at Northeastern University. To note written evidence of approval from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) was received. To note that written evidence of required approval has been provided by New York State Education Department.
To acknowledge receipt of the teach-out plan. To approve the teach-out plan. To approve the teach-out agreement with Northeastern University, Boston, MA. To note that Marymount Manhattan College's (MMC) accreditation will cease. To note that student records, programs, and services will transfer from MMC to Northeastern University. To note that Northeastern University, Boston, MA has been designated as the repository of all MMC student records.
Financial and Operational Considerations
As part of the merger, Northeastern will establish a center that reflects the strengths and traditions of MMC. To request a supplemental information report providing written evidence of (1) approvals from all licensing, regulatory, or other legal entities as necessary, including approval by the United States Department of Education (Standard II); (2) completion of the fiscal year 2025 independent audited financial statements for the institution and its additional location (Standard VI); and (3) the status of documented agreements between the institution and its additional location (Standard VII; Complex Substantive Change Policy and Procedures).
Comparison with Other Institutions
Northeastern University vs. University of Virginia Main Campus vs. Manhattan College. Northeastern University is larger than than UVA based on total student enrollment. Northeastern University is more expensive to attend than UVA for in-state tuition. Out of state tuition is higher at Northeastern than University of Virginia Main Campus. The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Virginia Main Campus than Northeastern. Living costs at University of Virginia Main Campus are lower than costs at Northeastern University. More students receive financial grant aid at Northeastern University than University of Virginia Main Campus. The average total grant financial aid received by Northeastern University students is larger than aid received University of Virginia Main Campus.
The graduation rate at UVA is higher than Northeastern University. Graduates from University of Virginia Main Campus earn on average more per year than Northeastern graduates after ten years. University of Virginia Main Campus students graduate with a lower median federal student loan debt than Northeastern graduates. UVA graduates are paying less per month on federal student loans than Northeastern graduates. More UVA graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern students, three years after graduation.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
This is not the first time Northeastern University has acquired an educational institution. MMC will be the university’s 14th “satellite campus.” Unlike other satellite campuses, NU has a unique tactic: first year only experiences. Upon merging with Mills, Northeastern shifted the campus to strategically cater to first-year students.
When Mills first announced its merger, students were told varying things. In a lawsuit against Northeastern by a group of Mills students, students claimed that the university had misled students into believing that they would be able to easily continue their education post-merger and failed to follow through, instead eliminating various programs. A year after the merger took place, Northeastern settled with students. However, students are still struggling with other aspects of the Mills merger that, although not lawsuit worthy, are troubling their daily lives.
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