Student Merger FAQs

Why did Rosemont enter into an agreement to merge with Villanova?

For several years the Board has been considering how to best preserve Rosemont’s mission and legacy in light of the higher education landscape. The Board considered other potential partnerships, but it became clear that Villanova would be our best partner given our shared community, values, traditions, and commitment to Catholic education. This agreement offers the best possible future for Rosemont College, its students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

Will currently enrolled students be able to graduate from Rosemont College as planned?

Yes, Rosemont will continue to operate independently until the end of the Spring 2027 semester, and all current students will have the opportunity to continue their education and graduate with a Rosemont College degree. Rosemont students who have not completed their degree by 2028 will have multiple options, which include the ability to transfer to Villanova’s College of Professional Studies where they will have the opportunity to complete a degree.

Why was this agreement made now?

Rosemont and Villanova have a long history as neighbors with similar educational missions. Our alumni communities have many families with degrees from both institutions, so this also is a natural fit for our alumni communities. Given the higher education landscape, the time was right to enter into a merger that would best serve our current students, faculty, and staff, and preserve our mission and legacy.

Will my tuition / fees / room & board costs increase?

2024 – 25 tuition and fees will not change due to this agreement.

Was this decision made due to financial problems at Rosemont College?

Rosemont is merging with Villanova because it creates the best possible future for the College and our community. For several years the Board has been considering how to best preserve Rosemont’s mission and legacy in light of the higher education landscape. The Board considered other potential partnerships, but it became clear that Villanova would be our best partner given our shared community, values, traditions, and commitment to Catholic education. This agreement offers the best possible future for Rosemont College, its students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

What happens to my scholarship/financial aid?

All students who are currently enrolled at Rosemont will receive the same scholarships and aid and will be able to access the same services and facilities as they do today.

Is there a risk that this agreement falls through?

This agreement must be approved by our accreditor, Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and by the Pennsylvania and federal Departments of Education. We are confident it will be approved.

Will Rosemont Athletics programs continue? What happens to student athletes?

Rosemont will have a full year of athletics through Spring 2026. After that, student athletes will be given the opportunity to participate in club teams and College leaders are currently working to identify additional NCAA Division III colleges or universities that will allow for transfer of these students.

Who is leading Rosemont now?

Jim Cawley remains the President of Rosemont College.

Rosemont will continue to operate independently with its current Board of Trustees and President, and all current students will have the opportunity to continue their education and graduate with a Rosemont College degree. A phased transition will begin in 2027.

Will current Rosemont students become Villanova students?

All current Rosemont students will have the opportunity to continue their education at Rosemont College. Any Rosemont students who have not completed their degree by 2028 will have multiple options, which include the ability to transfer to Villanova’s College of Professional Studies where they will have the opportunity to complete a degree.

How involved will Villanova be in the daily operations of Rosemont?

Rosemont will continue to operate independently until the end of the Spring 2027 semester and all current students will have the opportunity to continue their education and graduate with a Rosemont College degree. A phased transition will begin in 2027.

Are Rosemont students eligible to use Villanova facilities or student services?

Operations at Rosemont will continue as normal and students will maintain access to Rosemont College services and facilities. At this time, we don’t anticipate the need to use Villanova facilities during this transition.

What are Villanova’s plans for Rosemont College?

Villanova has not wavered in its intention to honor the legacy of Rosemont College after the transition is complete. Most notably, the campus will be named “Villanova University, Rosemont Campus,” the Chapel will be preserved as a place of gathering and inspiration, and a Rosemont College Endowed Scholarship will be established for a student in need that supports the mission of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus.

Do students living on campus have to move?

No. Rosemont College operations including housing, dining, support services, and extracurricular activities will continue as normal with no changes anticipated.

Will the Rosemont campus be preserved?

Yes, as part of the agreement, the campus will be named “Villanova University, Rosemont Campus,” and the Chapel will be preserved as a place of gathering and inspiration.

Will classes continue as normal with current faculty?

Yes, Rosemont classes continue as planned with our current faculty.

I recently made a donation to Rosemont. What happens with those funds?

The College is incredibly grateful for the support of our donors and friends. Rosemont College donations go to Rosemont College. Rosemont will continue to confer degrees through June 2028. Donations will be directed according to donor intent; unless otherwise designated, contributions will support the Experience Fund—the area of greatest need. This fund ensures that students attending Rosemont through 2028 can enjoy the same educational, full and enriching college experience as alumni did, sustaining the College’s mission and legacy throughout this transition.

Is Rosemont accepting a new class of first year students for the fall of 2025?

First year students who have been accepted and submitted a deposit will be able to enroll in Fall ’25 and work toward a Rosemont College degree. Any remaining Rosemont students who have not completed their degree by 2028 will have multiple options, which include the ability to transfer to Villanova’s College of Professional Studies where they will have the opportunity to complete a degree.