VILLANOVA, Pa.—Rosemont College and Villanova University have entered into a merger agreement that will preserve the legacy and heritage of Rosemont College and merge the neighboring institutions. During this multi-year transition, Rosemont College will continue operating as a separate entity, providing students the opportunity to graduate with Rosemont College degrees.
“The leaders of both boards have worked to create a true partnership that recognizes the changing higher education landscape while ensuring a smooth transition for Rosemont students, faculty, staff and alumni,” said Maria Feeley, chair of the Rosemont College Board of Trustees. “Rosemont is proud to announce this next chapter, which will build on our decadeslong relationship with Villanova and preserve Rosemont’s mission.”
“Villanova and Rosemont enjoy a longstanding connection, and many families in the Greater Philadelphia region celebrate alumni from both institutions,” said Villanova University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD. “This merger agreement represents a unique and powerful opportunity for our two institutions given our shared commitment to advancing Catholic higher education, our close physical proximity and deep alumni connections.”
“We are committed to securing the best possible options for our students, faculty and staff and believe this merger with Villanova offers the best opportunity to ensure that the Rosemont College history and legacy endures,” said Rosemont College President Jim Cawley.
During the transition, the first phase of which will start in 2027, Rosemont College’s educational and many extracurricular activities will continue as planned—supported by Rosemont faculty and staff. 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.
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Students who can complete prior to June 1, 2028 can complete and receive a Rosemont credential if they wish to do so.
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Students who remain enrolled at Rosemont on December 1, 2026, may apply to transfer to Villanova in accordance with Villanova’s generally applicable transfer policies and admissions requirements. The College is working on agreements with area postsecondary institutions to effect seamless transfer out of Rosemont (not complete their program at Rosemont) should any student desire to do so. It is anticipated that such agreements will be in place by the end of the current semester.
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Students who remain enrolled at Rosemont on December 1, 2026, can apply to, and will be admitted to, Villanova’s College of Professional Studies. All credits for courses completed at Rosemont will be accepted in full by Villanova’s College of Professional Studies for all purposes, including fulfilling the requirements to earn a degree, so long as the Rosemont student earned a “C-” or better in such completed course.
Following the merger transition, Rosemont will become “Villanova University, Rosemont Campus,” and the campus will honor the legacy of Rosemont’s founders, the Society of the Holy Child Jesus. Additionally, the Chapel will be preserved as a place of gathering and inspiration, and an endowed scholarship will be established supporting the mission of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus.
The terms of the merger are subject to approval from The Middle States Commission on Higher Education as well as state and federal regulators. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available.
Villanova University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD added, “This agreement represents an opportunity to build upon our strengths, invest in critical areas and enhance the Villanova experience for our entire community—now and well into the future.”
About Rosemont College: Founded in 1921 by the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, Rosemont College is a private, Catholic liberal arts institution located in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Main Line. Guided by the values of reverence for each person, justice, and care for the earth, Rosemont is committed to fostering a supportive community where students are encouraged to pursue academic excellence, personal growth, and meaningful service. With a deep sense of mission, Rosemont prepares students to think critically, act compassionately, and lead with purpose in an ever-changing world. Visit www.rosemont.edu for more information
About Villanova University: Since 1842, Villanova University’s Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition has been the cornerstone of an academic community in which students learn to think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others. There are more than 10,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students in the University’s six colleges—the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, the College of Professional Studies and the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. Ranked among the nation’s top universities, Villanova supports its students’ intellectual growth and prepares them to become ethical leaders who create positive change everywhere life takes them. For more, visit www.villanova.edu
For more information, please visit the Official Merger News Center.
The Rosemont Experience
At Rosemont, we believe that no matter what discipline you study, effective communication and problem solving are cornerstones to success. That’s why students take classes across multiple disciplines—to learn to approach complex situations from multiple angles. We also recognize the importance of real world experience in preparing you for a career. In fact, every student engages in at least one internship, volunteer effort, or service learning opportunity.
In the Heart of Suburban Philadelphia's Iconic Main Line
- Beautiful 58 acre Main Line campus located in serene suburban Philadelphia.
- Current students have access to world class advanced degree programs through exclusive partnerships.
- Rooted in Catholicism we welcome all faiths and beliefs.
- Coveted 11:1 student to faculty ratio providing an unparalleled educational experience.
- An average class size of 13 ensures a high caliber, personalized education.
"What one is called to do, one is called to do with all their might."
Inspiration from the Venerable Cornelia Connelly, Foundress of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus,
the Sponsoring Congregation of Rosemont College
Find Your Voice. Expand Your World. Transform Your Future.
Your potential is limitless. Join us to unlock it. At Rosemont, you'll have access to mentorship, rigorous academics, and a supportive community that will empower you to reach and achieve your short term and long term personal and professional ambitions. Take the first step toward finding your voice, by expanding your world at Rosemont and transform your future today! Per the merger agreement with Villanova University, Rosemont College is no longer admitting new students.
