Lackawanna College and Peirce College have legally merged and are in the process of finalizing the requirements of the department of education to fully integrate into one singular institution under the Lackawanna College name.
As one institution, we’ll be able to ensure all people from all stages of life have the unique opportunity to grow their skills, achieve career readiness and realize the dreams that powerful education can unlock.
- Dr. Jill Murray, President & Chief Innovation Officer, Lackawanna College
This merger is grounded in our foundational belief that both institutions are better and stronger together, and aptly positioned to help more residents of Pennsylvania transform their lives through education. Coming together marks a significant step in redefining the landscape of higher education. As two of Pennsylvania’s premier private, independent institutions with undergraduate open enrollment, both Lackawanna and Peirce believe that lifelong learning should be readily and fully accessible to all.
Through this merger, Peirce will become Lackawanna College – Philadelphia Center. Peirce’s legacy will continue to be honored as the Peirce School of Online Education for all students who are enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program and complete their courses 100% online.
Dr. Jill Murray, President & Chief Innovation Officer, Lackawanna College
and Dr. Mary Ellen Caro, President & CEO, Peirce College
Lackawanna-Peirce Merger Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are Lackawanna College and Peirce College combining into one institution?
A: As leaders in higher education, we are always looking for ways to improve and to evolve, to meet the changing needs of our students, and expand our programming, degrees and locations. Lackawanna College and Peirce College share similar visions of a world in which individuals from all walks of life can access the education and resources they need to pursue a greater future and transform their lives. Our decision to merge is based on our shared foundational belief that like-minded institutions with similar missions are better and stronger together. Together, we can and will provide more flexible, accessible, affordable, high-quality education throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and beyond.
Q: How will the merger actually occur?
A: Middle States Commission on Higher Education has approved the merger effective June 30, 2025 which fulfills the first of two steps required by the Department of Education. Peirce College has now become part of Lackawanna College. Until the required Department of Education approval of the second step is received, we will each continue to operate Peirce as a separate academic institution under Lackawanna College’s leadership.
Q. Will Lackawanna continue to operate at Peirce’s current location in Philadelphia?
Yes. One of the most visible direct results of the merger is that Peirce’s current location in Center City Philadelphia will become part of Lackawanna College. Another is that this will solidify Lackawanna as the largest private non-profit open enrollment institution in Pennsylvania, significantly expanding our already-robust presence both geographically and programmatically to serve over 8,000 students annually in eight locations, through our combined academic offerings, including master’s, bachelor’s, associate’s, certificates and pre-college programs.
It has long been our strategy to expand our geographic footprint to the Greater Philadelphia region, improve our online infrastructure, and offer graduate programs. By combining our resources with Peirce’s, we have the opportunity to make those goals a reality much sooner, and to introduce our very successful pre-college program to high schools across Philadelphia, generating pathways to a broad spectrum of higher education programs, everything from certificates in specialized studies to undergraduate and master’s degrees, on-ground and online. All at substantial cost-savings to Philadelphia students and their families.
Q: Is this merger financially motivated?
A: Although fiscal sustainability is certainly a key criteria for any merger, that was not our primary motivation in considering Peirce as a merger partner. Our focus was on the unique strategic growth opportunity this merger provides, enabling us to grow our offerings, geographic footprint, and target market.
Q: Will there be any change for students currently enrolled at either Lackawanna or Peirce?
A: Students currently enrolled at both colleges will see no immediate change to their enrollment or academic opportunities. Lackawanna and Peirce will continue to operate as separate academic institutions while the merger awaits final approval from the U.S. Department of Education. Once the merger is finalized, students will have even more opportunities with expanded programming that ranges from stackable certificates and bachelor’s-to-master’s pathways to graduate programs offered both in-person and online. For Peirce students, the transition will be completely seamless.
Q: Will there be changes to tuition as a result of the merger?
A: Lackawanna and Peirce have many similarities, one being how comparable our costs for students have always been. Current students at both Lackawanna and Peirce will see no immediate change in their tuition based on the merger. Students who enroll following the merger approval would be under Lackawanna’s tuition structure, which is one of the most affordable in the state.
Q: Will the merger affect any current scholarships provided by either institution?
A: Scholarships will not be affected by the merger. Lackawanna and Peirce students on scholarship who continue to meet their scholarship requirements will continue to receive financial aid from their respective institutions. Once the merger is complete, future and prospective students will be eligible for scholarships from Lackawanna College.
Q: How will the official name appear on transcripts and degrees received by students?
A: Students graduating prior to approved integration of our institutions will graduate from the college in which they originally enrolled. Lackawanna students will graduate with a degree from Lackawanna College, and likewise for Peirce students. For students who graduate after full integration of the two colleges, all transcripts and degrees will be from Lackawanna.
Q: Will there be any changes to Lackawanna or Peirce leadership?
A: Lackawanna College President Dr. Jill Murray will remain president and head a combined leadership team that includes members of both Lackawanna’s and Peirce’s current leadership teams. In addition, the new Lackawanna Board of Trustees will include three current members of the Peirce Board of Trustees.
Q: Will we have the opportunity to learn more and ask questions about the merger?
A: We want everyone to have their voices heard, and there will be opportunities to have your questions answered. As we progress with the integration, communication will be shared with staff, faculty and students regularly. In the meantime, students may reach out to the Student Success department with specific questions.