U.S. Department of Education Finalizes Merger Between Lackawanna College and Peirce College
Lackawanna College has officially received final approval from the U.S. Department of Education for its merger with Peirce College, concluding a two-year integration process between the two Pennsylvania institutions.
“This is a tremendous milestone in the history of Lackawanna College, and I’m excited for the new opportunities and pathways this creates for our students,” said Dr. Jill A. Murray, President and Chief Innovation Officer of Lackawanna College. “For more than a century, Peirce College has stood as a model of access, innovation and unwavering commitment to student success. Lackawanna College is honored to carry forward the mission, spirit and values that defined Peirce College as we move forward together.”
A New Chapter at Lackawanna College
With the merger complete, Lackawanna is now the largest open-enrollment, private, nonprofit institution in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania at the undergraduate level, with an expanded geographic and programmatic presence to serve over 8,000 students annually in eleven locations and online. Peirce College is now Lackawanna College – Philadelphia Center, and its legacy continues through Lackawanna’s Peirce School of Online Education for all students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs who complete their courses 100% online.
The idea of a merger first came in June 2023, as both institutions sought to redefine the landscape of higher education in Pennsylvania through their shared belief in the power of education to transform lives. The institutions formalized their agreement on August 19, 2024, kicking off two years of integration planning and activity to obtain regulatory approval.
A Continued Expansion on Education
Alongside the merger, Lackawanna College has completed several growth milestones, including the openings of three skilled trade centers across central and western Pennsylvania, the groundbreaking for the College’s new Center for Technology Innovation and the College’s invitation to join the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC), an NCAA Division II conference.
About Lackawanna College
Founded in 1894, Lackawanna College is the largest private, non-profit, open-enrollment institution in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, dedicated to delivering high-quality education and empowering individuals in their pursuit of personal growth and community enrichment. The College offers over 60 academic programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and continuing education and professional certificates. In addition, Lackawanna College is committed to workforce development, educating and preparing workers for advancement in fields such as healthcare, finance, technology and the trades.
Along with its main Scranton campus, the College’s geographic reach extends across ten other locations across Pennsylvania and online. Through its life-minded approach to higher education, the College is focused on creating strategic pathways for students, investing in purposeful partnerships and delivering on hyper-local progress. Lackawanna College is a nine-time recipient of the “Best Places to Work” recognition and was named a “Great College to Work For” in 2023 and 2024. In 2021, Lackawanna College was recognized as one of the “World’s Most Innovative Companies” by Fast Company and as one of the “Fastest-Growing Private, Nonprofit Colleges” by The Chronicle of Higher Education. The College remains focused on delivering accessible and practical education for individuals seeking to better their lives and contribute positively to their communities. To learn more, visit lackawanna.edu.