As announced on August 14, 2024, Peirce College (“Peirce”) intends to merge with Lackawanna College (“Lackawanna”). Lackawanna and Peirce expect the First Step, as described below, to happen on or about June 30, 2025, but the First Step will not occur until approval has been granted by both the Pennsylvania Department of Education and by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the institutional accreditor for both institutions. Both institutions are committed to ensuring this transition is as seamless as possible, with minimal disruption to your day-to-day student life. Lackawanna and Peirce are committed to continuing Peirce’s tradition of career-focused, flexible academic programs and student services designed around the unique needs of busy adults, empowering learning at all stages of life.

To comply with educational regulatory requirements, the merger will be accomplished in two steps.[1]

First Step

In the First Step, Lackawanna will acquire control of Peirce, but Peirce will remain an independent, accredited, degree-granting educational institution until the merger is approved by the U.S. Department of Education. Lackawanna and Peirce expect to complete the First Step on or about June 30, 2025.

Question: How does this First Step impact me as a student at Peirce?

Answer: You will see few changes, if any.

• You are still a student enrolled in your program at Peirce.
• You will take classes in the same manner as you did before the First Step occurred.
• You will have the same professors and adjunct faculty.
• You will use the same syllabus.
• The cost of tuition and fees will not increase for the 2025-2026 academic year.
• So long as you have successfully completed all degree requirements before the Second Step is completed, you will receive a degree from Peirce.
• You will continue to receive the same high-quality education.
• If you choose not to continue at Peirce College and wish to transfer to another institution, Peirce will provide transfer advising to help you explore alternative options.
• You will also receive guidance on the financial and academic implications of completing your degree at Peirce versus transferring, empowering you to make informed decisions about your educational future.

Second Step

Once the merger is approved, Peirce will no longer operate as an independent, accredited, degree-granting institution. Instead, Peirce will merge into and become part of Lackawanna. Both institutions aim to complete this second phase during the 2026/2027 academic year. However, since this step is subject to approval from the U.S. Department of Education, the timeline may vary and could be completed earlier or later than anticipated.

Question: How does this Second Step impact me as a student at Peirce?

Answer: After the Second Step, you will be a student of Lackawanna.

• You will be enrolled in Lackawanna College.
• You will be able to attend classes in the same manner that you did before the second step occurred.
• You will have expanded program and course options to consider from Lackawanna.
• All of your Peirce credits will transfer to Lackawanna.
• Your degree will be conferred by Lackawanna.

Question: My expected graduation date is after the First Step, but before the Second Step. What school will I receive my degree from?

Answer: All Peirce students who complete their program before the Second Step will receive a degree from Peirce.

***PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL INFORMATION IN THIS NOTICE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE BASED ON REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL AND PENNSYLVANIA EDUCATIONAL REGULATORY AGENCIES AND ACCREDITORS***

This letter serves as a formal notification required by 34 C.F.R. § 600.20(g)(4) and applicable guidance. We will continue to communicate with you regularly about the status of the merger and how it will impact you as students. 

For more information on the merger and how it may impact you, please see the Integration FAQ at: https://www.peirce.edu/about-peirce/lackawanna/

[1] See 34 C.F.R. §600.20(g)(1)(i) and GEN-24-54, Compliance with the Change in Ownership 90-Day Advance Notification (May 6, 2024).