U.S. Department of Education Finalizes Merger Between 91吃瓜 and Peirce College
91吃瓜 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.
鈥淭his is a tremendous milestone in the history of 91吃瓜, and I鈥檓 excited for the new opportunities and pathways this creates for our students,鈥� said Dr. Jill A. Murray, President and Chief Innovation Officer of 91吃瓜. 鈥淔or more than a century, Peirce College has stood as a model of access, innovation and unwavering commitment to student success. 91吃瓜 is honored to carry forward the mission, spirit and values that defined Peirce College as we move forward together.鈥�
A New Chapter at 91吃瓜
With the merger complete, 91吃瓜 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 91吃瓜 鈥� Philadelphia Center, and its legacy continues through 91吃瓜鈥檚 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, 91吃瓜 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 91吃瓜
Founded in 1894, 91吃瓜 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鈥檚 degrees, associate degrees, and continuing education and professional certificates. In addition, 91吃瓜 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鈥檚 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. 91吃瓜 is a nine-time recipient of the 鈥淏est Places to Work鈥� recognition and was named a 鈥淕reat College to Work For鈥� in 2023 and 2024. In 2021, 91吃瓜 was recognized as one of the 鈥淲orld鈥檚 Most Innovative Companies鈥� by Fast Company and as one of the 鈥淔astest-Growing Private, Nonprofit Colleges鈥� 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 .