In a joint statement released by Villanova University and Rosemont College on March 31, the schools announced a merger in which Rosemont will merge into Villanova in 2027. Once the transition is complete, the campus will continue to use the Rosemont name under the Villanova banner as an academic and residential campus known as “Villanova University, Rosemont Campus,” similar to the plans for the Cabrini campus, which Villanova acquired in mid-2023.
“Villanova University and Rosemont College enjoy a longstanding connection,” Father Peter Donohue, O.S.A, Ph.D. said in a press release. “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.”
Rosemont has struggled financially for years, with steadily declining enrollment (currently 774 students). While both Villanova and Rosemont have discussed the notion of a merger for decades, it took Rosemont’s mounting debt, as reported in a Philadelphia Inquirer article last year, and a willingness to merge with another school to make this happen.
The merger will, like with Cabrini University, be a multi-year process and will allow all current Rosemont students to complete their education as a Raven, rather than forcing them to transfer or leave their degree unfinished. Rosemont students who have not earned their degrees by 2028, seemingly the time the merger will be complete, will have multiple options, including the ability to transfer to Villanova’s College of Professional Studies to complete a degree.
“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,” Rosemont College President Jim Cawley said in the release.
This merger will also likely result in larger admissions classes to Villanova, similar to what was stated when the Cabrini campus reopened under the Villanova name. At the same time, this merger also supports the goals of the University’s Strategic Plan, the details of which were first announced last summer.
“The demand for a Villanova education has never been greater,” Fr. Peter said. “With this agreement, we seek to enhance our University programs and complement the goals we developed together in our Strategic Plan, Rooted. Restless., all while honoring and preserving the legacy of Rosemont College. As always, our number one priority is providing students with a unique and transformative education—interwoven with values, knowledge and community—and unparalleled preparation for lifelong success.”
Student Government Association President Dean Millard and Vice President Aleko Zeppos are aiming to continue working both with University administration and students as the Villanova community continues to expand.
“As most students may have already heard, Villanova will be merging with our neighbors, Rosemont College, in 2027,” Millard and Zeppos said in a joint statement to The Villanovan. “As the Student Government Association, we will remain committed to ensuring a smooth transition while fostering unity, representation and opportunity for all students across our expanding community. We look forward to working closely with University leadership and our peers to ensure that every voice is heard throughout this historic change.”
Since this announcement from Fr. Peter and Villanova’s administration comes in the preliminary stages of the agreement, much is still to be done before anything can be finalized. However, Villanova is committed to transparency and has said it will keep the community updated as more details become available.
“I know this announcement raises many questions, many of which simply cannot be answered at this time,” Fr. Peter said. “There is still much to be done, but we are energized to work together with our Rosemont colleagues given the longstanding bonds between our communities and the opportunities the agreement will provide…As more details become available and finalized, I will continue to keep you informed about our progress.”
In the meantime, Villanova has added a “Frequently Asked Questions” section to their website, addressing some short-term and long-term questions Villanovans may have about the merger.
