Information on Villanova University and Rosemont College Merger Agreement

Villanova University entered into a merger agreement with Rosemont College in March 2025. While both institutions are currently operating independently, a phased transition will begin May 31, 2027, with Villanova assuming operational control of Rosemont’s administrative operations but not Rosemont’s academic programs. It is anticipated that Rosemont will continue to confer Rosemont College degrees through the Spring 2028 semester, until all necessary regulatory and other approvals are obtained to finalize the merger. Those approvals are expected by mid-2028. 

Villanova is committed to honoring the legacy of Rosemont College after the transition is complete, as the Villanova University, Rosemont Campus. Most notably, the Chapel will be preserved as a place of gathering and inspiration and a Rosemont College Endowed Scholarship will be established for a student in need that supports the mission of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus.

This agreement must be approved by Villanova and Rosemont’s accreditor, Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and by the Pennsylvania and U.S. Departments of Education. We are confident it will be approved and are working closely with these entities.

All current students will remain Rosemont students and have the opportunity to complete their studies at Rosemont College under the terms of the merger agreement. All graduates of Rosemont remain Rosemont alumni with degrees from Rosemont College. 

The terms of the merger agreement were intended to enable Rosemont College to continue operating as a separate entity, providing current students the opportunity to complete their studies and graduate with Rosemont College degrees through the 2027-28 academic year.

Rosemont students who have not completed their degree by the end of the Spring 2028 semester will have multiple options, including the ability to transfer to Villanova’s College of Professional Studies (CPS) to complete a degree in one of that College’s seven majors. (Learn about transferring to CPS.)

Additionally, Rosemont is currently pursuing teach out partnerships with other local institutions to provide additional options for students and expects to have these in place by the end of the Spring 2026 semester in order to provide avenues for transfer to current students as early as Summer 2026, if desired. 

Rosemont students will continue to receive services from Rosemont College and use Rosemont College facilities.

Rosemont's tenured and tenure-track faculty will be offered three- or five-year appointments at Villanova pursuant to the merger agreement and have been engaged by academic leadership to prepare for this transition. 

Rosemont non-tenure track and adjunct faculty are welcome to apply for any available employment opportunities at Villanova.  

Employment at Villanova is not guaranteed for current Rosemont staff. However, Rosemont employees may apply online and be considered for employment opportunities at Villanova at any time. Should the interviewing process result in an offer of employment, employees will be asked to immediately notify their current manager to discuss the transition. 

Once the merger is completed, Villanova will support Rosemont alumni in maintaining a distinct and connected Rosemont community. Villanova will provide services, benefits, communications and other alumni resources, including career programs designed to align with the needs of the Rosemont community. Villanova will honor key events important to Rosemont alumni, acknowledging Rosemont’s history and continuing Rosemont’s legacy.

Villanova has a strong financial standing and is well positioned to undertake this commitment. The Villanova University Board of Trustees is confident this is a sound financial investment at a time when there is great demand for a Villanova education.

With this agreement, we seek to enhance our University programs and complement the goals we developed together in our Strategic Plan, Rooted. Restless., while honoring and preserving the legacy of Rosemont College. We remain committed to the tenets of the Strategic Plan, although the exact timing of some initiatives may need to be assessed. The timeline and existing plans for the Cabrini Campus remain unchanged and that campus will open in August 2026.

Once all aspects of the transition are complete, the campus will retain the Rosemont name and be known as Villanova University, Rosemont Campus. Additional information about how Villanova will use the campus will be shared closer to the final phase of the transition.