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Merrimack College is a private, selective, independent institution founded in the Catholic, Augustinian tradition and located in North Andover, Massachusetts, about 25 minutes north of Boston. Established in 1947, Merrimack College was founded by the Order of St. Augustine O.S.A. at the invitation of Richard Chusing, then Archbishop of Boston. The College was established by the Augustinians in direct response to the needs and goals of the G.I.’s returning home after World War II. A highly ranked institution, Merrimack College has been named one of the Top 10 Colleges in the North by U.S. News & World Report, one of the Best Colleges in the Northeast by The Princeton Review, as well as a “College of Distinction”, among several other awards and recognitions.
Academic Programs
Merrimack College’s mission is to “enlighten minds, engage hearts and empower lives.” The College goes on to declare that “Merrimack’s community is committed to scholarship and service to others, and provides students myriad opportunities to develop intellectually, spiritually, socially and ethically.”Merrimack College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and has been so since 1953.Merrimack College’s curriculum emphasizes the liberal arts in order to prepare graduates to be “imaginative, analytical, aware of trends and historical perspectives, clear thinking, and adaptable to changes in their career.” More than 90 academic programs are offered including undergraduate degrees in the liberal arts, business, science and engineering, and education as well as several graduate programs and a range of bachelor’s degree completion programs. Merrimack College encourages students to experience in hands-on learning and offers opportunities for students of every major to participate in cooperative education and internships, research with faculty, study abroad and service learning.
Student Life
Merrimack College has a total enrollment figure of more than 3,600, including over 3,000 undergraduate students. Representatives from more than 30 states in the union as well as over 30 countries make up the student body. At least three-fourths of students choose to reside on campus; Merrimack College offers a variety of types of residence halls including standard double rooms, suites and apartments both on and off campus. Each hall provides plenty of space to study or gather with friends with common rooms for students to hang out, play video games, or study.More than 50 recognized student-led clubs and organizations are active on Merrimack’s campus, catering to a wide range of personal and professional interests. These and other events and activities allow students to interact with one another and with faculty members outside of the classroom and to develop valuable leadership qualities and skills. Most of Merrimack College’s varsity teams compete at the NCAA Division II level while Merrimack’s men’s and women’s hockey teams compete at the Division I level.