Maria College

Founded in 1958 by the Religious Sisters of Mercy, Maria College of Albany is a private, co-educational, Catholic college that serves approximately 800 students in a variety of degree and certificate programs. Known for its warm, caring culture, its personalized attention to students, flexible scheduling and highly affordable tuition, the College has built a regional reputation for excellence in the health sciences, including nursing and occupational therapy.

Maria is a Catholic college sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and animated by the Mercy charism. It provides career-relevant, opportunity education in the context of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition to all who can benefit from it. Maria is committed to outstanding and holistic student support services, financial sustainability and the purposive use of evidence to drive institutional renewal and student success. Maria seeks to foster graduates who recognize and respect the dignity of every human person and who will transform their knowledge and skill into caring and compassionate service to others.

A Maria education prepares you to take your place in the world. Traditional and non-traditional students benefit from small class sizes and hands-on professional experience. We offer associate and bachelor’s degrees and certificates — with day, evening, weekend, and online options to fit your schedule.

Academic support is at the core of what we do in Student Affairs. The Frank E. O’Brien Jr. Student Support Center encompasses peer and professional tutoring services, accessibility services, a distraction-free testing space, and the hub for the College’s three opportunity programs: HEOP, HOPE, and the Renaissance Scholars Program. Students are encouraged to visit the Center from the moment they step foot onto campus and to utilize the services throughout their academic journey.

Students may meet with one of Maria’s certified counselors for assistance with personal and/or academic concerns. Counseling offers the individual the opportunity to gain personal insight and develop new ways of coping with life’s difficulties. Referrals to outside mental health agencies may be made when appropriate or at the student’s request. All information is kept strictly confidential and does not become part of the student’s college record.

Available to students and staff, the College’s pastoral services provide individuals, of all beliefs, with spiritual guidance and support. In addition to regular counseling sessions, the Pastoral Care team facilitates the College’s inclusive spiritual programming.

Maria College is rooted in a focus of caring and service to others through education. Learn more about Our Mercy Connection and Celebrations of that heritage. When trying to decide which college or university to attend, the choices for higher education seem endless. You could attend a large campus with over 20,000 students, or a smaller school with around 1,000. For many students, smaller is better—and we tend to agree. A lot of college’s say you won’t get lost in the crowd, but at Maria it’s really true. It’s not just our small classes and 14:1 student/faculty ratio—it’s our faculty’s commitment and passion. You’ll hear it over and over again from our current students as well as our 7,000+ alumni. Maria is a special place.

• Our low cost tuition and generous financial aid allow you to focus on your studies without the heavy financial burden typically associated with a private school education.
• Students tell us all the time—Maria’s small classes and personal attention made it possible for them to become successful students.
• Many students today need to work while attending college—that’s why we offer several ways to pursue a degree.
• Our programs are designed to prepare you for the region’s fastest growing job opportunities.
• 95% of our students are working in their field or pursuing a higher degree within 1 year of graduation.
• Student success is our main goal—if you need help you can get one-on-one support in our new state-of-the-art tutoring center.
• Our small, picturesque campus is conveniently located in New York’s Capital District, an important hub for higher education and healthcare.
• Maria College offers bachelor’s and associate degrees, as well as certificate programs.

At Maria College, your investment in education will be enhanced by a personalized approach toward your learning and educational experiences. Providing you access to the education programs and offerings in Maria College’s renown family-like environment is one of our many goals in helping students Aspire. Achieve. Become.

Find information about tuition, applying for financial aid through scholarships and more on our website, and browse our Frequently Asked Questions for answers to questions you may have. Contact Maria College’s Office of Financial Aid with any questions or concerns you may have.

Maria offers various scholarships based on financial need and/or academic achievement. To apply for any of these scholarships, please contact the Office of Financial Aid. You will be required to complete your FAFSA for the academic year.Awarded annually to students who meet the following criteria: student must be employed in the health care field, and who wish to pursue an associate degree in the health care field. Priority is given to full-time students.

Established by the late Reverend Francis X. Caron, and awarded annually to entering freshmen. Preference is given to students whose major field of study is liberal arts. Caron scholarships may be renewed.

The Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Northeast Ministry Fund is committed to helping students with their higher education dreams. Please complete the application below, sign and submit with a personal statement of financial need and reasons why you should be considered for this scholarship. The Scholarship Committee may also request additional information to determine your eligibility and invite you to interview with them.