Worcester State University will partner with Anna Maria College to offer current Anna Maria students guaranteed academic transfer and pathways for degree completion, following the announcement that Anna Maria College will cease academic operations at the end of the spring semester.
In announcing a new teach-out agreement between the institutions, Worcester State University President Barry Maloney praised Anna Maria’s history of academic excellence and impact in the greater Worcester community.
“For decades, Worcester State University and Anna Maria College have partnered across academic programs, athletic competition, and civic projects,” said President Barry M. Maloney. “Anna Maria is more than just a neighbor. Our students, faculty, staff, and alumni communities have always been closely connected. I hope that the strong ties between our institutions will serve as a foundation of support for the Anna Maria community at this sad and difficult time.”
A new agreement between the institutions provides guaranteed admission to Worcester State for current Anna Maria students in good academic and social standing, and for new Anna Maria students accepted for the fall 2026 term. All application fees will be waived and Anna Maria students will be guaranteed admission and residential housing. Additionally, Worcester State University’s Athletics programs will welcome student-athletes in good standing.
Worcester State will host a welcome event for Anna Maria College students and family on Saturday, April 25 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Ghosh Science and Technology Center, Room 102. This event is designed especially for Anna Maria College students and their families to take an optional tour, learn about the university and degree completion opportunities. Staff from the Admissions Office, Athletics Department, and Academic Success Center will be on hand to provide assistance and answer questions. Complimentary lunch will be offered in the campus dining hall.
Throughout the rest of the spring and summer, Worcester State will provide specialized academic advising, orientation, campus tours, and has established the Anna Maria Student Resource and Transfer Center where students can get their questions answered, said Vice President of Enrollment Management Ryan Forsythe.
“Worcester State University’s aim is to ensure Anna Maria students can fulfill their academic aspirations,” said Forsythe. “We appreciate how challenging it can be to transition between schools, and we are going to make it as easy as possible. We look forward to welcoming Anna Maria students to our campus.”
Most undergraduate and graduate academic majors offered at Anna Maria are available at Worcester State University. In some instances where programs differ, Worcester State can offer related and comparable majors with a degree completion pathway. Worcester State University is in active discussions with its regulators to offer a bachelor of science in fire science, one of Anna Maria’s signature programs
Anna Maria College students who want to discuss their options or get more information can contact the Anna Maria College Student Resource and Transfer Center at Worcester State via email at AMC@worcester.edu, by phone at 508-929-8113, or visit the Resource Center in person on the first floor of the WSU Shaughnessy Administration Building, 486 Chandler Street, Worcester, MA. More information and a link to start enrolling at Worcester State can be found at worcester.edu/amc.
About Worcester State University
Founded in 1874, Worcester State University is a nationally ranked liberal arts and sciences university with a longstanding commitment to outstanding, affordable public education in a vibrant and inclusive, student-centered environment. We are the only Massachusetts state university to receive the “Best in the Northeast” ranking for 15+ consecutive years. Worcester State graduates have among the highest average earnings of all Massachusetts public colleges and universities five years after graduation. And, Worcester State graduates leave with the lowest college debt among Massachusetts public colleges and universities, making Worcester State the best value for high-quality, affordable education. Through our ValuePlus program, students who qualify receive free tuition and fees. The university offers 95 undergraduate majors and minors and 32 master’s degrees, post-baccalaureate certificates, and graduate programs. In addition, with its signature MajorPlus, Worcester State makes it possible to complete two majors or a major and minor within four years, doubling the value of our degrees. Located in the historic city of Worcester, Mass. – the second largest in New England – Worcester State University provides students unique opportunities for community engagement, internships and practicums in a wide range of high-demand fields to ensure students are career ready when they graduate.
