A small Catholic liberal arts college in New Hampshire that closed in 2024 after 50 years.
Magdalen College offered a great books core curriculum centered on classical Western texts, with a four-year philosophy and humanities sequence, three years of theology, and two years of Greek or Latin. Students could pursue majors in theology, philosophy, literature, politics, and great books, completing a junior project and senior thesis or portfolio. The college awarded Associate and Bachelor degrees in Liberal Arts, and qualified Catholic students could earn an Apostolic Catechetical Diploma upon completing eight semesters of theological study. In May 2019, the college's Program of Studies received an 'A' rating from the American Council of Trustees and Alumni.
The college occupied a 135-acre rural campus in Warner, New Hampshire, which it relocated to in 1991 from its original Bedford location. Student life centered on Catholic identity and intellectual formation, with organizations including the Sodality of Mary, Knights of Columbus, pro-life clubs, and the Polyphony Choir. The college maintained a warm relationship with St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Nashua, where the traditional Latin Mass was celebrated. Sporting events occasionally took place with Thomas More College of Liberal Arts.
Magdalen College was recognized by the Cardinal Newman Society for its fidelity to Catholic identity. The college was consecrated to the Sacred Heart in 2011 and maintained strong liturgical traditions, including weekly celebration of the Tridentine form of the Roman Rite and the Divine Liturgy in the Melkite Rite. Students participated in the March for Life, religious freedom advocacy, and the Dignitas scholarship program, which integrated pro-life work with service to the poor. The college's chaplain celebrated Mass ad orientem with Latin propers.
Founded in 1973 by Francis Boucher, John Meehan, and Peter Sampo, the college operated first in Bedford (1974–1991) before moving to Warner. It underwent several name changes: Magdalen College (1973–2010), The College of Saint Mary Magdalen (2010–2015), Northeast Catholic College (2015–2019), and finally Magdalen College of the Liberal Arts (2019–2024). The college gained NEASC regional accreditation in 2018 but was placed on probation in 2021 due to financial insecurity. In late 2023, the college announced it would close after the spring semester of 2024.