Catholic college in Albany transforming careers in healthcare and service professions since 1958.
Maria College offers certificates, associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and graduate programs across nursing, occupational therapy, allied health, and arts & sciences. The college transitioned from a junior college (1958) to a baccalaureate institution (2013) and began offering master's degrees in 2020, with the first MSOT (Master of Science in Occupational Therapy) cohort graduating in Summer 2022. Programs emphasize healthcare professions, particularly nursing and occupational therapy, alongside liberal arts education. The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Maria College serves approximately 800 students in a small, personalized environment with flexible scheduling designed for working students. The campus includes classroom and lab facilities, a library, writing center, tutoring services, counseling, pastoral care, and student housing. Career services provide resume assistance, interview preparation, and access to a job board. The college emphasizes a compassionate, caring culture rooted in its Mercy tradition and offers academic support, accessibility services, and spiritual resources.
Maria College welcomes first-year high school students, adult learners, and transfer students. High school applicants must submit a completed application and high school transcript; ACT/SAT scores, letters of recommendation, and essays are encouraged but not required. Nursing and occupational therapy programs require completion of three science courses (including biology and chemistry with 80%+ grades) and two college prep math courses, plus an 80%+ high school GPA. Interviews with admissions counselors are recommended. The college also serves non-traditional students returning to education after extended breaks.
Within six months of graduation, 90% of Maria College students are working in their field or pursuing further education. The college provides comprehensive career services including resume and cover letter assistance, career counseling, interview preparation, and employer networking. Nursing graduates have demonstrated strong NCLEX pass rates (94.59% LPN first-time pass rate in 2025; 88% ADN first-time pass rate in 2025). The college has graduated nearly 8,000 nurses over 64 years, with graduates working across the Capital Region and nationally.