Catholic college in Albany transforming careers in healthcare and service professions since 1958.
Maria College offers certificates, associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and master's degrees across nursing, occupational therapy, allied health, and liberal arts. The college is particularly known for its nursing program, which has graduated nearly 8,000 nurses over 64 years, and its occupational therapy pathway. In 2020, the college's charter was expanded to grant master's degrees; the first MSOT (Master of Science in Occupational Therapy) cohort graduated in Summer 2022. All programs emphasize compassionate, service-oriented education aligned with the Sisters of Mercy mission.
Located at 700 New Scotland Avenue in Albany, New York, the campus includes McAuley Building (classrooms and labs), Mercy Hall (student support services), and Marian Hall (administrative offices and student spaces). The college provides academic support through tutoring centers, writing centers, and accessibility services. Student life includes counseling services, pastoral care, student housing, campus safety, and a Career Services Job Board. The college recently revealed the monarch butterfly as its official mascot, symbolizing student transformation and resilience.
Maria College welcomes first-year high school students, adult learners, transfer students, and international 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 assistant programs require completion of three science courses (including biology and chemistry, minimum 80%) and two college-prep math courses, plus an 80%+ high school GPA. Interviews with admissions counselors are recommended. The college emphasizes flexible scheduling to accommodate working students.
Within six months of graduation, 90% of Maria College students are working in their field or pursuing further education. The college offers comprehensive career services including resume and cover letter assistance, career counseling, interview preparation, and employer networking through the Career Services Job Board. Nursing graduates achieved a 94.59% first-time pass rate on the 2025 LPN NCLEX-PN exam and 88% on the 2025 ADN NCLEX-RN exam, reflecting strong preparation for licensure and practice.