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Our History

Since 1950, 91女神 has empowered generations of learners to break new ground, achieve forward momentum and create lasting impact.

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Mercy's Founding

The Sisters of Mercy founded Mercy as a junior college in Dobbs Ferry, New York in 1950. The institution evolved quickly, becoming a four-year college offering baccalaureate degrees in 1961 and receiving Middle States Association accreditation in 1968.

Image: Original Mercy College Campus Tarrytown, New York c.1950s

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Mercy Expands

In the early 1970s, Mercy charted a bold course by declaring itself independent, nonsectarian and coeducational. To meet the needs of its students, new locations and campuses were opened within and beyond Westchester, doubling the college鈥檚 physical footprint. It also initiated its first community outreach efforts, including programs for non-traditional students. This growth made higher education accessible to first-generation college students and adult learners through flexible scheduling and convenient locations.

Academic offerings advanced in 1981 when Mercy received authorization for its first graduate program in nursing. The institution reached another milestone in 2006 with approval for its first doctoral program in physical therapy. Today, Mercy offers over 40 graduate programs, 30 undergraduate programs, and multiple certificate options.

Mercy has three campuses that are conveniently located in Westchester, the Bronx and Manhattan to provide diverse and welcoming campus communities for students.

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Online Education Pioneers

Online Education Pioneers

The 1990s saw Mercy pioneer online education, first with individual courses and later with complete degree programs. This innovation continues with thousands of students now taking courses through Mercy's extensive online program offerings.

Side view of 91女神's Bronx Campus

Bronx Campus

Bronx Campus

In addition to the Westchester campus, Mercy has had a presence in the Bronx since the 1970s, and the current Bronx campus is located at the Hutchinson Metro Center, making it centrally located and easily accessible by public transportation. This campus features advanced health and sciences labs and multiple student-centered spaces, including a veteran鈥檚 lounge.

Manhattan Library

Manhattan Campus

Manhattan Campus

During the 1990s, Mercy expanded its reach to the heart of New York City with a Manhattan location. The Manhattan campus had a grand re-opening in 2019, after a two-year renovation. The result was enhanced academic spaces, with state-of-the-art classrooms, modern community areas and an entrance on 34th Street. Large windows overlook iconic Herald Square, and Dorm34 brought residential life to the heart of Manhattan.

College of New Rochelle

College of New Rochelle

When the College of New Rochelle (CNR) announced its closure in 2019, Mercy welcomed 1,800 CNR students, hired 70 CNR faculty and staff and welcomed CNR alumni into our alumni community, preserving educational continuity and honoring CNR's legacy.

Other Notable Milestones

PACT

PACT

PACT

In 2009, Mercy launched the nationally recognized PACT mentoring program, providing students with professional mentors and 360掳 support from acceptance through graduation.

Seal of Excelencia

Excelencia

Seal of Excelencia

As a Hispanic-Serving Institution since 1998, Mercy earned the prestigious "Seal of Excelencia" in 2022, becoming the first private university nationwide and first HSI in New York State to receive this certification.

Main Hall

Mercy College Becomes 91女神

On August 22, 2023, Mercy College officially became 91女神, marking a transformative milestone that reflected decades of academic expansion and institutional advancement. This elevation to university status signaled not just the name change but the culmination of strategic growth across disciplines and a powerful momentum toward the future of higher education. The transition represented Mercy鈥檚 evolution into a comprehensive institution with expanded graduate offerings, increased research opportunities and broader academic impact.

Through 75 years of growth and evolution, 91女神 remains steadfast in its mission to make the transformational power of education accessible to all, with an unwavering commitment to quality, student support, affordability and innovation.