
315 Turnpike Street, North Andover, MA 01845-5800, USA


Merrimack College holds accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which is a recognized regional accrediting body responsible for evaluating the quality and rigor of institutions in the New England area. This accreditation assures prospective students that the college meets established standards for academic programs, faculty qualifications, and student services.
Additionally, specific programs within Merrimack College may have specialized accreditations, ensuring that they adhere to professional standards in their respective fields. These accreditations often impact licensure eligibility and career readiness for graduates.
For students considering Merrimack College, its accreditation status by NECHE indicates the institution's commitment to maintaining educational quality and institutional improvement, which is a crucial factor when selecting a college or university.
Prospective students applying to Merrimack College must provide a comprehensive secondary school record, including their Grade Point Average (GPA), as this is a required component of the application process. While the college recommends submitting class rank and competencies, these are not mandatory. Applicants are expected to have completed a college preparatory program during their secondary education.
General Educational Development (GED) certification is accepted in place of a traditional high school diploma. Standardized test scores such as the SAT and ACT are recommended but not required, reflecting a more flexible approach to admissions. However, applicants whose native language is not English must submit TOEFL scores to demonstrate English language proficiency.
Letters of recommendation are required to support the application, enhancing the evaluation of the applicant's qualifications. Merrimack College does not operate with an open admission policy, so students should ensure they meet these standards to be considered.
Additionally, the college allows credit for prior learning through both advanced placement (AP) credits and other recognized college-level credits, providing opportunities for incoming students to receive recognition for their previous academic achievements.
Merrimack College requires most prospective students to pay an application fee when submitting their admissions materials. This fee helps cover the administrative costs associated with processing applications. However, the college recognizes that these costs may present a barrier for some applicants and offers fee waivers to eligible students. Prospective students who demonstrate financial need or meet specific criteria set by the college can request a waiver to have the application fee reduced or eliminated.
To obtain a fee waiver, applicants typically need to provide documentation supporting their eligibility, such as proof of participation in federal aid programs or other financial assistance. Merrimack College encourages interested students to consult their admissions office to understand the process and determine if they qualify for fee waivers before submitting their application.
There is no available information regarding Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs directly offered at Merrimack College. Details about any ROTC branch units or affiliated programs are not provided, indicating that the college may not have an active ROTC presence on campus or a formally established cooperative host institution for such programs.
Merrimack College considers transfer applications for the fall and spring semesters, providing multiple opportunities throughout the academic year for prospective transfer students. The institution maintains a moderately difficult admissions process for transfers, reflecting a balanced level of selectivity.
Transfer applicants can submit credits earned from previous institutions, as the college accepts transfer credits. Additionally, credit by examination is recognized; students may transfer credits from both CLEP General and CLEP Subject exams, which can facilitate the transfer process and potentially reduce the time needed to complete a degree.
The college allows recommendations as part of the application, offering an additional avenue to strengthen transfer candidates' applications. There is an age limitation for credit acceptance, with a maximum of ten years for eligible transfer credits, ensuring that coursework remains relatively current and relevant to degree requirements.
Merrimack College provides multiple study abroad options designed to enhance academic and cultural experiences for its students. These programs range from faculty-led short-term trips to semester-long exchanges with partner institutions worldwide. Students can participate in summer or winter term programs that allow them to earn college credit while immersed in a different country. Additionally, Merrimack offers internship abroad opportunities where students gain professional experience in an international setting, broadening their career prospects.
The college maintains affiliations with various universities across Europe, Asia, and Latin America, ensuring diverse destinations and academic disciplines are available. Many programs include coursework aligned with Merrimack's curriculum, enabling smooth credit transfer upon return. Language immersion and cultural activities are often integrated, supporting students in developing global competence alongside their studies.
High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
RecommendedTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
NoROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring