Strategic Partnerships, Mission-driven Programs Fuel Record-Breaking Class
ALBANY, N.Y. (Sept. 8, 2025) — Maria College is celebrating a major milestone this fall: a 35% increase in new student enrollment over last year. The surge reflects the College’s commitment to meeting regional workforce needs through flexible, mission-aligned degree programs.
In total, 867 students are now enrolled, the largest enrollment in the last five years, and a 14% increase from 760 students in 2024.
“Our growth is driven by purpose, not just numbers,” said Dr. Lynn Ortale, president of Maria College. “Guided by our Mercy mission, we are committed to helping students achieve their full potential and preparing them to lead and serve our community.”
To address growing student interest and community workforce needs, two new associate degree programs launched in August: surgical technology, in partnership with St. Peter’s Health Partners, and radiological technology, in collaboration with Albany Medical Center. The radiological technology program filled all available seats due to overwhelming interest, with labs and clinical training held on the Albany Medical Center campus. Students in the surgical technology program gain real-world experience by training directly in the operating rooms at St. Peter’s, rather than in simulated environments.
“These are win-win-win partnerships,” added Dr. Ortale. “Employers grow their workforce, students gain access to education, and Maria lives out its Mercy mission.”
Existing programs have been enhanced to better support students as they balance work, family responsibilities, and academic demands. For example, the associate degree in nursing program has been expanded to include a weekend option. The bachelor of science in nursing completion program, which was originally offered in a one-year accelerated format, now also provides a part-time option. These enhancements were implemented in response to student feedback.
Maria College strives for collaboration and partnerships to better serve the Capital Region community. This fall, the college established four new academic partnerships with local long-term care facilities: Teresian House, Shaker Place Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, The Wesley Community, and Daughters of Sarah Community for Seniors. These partnerships are designed to support staff recruitment and retention, provide employees with opportunities to advance their nursing education, and enhance the quality of care for residents. In turn, Maria College continues to strengthen its mission of service through education. Currently, more than 5% of Maria students are employed at these partner sites, reflecting the meaningful impact of these collaborations.
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s leadership and vision to commit $646 million to support on workforce development for New York has helped remove the financial barriers for students interested in pursuing degrees in specific healthcare fields. The Caring Gene® Career Pathways Training Program offers full funding for tuition and books across 13 approved healthcare-related degree fields, including nursing, counseling, and medical assisting. In return, students commit to working for three years at a healthcare, behavioral health, or social care provider in New York state that serves a patient population composed of at least 30% Medicaid-reliant or uninsured individuals.
“We’re building programs rooted in what our partners and students truly need,” noted Kevin Rivenburg, executive director, enrollment management, at Maria College. “From new degrees to on-site support at long-term care facilities, we’re removing barriers to enrollment.”
Maria’s enrollment momentum continues to be enhanced by the New York State Education Department’s approval of Maria College’s medical assistant and sterile processing certificate programs and master of science in clinical mental health counseling. Each program is expected to launch in January. The master of mental health counseling was developed in response to the mental health crisis and is pending approval of the Middle States Commission of Higher Education.