With Lourdes University announcing its closure, Marietta College is stepping forward to offer a dedicated transfer pathway for its students, including guaranteed admission criteria, personalized advising and expanded financial aid opportunities to support timely degree completion. College leadership recognizes the uncertainty that institutional closure creates for students and families, with Marietta’s approach centered on providing a clear path forward through personalized support, academic continuity and thoughtful guidance throughout the transfer process.
“When a university closes, the greatest concern is for the students whose academic journeys suddenly feel uncertain. At Marietta, we believe every student deserves a clear path forward,” said Heidi Terry, vice president for enrollment management. “Our goal with this partnership is to provide Lourdes’s students with stability, thoughtful advising, and a community that will help them continue the progress they’ve already made. For nearly two centuries, Marietta has been a place where students are known, supported, and prepared to lead, and we would be honored to help these students continue their education with confidence.”
Marietta College will offer guaranteed admission to Lourdes’s students with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher and a letter of good standing from their institution. Admission and academic teams will work individually with each student to evaluate transcripts, optimize transferable credits and develop personalized plans that help students remain on track to graduate.
Many of Lourdes’s academic programs align closely with Marietta’s 45 academic programs, including degrees in art, education, English, history, psychology, accounting, biology, computer science, cybersecurity, marketing and sport management. Students also have access to additional pathways in related areas of study, giving them options that support both their academic interests and long-term career goals while opening new opportunities for growth.
Lourdes students who qualify may also receive the Marietta Promise Award. For Pell-eligible students, the award covers tuition and mandatory fees remaining after all federal, state and institutional aid has been applied. While typically reserved for first-time freshmen, the College will waive that requirement for qualifying Lourdes students. The award is renewable for up to eight semesters for those who remain eligible and in good academic standing, reflecting Marietta’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, affordability and student success.
“We recognize that this transition represents a significant moment for Lourdes University students,” said Suzanne Walker, Marietta College provost. “Marietta College is committed to supporting them as they continue their academic journeys. Through this transfer pathway, we hope to provide a clear and welcoming path forward so that students can complete their degrees and continue pursuing their personal and professional goals.”
Beyond the classroom, transfer students will have opportunities to engage in Marietta’s campus life, including more than 20 varsity athletic programs, student organizations, Greek life and leadership opportunities across academic and co-curricular programs. Within Marietta’s close-knit community of approximately 1,000 students, faculty and staff mentors prioritize experiential learning through the Landmark Experience, where internships, research, service and hands-on projects transform knowledge into meaningful career preparation that helps students move confidently into their next chapter.
Founded in 1835 and located at the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum rivers, Marietta College is one of Ohio’s oldest institutions of higher education and has prepared generations of leaders, innovators and professionals. For Lourdes students seeking support, Marietta offers not just a place to transfer, but an opportunity to continue building their future through an affordable, high-quality liberal arts education rooted in personalized experience and purpose.
Lourdes University students interested in additional information about transfer options, financial aid and next steps are encouraged to visit marietta.edu/lourdes-marietta or contact the Marietta College Office of Admission.