Nichols College and Anna Maria College announce partnership to support students’ degree completion

Dudley, MA, and Paxton, MA – Nichols College and Anna Maria College have announced a partnership to transition Anna Maria’s respected public safety and administration programs to Nichols, including its signature fire science program. The two institutions finalized a proposal outlining the terms of the partnership and submitted the plan to the necessary higher education regulatory agencies. They received formal approval of the plan on May 27, 2026 and Nichols is now accepting Anna Maria students into these teach-out programs.

“Nichols College is committed to enabling Anna Maria College students enrolled in its fire science and other vital programs to continue on a clear and seamless pathway toward graduation,” said Nichols President Bill Pieczynski. “Our plan is intended to preserve an important regional pipeline for fire and emergency management professionals across New England.

“We will also fully support Anna Maria students in other majors we already offer such as business administration, criminal justice, psychology and sport management as they transition from their cherished institution to a new home at Nichols. We share a commitment to active, hands-on learning within a small, close-knit community and look forward to welcoming these students to Nichols.”

Anna Maria announced on April 23 that it would cease academic operations at the end of the spring 2026 semester after 80 years of operation.

Under the terms of the plan, Anna Maria’s in-person Bachelor of Science (B.S.) programs in fire science and emergency management; online B.S. degree completion programs in fire science and criminal justice; and online Master of Public Administration and Master of Science in criminal justice would transition to Nichols. The Anna Maria B.S. in fire science program is the largest in New England and boasts outstanding certification exam pass rates. Nichols will adopt their existing Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education Initiative (FESHE)-aligned curriculum to ensure that current Anna Maria students remain on track to graduate and that the popular and well-regarded program continues to thrive. Additionally, Nichols intends to bring on several of Anna Maria’s dedicated faculty to support the transition and provide continuity for students.

To facilitate quick onboarding, any Anna Maria student in good standing is guaranteed acceptance to Nichols. Further, Nichols’ tuition is within 1% of Anna Maria’s, and Nichols will match each student’s institutional grant up to $32,000. Housing is available for those students who plan to reside on the College’s 200-acre campus in Dudley. Anna Maria alumni are eligible for the same 10% discount that Nichols alumni receive for graduate coursework at Nichols.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that our students are able to move forward and complete their education,” said Anna Maria President Sean Ryan. “Nichols has an excellent criminal justice program and is a business school widely respected for its career preparedness, leadership outcomes and commitment to students. We are confident that this proposal with Nichols College provides a strong and stable path forward for our students.”

Anna Maria students seeking information about transferring to Nichols are encouraged to visit: www.nichols.edu/annamaria. The two institutions will share additional information with students, their families and the public as it is available.

This release was updated on May 28, 2026