About Merrimack College
Merrimack College has built a reputation around strong business programs and competitive Division I athletics since opening in 1947. This Catholic institution enrolls 4,043 students on a suburban campus in North Andover, making it small enough for personal attention but large enough for robust programs. The Warriors compete in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, with 730 student-athletes across 28 varsity sports. Notable graduates include former MLB player and manager Mike Matheny and Massachusetts politician John Hamill.
Students pay an average net price of $37,899 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $72,781. Graduates earn a median of $75,584 ten years after college, making the typical monthly loan payment of $286 manageable for most. With median debt of $27,000, Merrimack offers reasonable value for a private education. The employment rate hits 96.4%, suggesting strong career outcomes.
The student body skews slightly female at 52.19% and draws heavily from Massachusetts, with 66.61% of students coming from in-state. The 84.26% retention rate indicates students generally find what they're looking for here. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, professors can provide the individual attention that helps explain the school's solid 72.10% six-year graduation rate.
Students pay an average net price of $37,899 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $72,781. Graduates earn a median of $75,584 ten years after college, making the typical monthly loan payment of $286 manageable for most. With median debt of $27,000, Merrimack offers reasonable value for a private education. The employment rate hits 96.4%, suggesting strong career outcomes.
The student body skews slightly female at 52.19% and draws heavily from Massachusetts, with 66.61% of students coming from in-state. The 84.26% retention rate indicates students generally find what they're looking for here. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, professors can provide the individual attention that helps explain the school's solid 72.10% six-year graduation rate.
Academics & Faculty
Merrimack has built its reputation around strong business programs that prepare students for careers in finance, marketing, and management. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally and provide mentoring beyond the classroom. Nearly 70% of students graduate in four years, reflecting solid academic support systems. The college also offers respected programs in engineering, education, and health sciences. As a Catholic institution, Merrimack emphasizes values-based education alongside professional preparation. Students benefit from small class sizes where participation matters. The curriculum blends liberal arts foundations with career-focused majors. Most graduates find employment quickly, with a 96.4% job placement rate within six months of graduation.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 44.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 70.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 72.1%
- Retention Rate
- 84.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $75,584
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $62,508 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Master | $47,260 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $44,327 |
| Education, General. | Master | $43,160 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $36,312 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $36,141 |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences. | Bachelor | $35,600 |
| Education, General. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Bachelor | $28,816 |
Campus Life
North Andover sits 25 miles north of Boston, giving students access to internships and city life without the urban chaos. You'll need a serious winter coat here - Massachusetts winters mean snow boots and layers from December through March. About 70% of Merrimack's 4,043 students live on campus, creating a tight-knit residential community where you'll recognize faces across the quad.
The Warriors take their Division I hockey seriously, and games against rival University of New Hampshire pack the Lawler Rink with passionate fans. With 730 student-athletes competing in 28 varsity sports, athletic culture runs deep here. The 220-acre campus features red brick buildings that reflect the school's Catholic heritage, though the 77% white student body suggests limited diversity. Weekend options include Boston trips via commuter rail, campus activities, or exploring the Merrimack Valley's hiking trails. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, but with an 84% retention rate, most students stick around to graduate together.
The Warriors take their Division I hockey seriously, and games against rival University of New Hampshire pack the Lawler Rink with passionate fans. With 730 student-athletes competing in 28 varsity sports, athletic culture runs deep here. The 220-acre campus features red brick buildings that reflect the school's Catholic heritage, though the 77% white student body suggests limited diversity. Weekend options include Boston trips via commuter rail, campus activities, or exploring the Merrimack Valley's hiking trails. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, but with an 84% retention rate, most students stick around to graduate together.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 2,826 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1947
Campus Safety (2023)
18 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 16°–33°F
- July Avg
- 61°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 43.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Merrimack draws primarily from Massachusetts and nearby New England states, with two-thirds of students staying close to home. The student body tilts slightly female, reflecting strong programs in health sciences and education alongside the business school. Only 15% receive Pell Grants, indicating the college primarily serves middle and upper-middle-class families. The demographic mix reflects Merrimack's identity as a regional Catholic institution that has built its reputation through solid career preparation rather than national prestige. Students typically choose Merrimack for its balance of academic rigor and Division I athletics.
- Men
- 47.8%
- Women
- 52.2%
- White
- 77.3%
- Black
- 3.8%
- Hispanic
- 9.8%
- Asian
- 1.8%
- In-State Students
- 66.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 15.2%
Location
Merrimack College sits in North Andover, Massachusetts, about 25 miles north of Boston. The campus occupies 220 acres in a large suburban setting that blends residential neighborhoods with commercial districts. Students can reach downtown Boston in roughly 45 minutes by car or public transit. The Merrimack Valley region offers a mix of historic New England towns and modern amenities. North Andover itself maintains a classic suburban character with tree-lined streets and local businesses. The area provides access to both urban opportunities in nearby Boston and outdoor recreation in the region's parks and lakes. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare Merrimack College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- North Andover, Massachusetts 01845
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $75,584
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $66,201
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $47,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 78.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Merrimack College?
Merrimack College accepts 74.63% of applicants, making it moderately selective for prospective students. The college maintains an 84.26% retention rate, suggesting students generally find what they're looking for once enrolled.
How much does Merrimack College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Merrimack College is $37,899, lower than the full tuition of $51,786. Students typically graduate with a median debt of $27,000 and monthly loan payments of $286.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Merrimack College?
Merrimack College maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio among its 4,043 enrolled students. The college is particularly known for its strong business programs and Catholic educational foundation dating back to 1947.
How much do Merrimack College graduates earn?
Graduates earn a median of $75,584 ten years after enrollment, with an impressive 96.4% employment rate. The college's 72.10% six-year graduation rate reflects solid degree completion among its students.
Where is Merrimack College located and what is campus life like?
Merrimack College sits in the large suburban setting of North Andover, Massachusetts, with housing capacity for 2,826 students. About 66.61% of students come from in-state, creating a strong New England campus community.
Does Merrimack College compete in Division I athletics?
Merrimack College fields 28 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division I as part of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. The Warriors have 730 total athletes and award $15,462,523 in athletic scholarships, with particularly strong hockey programs.
