WORCESTER—Worcester State University serves as a transfer destination for Anna Maria College students following the Paxton school’s decision to cease academic operations at the end of the spring semester, according to an announcement from officials on Friday.
Under a newly established teach-out agreement, Worcester State offers guaranteed admission to current Anna Maria students in good academic and social standing, as well as to students who had been accepted to Anna Maria for the fall 2026 semester. The agreement also includes guaranteed access to residential housing and waived application fees.
The move comes as colleges across the region respond to Anna Maria’s impending closure, seeking to provide pathways for students to complete their degrees with minimal disruption.
“For decades, Worcester State University and Anna Maria College have partnered across academic programs, athletic competition and civic projects,” Worcester State President Barry M. Maloney said in the announcement. “Anna Maria is more than just a neighbor. Our students, faculty, staff, and alumni communities have always been closely connected. I hope that the strong ties between our institutions will serve as a foundation of support for the Anna Maria community at this sad and difficult time.”
Worcester State officials said the university offers most of the undergraduate and graduate programs currently available at Anna Maria, with comparable degree pathways for students whose majors may not align exactly. The university is also in discussions with regulators to offer a bachelor of science in fire science, one of Anna Maria’s signature programs.
The agreement extends to student-athletes, with Worcester State indicating its athletics programs welcome Anna Maria athletes who are in good standing.
University leaders said they are also establishing support systems to help students navigate the transition, including a dedicated Anna Maria Student Resource and Transfer Center on campus.
“Worcester State University’s aim is to ensure Anna Maria students can fulfill their academic aspirations,” Vice President of Enrollment Management Ryan Forsythe said. “We appreciate how challenging it can be to transition between schools, and we are going to make it as easy as possible. We look forward to welcoming Anna Maria students to our campus.”
Worcester State will host an informational event for Anna Maria students and their families on Saturday, April 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ghosh Science and Technology Center. The session will include campus tours, academic advising information and opportunities to meet with admissions and athletics staff.
The university said it will continue to offer advising, orientation sessions and campus tours throughout the spring and summer as students weigh their options.
Anna Maria College announced earlier this week that it will cease academic offerings after graduation in May, citing sustained financial pressures and broader challenges facing small, tuition-dependent institutions.
