ED Approves Bay Path Acquisition of Cambridge College

Bay Path University has formally completed its integration of Cambridge College.

Officials at western Massachusetts–based Bay Path announced Monday that the U.S. Department of Education had issued its final approval of the plan to take over Cambridge College in Boston. That sign-off marks the end of a lengthy approval process and comes more than two and a half years after Bay Path announced plans to acquire Cambridge.

The transaction required the approval of the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, the New England Commission of Higher Education, which accredited both institutions, and ED.

In a statement announcing the completion of the acquisition process, officials touted the close mission alignment of the two institutions and their shared commitment to adult learners.

“Today is not simply the completion of an integration process. It is the beginning of a new era for our University, new possibilities for the learners we serve, and new opportunities to deliver our successful model of education; one that has helped thousands of adult learners obtain their degrees and grow their careers,” Bay Path President Sandra J. Doran said in the news release.

While both institutions are based in Massachusetts, Cambridge also offers programs in Puerto Rico, which Bay Path officials said will allow the university to expand its reach there. Bay Path officials also noted the acquisition will enable them to expand online programs as well.

While Bay Path and Cambridge cleared the final regulatory hurdle, other institutions are just getting started on that journey. Last week the National Park College Board of Trustees approved a plan to begin exploratory talks with the University of Arkansas System about a possible affiliation.