Previously, New York required doctoral programs and degrees in two or more professional fields. Nazareth has one doctoral program, a doctorate of physical therapy, along with more than 25 master's level graduate programs in education; music and arts; health and human services; business and leadership; and humanities and social sciences.

The New York State Board of Regents adopted this new definition in January 2022:

"University means a higher educational institution offering a range of registered undergraduate and graduate curricula in the liberal arts and sciences, including graduate programs registered in at least three of the following discipline areas: agriculture, biological sciences, business, education, engineering, fine arts, health professions, humanities, physical sciences and social sciences."

Nazareth has met that criteria for decades.

Nazareth is taking a tiered approach to update signage, prioritizing first what's needed for clarity. Signs such as the bronze plaques on the brick walls at the entrances to campus serve the essential function of letting prospective students, families, guests, and delivery drivers know they have arrived at the proper place.

The highest priority signage will be updated as the legal name of the institution officially changes to Nazareth University in June 2023.

Signs that are historic, including those marking donations by graduating classes, will remain in place as heritage signs on campus. The stone posts with lamps on North Campus Drive at East Avenue are one example.

In November 2021, President Beth Paul participated by invitation in a session with New York State Department of Education leaders to request that the NYS Board of Regents consider amending state regulations to align with all other states across the country.

Since November 2021, an array of Nazareth constituents has been engaged in deliberating whether "college" or "university" is best for Nazareth and its future. Also, prospective students were surveyed for their reactions to "college" and "university."

Prospective students — especially out-of-state students, graduate students, and international students — as well as some prospective faculty and staff, and some alumni, said that that "college" makes them pause, as they believe "university" adds value.

Nazareth's board of trustees voted to change the Nazareth charter at the October 17, 2022, board meeting. The state approved the request in February 2023 and it takes effect June 1, 2023, so that costs can be planned and budgeted responsibly.

June 1, 2023

Your diploma continues to be valid. After the name changes in June 2023, you can refer to your alma mater by either name.

• Diplomas issued this academic year will say Nazareth College.
• Diplomas issued after June 1, 2023, will say Nazareth University.

Yes. You will be able to order a new diploma if you wish. Details will be shared when available.

Wear it proudly! This vintage swag is part of our history and evolution.

Items with Nazareth University will be available in late spring 2023 (close to June 1) through our campus bookstore.

New logo and branding information will be rolling out and the Branding Toolkit informational webpages will be updated. Please be patient. We'll share when updates are available.

• Nazareth University can't be used officially until June 1, 2023.
• In this transition period, as we begin evolving, we are using the name Nazareth in external communications, with context that makes clear that we are a higher education institution.
• If you have existing printed items such as folders, letterhead, and envelopes that say Nazareth College, it is fine — and fiscally responsible — to keep using them until June 1, 2023.

What's available now with transitional Nazareth branding:

Email footer: Branding Your Nazareth Email Footer

PowerPoint templates:

• Standard size PowerPoint »
• Wide size PowerPoint »

Purple and gold continue as our primary colors.

The name change reflects the breadth of educational opportunities that Nazareth has long provided. Tuition and financial aid support will continue to be set with care to support strong learning experiences and opportunities for students seeking a Nazareth education.

Nazareth's commitment to accessibility and affordability is recognized with a Best Value School designation in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges 2022-2023 Guide. Nazareth was named a best value college in America by Money Magazine 2022, based on tuition fees, family borrowing, career earnings, and more. Washington Monthly's 2022 rankings designate Nazareth among the Best Master's Universities, based on contributions to social mobility, research, and public service, and recognize it for Best Bang for the Buck — Northeast for helping non-wealthy students attain marketable degrees at affordable prices.

Yes. The new name will not change Nazareth's small, personalized education, mentoring, and focus on being a supportive community of belonging. Nazareth will continue at about our current size.

"Our name Nazareth University has symbolic power," says President Paul. "The symbolic power of our name is that Nazareth is a place that is known for bringing people together across differences. Bringing people together from different perspectives, different backgrounds to be in deliberate dialogue about peace, and about making our world a better place. So as Nazareth University, those values and that deep commitment continue, and it will continue for the next 100 years plus."

Yes. The name change does not change Nazareth's funding sources. Nazareth continues to depend on tuition and individual and foundation support to make possible its enduring commitment to excellence in teaching and learning, rigorous intellectual education, inclusive empowerment, and nurturing collaborative connections with the community, preparing students for lives of meaning and purpose informed by intellectual, ethical, spiritual, and aesthetic values.

Nazareth will continue as an independent institution.

Yes. This is not related to Middle States accreditation.