Mission Statement:

Mount Ida College provides a diverse community of learners a challenging education that blends the liberal arts with professional preparation. We dedicate our energy, imagination, and resources to empowering all students to achieve academically and contribute responsibly in a changing world.

History:

Mount Ida College was founded in 1899 as a women's private high school on Mount Ida Hill in Newton Corner, Massachusetts. In 1939, Mount Ida moved to its present campus in Newton on the site of the former Robert Gould Shaw II Estate. At that time there was a demand for advanced studies for women and the College evolved into one of the first junior colleges in New England. Over the next forty years programs were added to meet the increasing demand for career and professional education. The first associate degrees were awarded in 1967.

In the 1980s the College became a co-educational institution with both a junior college division and a senior college division where bachelor degrees were awarded in addition to associate degrees, again with an emphasis on career and professional education. In the late 1980's three small Boston-based institutions - Chamberlayne Junior College, New England Institute of Funeral Service Education and Coyne School of Technical Electricity - merged with Mount Ida on the Newton campus.

Today more than 80 percent of our students are enrolled in bachelor degree programs, and more than 25 majors combine the College's philosophy of blending a strong liberal arts foundation with professional preparation. The Newton campus has expanded significantly since 1939 with 80 percent of the buildings constructed in the past 15 years including a new academic technology building and an athletic center. The college competes in 10 NCAA Division III varsity sports, as well as IHSA equestrian competition and club baseball.

As a result, Mount Ida has a strong sense of pride in our past and a renewed commitment in touch with tomorrow.