The Former Nyack College Will Close Its Doors In August

NYACK, NY — The 140-year-old institution once known as Nyack College has lost its accreditation and will close its doors at the end of August.

Manhattan was Nyack College's original home, in 1882, when The Christian and Missionary Alliance established an educational institution. The college relocated to Rockland County in 1897. Nyack College and Alliance Theological Seminary re-established a city campus in 1997, bought property in 2016, consolidated operations in the city for the 2019-20 year, and renamed itself Alliance University in 2022.

Yeshiva Viztnitz Dkhal Torath Chaim, Inc. bought the 107-acre c0llege campus in South Nyack, plus the 37-acre Alliance Seminary property in Upper Nyack, plus the 22-acre president's residence in Orangetown, for $45.5 million.

The yeshiva's purchase of the property and the possibility of land-use fights was the impetus for a decision by South Nyack residents in 2021 to dissolve the village and let the Orangetown town government manage all local affairs.

The school has struggled financially for years.

On June 26, it received notice from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that its accreditation would be withdrawn as of Dec. 31.

They were surprised by the Middle States’ decision, college officials said in a statement on the website. After evaluating options and the current financial situation, the Board of Trustees decided to wind down on-campus and online educational offerings as of Aug. 31.

"This news is a tremendous loss for us who love Alliance University and the people here. We are all grieving," they said. "For over 140 years, we have prepared and equipped tens of thousands of men and women to serve Christ around the globe. ... This is a legacy to be celebrated."

Yeshiva Vitnitz officials' initial plans included operating a school for up to 250 boys. Future plans could include a college for another 250 students, plus housing. The college campus was composed of many small parcels, all zoned residential, on which there were classroom buildings, faculty and dorm residences, sports complexes etc. in various stages of disrepair.

SEE ALSO:

• Nyack College Buys Manhattan Campus
• Rockland Officials Meet On Nyack College Closing
• Nyack College Sold To Yeshiva Viznitz For Religious School
• Village Says Yeshiva Operating Illegally At Nyack College
• South Nyack Votes To Dissolve Village