The Founding of Cambridge College
Cambridge College started with a dream. In 1971, a small group of educators dreamed of creating an innovative graduate program that would serve working adults — from all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds — who did not have access to higher education.
That program was called the Institute of Open Education (IOE) which enrolled almost 100 students in its first class in July 1971. Later it became a part of the Antioch University Network.
In 1981 it became an independent private non-profit educational institution named Cambridge College.
The Growth of Cambridge College
In 1986, Cambridge College opened its main campus in greater Boston, expanding its presence and programs in the area. In 2000, it established regional centers in California, Puerto Rico and other locations.
In March 2020, Cambridge College acquired the New England College of Business and Finance, which had been educating adults since its founding in 1909 as the Boston chapter of the American Institute of Banking. In 2021, NECB was rebranded as Cambridge College Global, the school's online division.
Cambridge College celebrated its golden anniversary in June 2021.
For more than 50 years, the College has maintained its commitment to open enrollment and continues to prioritize the needs of the diverse, adult student population it has always served, who now number over 39,000 alumni.
Today, Cambridge College remains as the pioneering institution that continues to forge ahead with consistent growth in student population, new state-of-the-art facilities, and expanded academic programs across three schools - the School of Arts & Sciences, the School of Education & Counseling, the School of Business & Technology – and the online division, Cambridge College Global.
Impact of Our Graduates
Cambridge College Alumni serve their communities locally and around the world. They work in fields such as education, social services, public and private management, and many more.
These working adults have combined their talents, experiences and commitments with the guidance and vision of the College to build stronger communities and better lives.
We strive to build continuous support for CC alumni to engage with former classmates and faculty, keep informed about events, and stay connected to the College.
Cambridge College is committed to upholding our mission to provide academically excellent, time-efficient and cost-effective higher education for the ensuing cohorts of alumni who will continue to make a difference around the world.