Valley Forge Military College and Eastern University Complete Property Acquisition Deal

Valley Forge Military College (VFMC) and Eastern University are pleased to announce that Eastern’s purchase of a 33.3-acre portion of VFMC’s property has been completed. The agreement was first announced in December, contingent upon the due diligence process. All necessary regulatory and other approvals have been obtained, and the transaction was officially closed on Friday, February 27.

The portion of property, which lies less than a mile away from Eastern’s campus, includes the football stadium, track, and athletic fieldhouse that Eastern has been leasing from VFMC since 2021. The property also includes several apartment buildings, some of which will be used to house Eastern’s expanding on-campus community, along with additional fields, buildings, and pickleball courts. 

“This is an exciting time for Eastern University,” shares Eastern’s President Ron Matthews, “This expansion speaks volumes about our commitment to expanding access to a multi-faceted, high-quality education. By securing these facilities, we are ensuring our students have the resources, space, and community they need to thrive on our campus. We are deeply grateful for our longstanding relationship with VFMC and their partnership throughout this process.”

While Valley Forge Military’s Academy branch (7th-12th grade) announced its closing in May 2026, the College will continue to operate in the same capacity on its main campus. 

“This agreement marks an important step forward for both institutions,” said Col.Stuart B. Helgeson, USMC (Ret.), President of Valley Forge Military College. “It’s a clear win for VFMC, Eastern, and our surrounding community. It gives both schools a strong path ahead, protects what matters most in our missions, and strengthens the support we can provide to students and the region we call home.”  

Importantly, the space will remain a permanent resource for VFMC cadets for athletics and physical training, ensuring continued access to the fields as part of the College’s cadet experience.

VFMC will continue to deliver outcomes for students through its academic pathways, leadership development, and a partnership-forward approach that creates clear next steps beyond VFMC. This agreement strengthens the College’s ability to concentrate resources on its core mission and invest in long-term priorities that support future growth.

What this means for the VFMC community

• VFMC’s main campus and College operations continue as normal.
  

• VFMC will focus investments on its core campus to strengthen academics, cadet life, and campus priorities tied to the College’s strategic plan.
  

• Cadets will continue to use the space for athletics and physical training as a permanent resource.
  

• The property remains dedicated to green space and athletic use, helping avoid another large housing development in the area.