Nestled in the foothills of Kothamangalam, Ernakulam district, stands one of the most prestigious academic institutions of Kerala, the Mar Athanasius College. Established in 1955, M. A. College has evolved into a bastion of learning with eleven postgraduate courses and fourteen degree courses - six in science, five in arts and three in commerce. The college also has four Regional University Research Centres in English, Chemistry, Physics and Economics where Ph.D programmes are pursued.

Mar Athanasius College is the first institution in Kerala to be accredited at 'A GRADE' by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) which is an autonomous body under University Grants Commission. Managed by the Mar Athanasius College Association, this is the first among the halls of learning established by Prof. M.P.Varghese, an educationist and visionary.