Ave Maria University: 44.2% Acceptance Rate

44.2%Acceptance

$28,222Tuition

1,229Students

56%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$49,520Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindLiberal ArtsNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About Ave Maria University

Ave Maria University builds its identity around unwavering Catholic orthodoxy and traditional values. This private Catholic institution enrolls 1,229 students in rural Florida, creating an intimate environment where faith and academics intertwine. The university attracts students seeking rigorous liberal arts education grounded in Catholic teaching. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small and personal. The acceptance rate of 44% reflects selective admissions that prioritize mission fit alongside academic preparation.

Students pay an average net price of $23,655 after financial aid, making this education relatively accessible for a private university. Graduates earn a median of $49,520 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $20,776. The financial picture shows reasonable return on investment, though the 55% six-year graduation rate suggests academic rigor challenges some students. Monthly loan payments average $220 for those borrowing.

The Gyrenes compete in 20 varsity sports through NJCAA athletics, with 631 total athletes representing over half the student body. This creates a campus culture deeply tied to athletic participation. The student body skews 55% female and draws from across the country, with only 39% from Florida. The 75% retention rate indicates most freshmen find what they're looking for in this faith-centered community.

Academics & Faculty

Ave Maria University operates as a Catholic liberal arts institution where students engage with a curriculum rooted in Catholic intellectual tradition. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students personally and can provide individual mentorship. However, the 55.5% six-year graduation rate suggests academic rigor that challenges some students to complete their degrees on time. The university emphasizes philosophy and theology requirements that all students must take regardless of major. Strong programs include theology, philosophy, and business, which align with the school's mission to integrate faith and reason. The 75% retention rate indicates most students adapt well to the demanding academic environment and Catholic educational approach.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 53.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 55.5%
Retention Rate: 75.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $49,520
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Economics.	Bachelor	$48,041
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$33,993
Psychology, General.	Bachelor	$30,988
Biology, General.	Bachelor	$29,250
Theological and Ministerial Studies.	Bachelor	$28,598

View all 36 programs →

Campus Life

Ave Maria sits in the middle of Southwest Florida's rural landscape, about an hour from both Naples and Fort Myers. The campus feels like a small Catholic town with Mediterranean-style architecture and palm trees lining walkways. You'll need sunscreen year-round in this subtropical climate. With housing capacity for 1,133 students and total enrollment of 1,229, nearly every undergraduate lives on campus, creating a tight-knit residential community.

The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, and Catholic identity shapes daily life through required theology courses and regular Mass. Students gather for beach trips to nearby Naples on weekends or explore the Everglades. The conservative campus culture emphasizes traditional values and academic discussion. With 631 total athletes across 20 varsity sports, athletics play a major role in campus social life. The small size means everyone knows everyone, and the 75% retention rate reflects students who find their place in this faith-centered environment. Town-gown relationships are seamless since the university built the surrounding community from scratch.

Setting: Rural-Distant
Housing Capacity: 1,133 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1998

Campus Safety (2023)

6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	3	0	0	0
Stalking	2	0	0	0
Fondling	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 49°–76°F
July Avg: 71°–92°F
Annual Precipitation: 49.8"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Ave Maria draws students who prioritize faith-based education, with 61% coming from outside Florida seeking the university's distinctive Catholic mission. The student body is 70% white with growing Hispanic representation at 16%, reflecting both the conservative Catholic appeal and Florida's demographics. Women slightly outnumber men at 55% to 45%, typical for liberal arts institutions. Only 23% receive Pell Grants, indicating the school primarily serves middle and upper-middle class families willing to invest in religious education. Students choose Ave Maria for its orthodox Catholic identity rather than geographic convenience.

Men: 45.1%
Women: 54.9%
White: 70.1%
Black: 3.4%
Hispanic: 16.0%
Asian: 3.9%
In-State Students: 39.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 23.2%

Location

Ave Maria sits in southwest Florida, about 25 miles northeast of Naples and 30 miles from Fort Myers. The town was purpose-built around the university starting in 2005, creating a planned community in rural Collier County. With just 1,229 students, the campus dominates this small town of roughly 15,000 residents. The area features flat terrain dotted with lakes and preserves, typical of inland Florida. Students are within driving distance of Gulf Coast beaches but surrounded by agricultural land and nature preserves. The nearest major shopping and entertainment options require a trip to Naples or Fort Myers. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare Ave Maria University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Ave Maria, Florida 34142-9505

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $49,520
Median Earnings (5 years): $48,117
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $30,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 53.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $220/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $20,776

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Ave Maria University?

Ave Maria University accepts 44.21% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The Catholic university draws students seeking a faith-based education in a rural Florida setting. With 1,229 total students, the admissions process focuses on finding students who align with the school's strong religious mission.

How much does Ave Maria University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $23,655 after financial aid at Ave Maria University. The total cost of attendance reaches $43,667 including room and board of $14,125. About 31% of students receive institutional grants averaging $20,329, helping offset the $28,222 tuition for this private Catholic institution.

What are class sizes like at Ave Maria University?

Ave Maria University maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring small class sizes and personalized attention. The university emphasizes liberal arts education within a Catholic framework. With only 1,229 students total, professors can focus on individual student development and mentorship.

What career outcomes do Ave Maria University graduates achieve?

Ave Maria University graduates earn a median salary of $49,520 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 94.9%, showing strong job placement success. However, the 6-year graduation rate of 55.50% indicates that completing the rigorous Catholic liberal arts program can be challenging for some students.

Where is Ave Maria University located and what is campus life like?

Ave Maria University sits in the planned community of Ave Maria, Florida, offering a rural-distant setting. The campus houses 1,133 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The university's remote location reinforces its focus on academic study and spiritual development away from urban distractions.

Does Ave Maria University have strong athletic programs?

Ave Maria University fields 20 varsity sports teams competing at the NJCAA level with 631 total athletes. The athletic program receives $5.1 million in scholarship funding, supporting student-athletes known as the Gyrenes. The substantial athletic investment reflects the university's commitment to developing well-rounded students through sports and academics.