Marist College: 62.9% Acceptance Rate

62.9%Acceptance

$46,140Tuition

5,039Students

80%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$77,819Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Marist College

Marist College draws 5,039 students to its Hudson Valley campus with strong communication and business programs that benefit from proximity to New York City. The suburban Poughkeepsie setting offers a close-knit college experience while keeping Manhattan within reach. Notable graduates include former Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam and Special Olympics CEO Timothy Shriver. Students typically score around 1289 on the SAT, and the college accepts about 63% of applicants.

The financial picture shows mixed value. Students pay an average net price of $39,660 after aid, though families earning under $30,000 pay just $25,331. Graduates earn a median of $77,819 ten years after college, which helps justify the investment. However, only 15% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting a primarily middle and upper-middle class student body. Monthly loan payments average $265 with typical debt of $25,000.

The campus maintains strong school spirit through NCAA Division I athletics in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. About 89% of students return for sophomore year, indicating satisfaction with the college experience. Women make up 58% of the student body, while 73% of students are white and 45% come from New York state.

Academics & Faculty

Marist built its reputation on strong communication and business programs that benefit from the school's proximity to New York City media and corporate networks. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller classes where professors know students by name. Nearly 81% of students graduate in four years, reflecting solid academic support systems. The school's full curriculum combines liberal arts foundation with professional preparation. Communication students regularly intern at major media outlets, while business majors tap into Wall Street connections. With an 80% six-year graduation rate, most students successfully complete their degrees. The semester system allows for internships during January break, when many NYC companies offer short-term positions to college students.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 43.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 80.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 79.8%
Retention Rate: 89.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $77,819
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$88,506
Computer Science.	Bachelor	$79,389
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$73,769
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions.	Bachelor	$72,509
Public Administration.	Master	$72,369
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication.	Master	$63,997
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$60,623
Economics.	Bachelor	$57,318
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology.	Master	$51,829
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$51,464

View all 61 programs →

Campus Life

Marist's Hudson Valley campus sits 75 miles north of Manhattan, offering scenic river views that make the two-hour train ride to NYC feel worthwhile. About 69% of students live on campus in dorms that house 3,463 students total. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know your name.

Winters require heavy coats as temperatures drop well below freezing, while fall brings stunning foliage that makes the campus Instagram-famous. Students gather at the boathouse for crew practice or head to Shadows, the campus pub, for weekend socializing. The Red Fox Den buzzes during basketball season when 5,039 students pack into the McCann Arena to cheer their Division I teams. With 57.79% women and strong Greek life presence, the social scene centers around campus events rather than off-campus parties. Many students catch Metro-North trains for weekend trips to explore New York City's internship opportunities, especially popular among communication and business majors who dominate the academic landscape.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 3,463 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Rape	10	8
Dating Violence	6	6
Fondling	5	5
Burglary	2	1
Stalking	2	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 18°–35°F
July Avg: 63°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 47.2"
Annual Snowfall: 59.2"

Student Demographics

Students come from across the region, with 55% traveling from outside New York to attend. The student body tilts female at nearly 58%, reflecting strong interest in Marist's communication and business programs that traditionally attract more women. Three-quarters of students are white, with growing Hispanic enrollment at 13%. Only 15% receive Pell Grants, indicating Marist primarily serves middle and upper-middle-class families willing to invest in the school's reputation for career preparation. The demographics reflect a student body seeking professional networks and the prestige that comes with Marist's Hudson Valley setting.

Men: 42.2%
Women: 57.8%
White: 73.3%
Black: 3.5%
Hispanic: 13.3%
Asian: 3.8%
In-State Students: 45.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 14.7%

Location

Marist College sits in Poughkeepsie, New York, about 75 miles north of Manhattan along the Hudson River. The 180-acre campus overlooks the scenic Hudson Valley, where rolling hills meet historic river towns. Poughkeepsie serves as a mid-sized city with a college-friendly atmosphere, though it's more industrial than a traditional college town. The location offers easy access to New York City by train while maintaining a suburban feel that 45.32% of students call home since they're from in-state. The Hudson Valley region is known for its fall foliage, historic mansions, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Marist College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Poughkeepsie, New York 12601

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $77,819
Median Earnings (5 years): $76,528
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $48,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 79.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $265/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $25,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Marist College?

Marist College accepts 62.85% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1200 and 1378 on the SAT, reflecting the college's appeal to strong academic performers who want a personalized education in the Hudson Valley.

How much does Marist College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Marist College is $39,660 per year, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $25,331, while those from higher-income families face steeper costs despite the college's reputation for generous aid packages.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Marist College?

Marist College maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio with total enrollment of 5,039 students. The college is known for its strong communication and business programs, where smaller class sizes allow professors to provide the mentorship that helps students land internships in nearby New York City.

What do Marist College graduates earn after graduation?

Marist College graduates earn a median salary of $77,819 ten years after graduation with a 94.8% employment rate. The college's proximity to New York City and strong alumni network, including former Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam, helps students transition into lucrative careers in business and media.

Where is Marist College located and what is campus life like?

Marist College sits on a scenic campus in Poughkeepsie, New York, housing 3,463 students in residence halls. The suburban location along the Hudson River provides a close-knit college atmosphere while keeping students just 90 minutes from Manhattan for internships and cultural experiences.

Does Marist College have strong athletics programs?

Marist College competes in NCAA Division I with 19 varsity sports and 619 total athletes in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. The college awards $7,228,541 in athletic scholarships, demonstrating its commitment to balancing academic excellence with competitive sports in a comprehensive college experience.