About Mary Baldwin University
Students pay an average net price of $17,833 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly affordable. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to economic diversity. Graduates earn a median salary of $44,427 ten years after graduation, though they typically carry $26,586 in debt. The monthly loan payment of $282 represents a manageable burden for most graduates. About 27% of students receive institutional grants averaging $24,389.
The Fighting Squirrels compete in 15 NCAA Division III sports, though athletic scholarships aren't available. Campus life centers around the tight-knit community where 61% of students stay in Virginia after graduation. The 55.7% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many first-generation college students face, but those who persist find strong support systems.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 30.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 48.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 55.7%
- Retention Rate
- 61.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,427
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $43,739 |
| Area Studies. | Bachelor | $39,648 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $35,274 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $34,420 |
| History. | Bachelor | $32,925 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $30,409 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | Master | $28,960 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $28,055 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,055 |
Campus Life
The Fighting Squirrels compete in 15 varsity sports with 215 total athletes participating in NCAA Division III competition. Women make up 75.84% of the student body, reflecting the school's evolution from its women's college origins. The Four-One-Four calendar system gives students an intensive January term for internships or study abroad. Weekends often center around athletic events, outdoor activities in the Blue Ridge Mountains, or trips to nearby cities. The small-town setting of Staunton offers coffee shops and local restaurants within walking distance. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll likely know most of your classmates and professors personally by graduation.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 749 beds
- Calendar System
- Four-One-Four
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
12 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 23°–41°F
- July Avg
- 63°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 39.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 22.7"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 24.2%
- Women
- 75.8%
- White
- 49.7%
- Black
- 26.3%
- Hispanic
- 8.4%
- Asian
- 1.7%
- In-State Students
- 61.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 48.3%
Location
- Address
- Staunton, Virginia 24401
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,427
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,096
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $30,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 50.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $282/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,586
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mary Baldwin University known for academically?
Mary Baldwin operates on a unique Four-One-Four calendar system that allows for intensive January term courses. The university maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio and has built a strong reputation in health sciences and education programs. Originally founded as a women's college, it now serves 1,188 students with 75.84% women and has evolved into a comprehensive liberal arts institution.
How much does Mary Baldwin University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $17,833 after aid, less than the sticker price of $33,157 in tuition. Nearly half of students (48.33%) receive Pell Grants, and graduates carry a median debt of $26,586. The school keeps costs manageable with average institutional grants of $24,389 for qualifying students.
What are the graduation rates at Mary Baldwin University?
Mary Baldwin has a 48.49% four-year graduation rate and 55.70% six-year graduation rate. The retention rate stands at 61.24%, reflecting some challenges with student persistence. Graduates earn a median salary of $44,427 ten years after graduation, and 92.7% find employment after completing their degrees.
Where is Mary Baldwin University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Staunton, Virginia, a small city in the Shenandoah Valley known for its historic charm and arts scene. Housing capacity accommodates 749 students, creating an intimate residential experience. The Fighting Squirrels compete in NCAA Division III with 15 varsity sports and 215 total athletes in the USA South Athletic Conference.
What is the student body composition at Mary Baldwin University?
The student body of 1,188 is diverse, with 49.66% White students, 26.26% Black students, and 8.42% Hispanic students. Women make up 75.84% of enrollment, reflecting the school's historical roots as a women's college. About 61.73% of students come from Virginia, creating a strong regional presence.
Does Mary Baldwin University have a religious affiliation?
Mary Baldwin maintains ties to the Presbyterian Church (USA), though the religious influence is generally understated in campus life. The school emphasizes liberal arts education with a focus on critical thinking and social responsibility. This Presbyterian heritage contributes to the university's commitment to service and ethical leadership development.
