Skip to main content
69.5%Acceptance
$38,514Tuition
1,028Students
47%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$49,279Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Presbyterian Church (USA)

About Maryville College

Maryville College sits in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains with just 1,028 students creating an intimate academic community. This Presbyterian-affiliated liberal arts college has built its reputation on close student-faculty relationships, with a 12:1 ratio that ensures personal attention. The college draws heavily from Tennessee, with 73% of students coming from in-state. Students here combine rigorous academics with outdoor adventures, taking advantage of their proximity to one of America's most visited national parks.

The financial picture tells a promising story for most families. While sticker price reaches $52,742, the average student pays just $20,986 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $49,279 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $25,375 manageable with monthly payments of $269. Students from lower-income families do particularly well, with those from households earning under $30,000 paying only $15,787 annually.

Athletics play a meaningful role in campus life, with 373 students competing across 16 Division III sports as the Scots. The 47% six-year graduation rate reflects the college's open-door philosophy, accepting 70% of applicants while still maintaining academic standards. Most students who stay engaged find success, with 93% employed after graduation.

Academics & Faculty

Maryville College operates as a small liberal arts institution where students work closely with faculty across diverse disciplines rather than pursuing pre-professional tracks. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention that's typical of schools this size. However, the 50% four-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to complete their programs on schedule. The college maintains strong traditions in teacher education and outdoor recreation programs, taking advantage of its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains. Students can explore everything from biology field research to environmental studies. The Presbyterian heritage influences the academic culture, emphasizing critical thinking and ethical reasoning across all majors.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
12:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
50.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
47.2%
Retention Rate
68.7%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$49,279
Carnegie Classification
Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. Bachelor $37,568
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $32,711

View all 46 programs →

Campus Life

Maryville sits in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, about 20 miles from Knoxville. You'll need both a winter coat and hiking boots, as the area gets all four seasons with mild winters and warm, humid summers. With 898 beds for 1,028 students, about 87% live on campus, creating a tight-knit residential community. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and eating habits.

Weekends revolve around the outdoors since Great Smoky Mountains National Park sits practically next door. Students hike, camp, and explore waterfalls when they're not at Division III athletic events cheering on the Scots. The Presbyterian heritage shows in the campus's emphasis on service and community, though the religious atmosphere is fairly relaxed. With just over 1,000 students, everyone knows everyone, which creates both intimacy and occasional cabin fever. The small size means Greek life doesn't dominate, and most social activities happen through residence halls, clubs, or outdoor adventures in one of America's most visited national parks.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity
898 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1819

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Stalking 5 2 0 0
Rape 2 2 0 0
Dating Violence 1 1 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
30°–48°F
July Avg
68°–88°F
Annual Precipitation
51.9"
Annual Snowfall
4.6"

Student Demographics

Three-quarters of students come from Tennessee, showing Maryville's strong ties to its home state. The student body leans slightly female at 54%, typical for liberal arts colleges that attract students interested in education and social sciences. About one-third receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves a mix of middle-class and lower-income families. The 70% white enrollment reflects the demographics of eastern Tennessee and Appalachia. Students tend to value small-town community and outdoor access over urban amenities, drawn by the college's proximity to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Men
46.2%
Women
53.8%
White
69.8%
Black
9.8%
Hispanic
6.3%
Asian
0.9%
In-State Students
72.7%
Pell Grant Recipients
35.4%

Location

Maryville sits in eastern Tennessee, just 20 miles south of Knoxville in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The college draws 73% of its students from Tennessee, reflecting its strong regional appeal. This suburb of roughly 28,000 residents offers easy access to both outdoor recreation and urban amenities. Students can hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which borders the town, or drive to Knoxville for internships and entertainment. The setting combines small-town charm with proximity to major attractions. Maryville's location provides a classic college town atmosphere without complete isolation. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare Maryville College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Maryville, Tennessee 37804-5907
Maryville College Bulletin
Maryville College Bulletin
Thaw Hall at Maryville College
Thaw Hall at Maryville College

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$49,279
Median Earnings (5 years)
$49,016
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$31,800
Loan Repayment Rate
69.5%
Monthly Loan Payment
$269/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,375

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Maryville College?

Maryville College accepts 69.5% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 930-1120 on the SAT, reflecting the college's focus on providing opportunities for students with a range of academic backgrounds.

How much does Maryville College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Maryville College is $20,986, lower than the sticker price of $52,742. About 35% of students receive Pell Grants, and the college provides institutional grants averaging $30,071 to help make education affordable.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Maryville College?

Maryville College maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,028 students total. This small liberal arts environment allows for close mentoring relationships and personalized attention that larger universities cannot provide.

What are the graduation and career outcomes at Maryville College?

About 50% of students graduate within four years, with a 68.7% retention rate from freshman to sophomore year. Graduates earn a median salary of $49,279 ten years after graduation, and 93.1% find employment after completing their degrees.

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

The college sits in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in suburban Maryville, Tennessee. With housing for 898 students and 16 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division III, campus life centers around outdoor recreation opportunities and close-knit community connections.

Does Maryville College have a religious affiliation?

Maryville College was founded in 1819 with Presbyterian Church (USA) affiliation and maintains those historical roots today. The college's long-standing tradition of liberal arts education reflects its commitment to developing critical thinking and ethical reasoning in students.