University of Mary: 81.4% Acceptance Rate

81.4%Acceptance

$21,468Tuition

2,280Students

68%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$60,909Earnings

#6 in North DakotaPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindResearch UniversityNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About University of Mary

The University of Mary builds leaders through a Catholic lens, drawing 2,280 students to its rural campus near Bismarck. The school has earned recognition for its nursing, education, and business programs since its founding in 1959. Students benefit from small classes with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. The Benedictine values shape campus culture while preparing graduates for careers in healthcare, teaching, and management.

Students pay an average net price of $18,568 after aid, making this private education surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median of $60,909 ten years after leaving school. Most students graduate with $24,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $254. The math works out well for most graduates, with a 75.87% loan repayment rate showing students can handle their debt loads.

The Marauders compete in 14 NCAA Division II sports with 415 student-athletes receiving $3.37 million in athletic scholarships. About 82.71% of students return for their sophomore year, and 66% graduate in four years. The student body draws primarily from beyond North Dakota, with only 37.27% being in-state residents. Nearly 97% of graduates find employment, reflecting the school's practical approach to career preparation.

Academics & Faculty

University of Mary builds its academic reputation around three core professional programs: nursing, education, and business. The Catholic institution maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio that creates intimate classroom environments where professors know students personally. This close mentorship shows in the numbers, with 66% of students graduating in four years and 68% finishing within six years. The university's leadership development focus permeates every major, preparing students for management roles in their chosen fields. Students earn a median salary of $60,909 ten years after graduation, reflecting the practical, career-oriented education Mary provides. The semester system allows for deep engagement with coursework across disciplines.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Full-Time Faculty: 61.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 66.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 68.2%
Retention Rate: 82.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $60,909
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$94,408
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.	Master	$63,997
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$60,230
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$56,641
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$54,359
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$38,289
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.	Bachelor	$33,281

View all 95 programs →

Campus Life

The University of Mary sits on 107 acres overlooking the Missouri River, just minutes from downtown Bismarck. With housing capacity for 1,441 students and total enrollment of 2,280, roughly 63% of students live on campus, creating a tight-knit residential community. You'll need serious winter gear for North Dakota's brutal cold, where temperatures regularly drop below zero from December through February.

The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and eating habits in the dining hall. Students often gather at the Crow's Nest coffee shop or work out in the Lumen Vitae University Center between classes. The Marauders compete in 14 NCAA Division II sports with 415 total athletes, so games draw solid crowds despite the rural setting. Weekend activities center around campus events, trips to nearby Theodore Roosevelt National Park, or exploring Bismarck's modest downtown scene 15 minutes away. The Catholic identity runs deep here, with many students participating in campus ministry and service projects that reflect the university's Benedictine values of community and leadership development.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Housing Capacity: 1,441 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1959

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Stalking	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 2°–23°F
July Avg: 57°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 17.9"
Annual Snowfall: 51.2"

Student Demographics

The University of Mary draws students primarily from beyond North Dakota's borders, with nearly two-thirds coming from other states. This Catholic institution attracts a student body that's 59% female, reflecting strong enrollment in its signature nursing and education programs. The 18% Pell Grant rate indicates the school serves middle-class families rather than low-income students. Students typically score around 1208 on the SAT and find a tight-knit community of 2,280 undergraduates. The demographics reflect Mary's mission as a leadership-focused Catholic university that appeals to students seeking personalized attention in health sciences and education fields.

Men: 41.4%
Women: 58.6%
White: 79.5%
Black: 2.3%
Hispanic: 0.0%
Asian: 1.5%
In-State Students: 37.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 17.8%

Location

University of Mary sits in Bismarck, North Dakota's capital city of about 75,000 people. The campus is located roughly 200 miles northwest of Fargo, the state's largest city. Bismarck serves as the political and economic center of central North Dakota, surrounded by rolling prairie and the Missouri River. The setting combines small-city amenities with easy access to outdoor recreation like fishing and hiking. With 37.27% of students coming from in-state, the university draws heavily from North Dakota's tight-knit communities. The campus houses 1,441 students in residence halls, creating a close community feel typical of Midwestern college towns. Students considering colleges in North Dakota may also compare University of Mary with similar schools in the region.

Address: Bismarck, North Dakota 58504

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $60,909
Median Earnings (5 years): $61,231
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $46,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 75.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $254/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $24,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Mary?

University of Mary accepts 81.39% of applicants, making it accessible to most qualified students. The average SAT score is 1208, reflecting the Catholic university's commitment to providing quality education to a broad range of students.

How much does University of Mary cost after financial aid?

The average net price at University of Mary is $18,568, lower than the published tuition of $21,468. Students typically graduate with $24,000 in median debt, which is manageable given the school's focus on career-oriented programs like nursing and business.

What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Mary?

University of Mary maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in classrooms. This intimate learning environment supports the university's emphasis on leadership development and Catholic educational values.

What are the career outcomes for University of Mary graduates?

University of Mary graduates earn a median salary of $60,909 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 96.8% employment rate. The university's strong programs in nursing, education, and business help prepare students for stable, well-paying careers in North Dakota and beyond.

Where is University of Mary located and what is campus life like?

University of Mary sits in Bismarck, North Dakota, with housing capacity for 1,441 students on its rural-fringe campus. The Marauders compete in 14 NCAA Division II sports, fostering school spirit among the 2,280 students who call this Catholic university home.

Does University of Mary offer good financial aid to low-income students?

Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average net price of just $14,673 at University of Mary. However, only 17.80% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the university serves a relatively affluent student body despite its commitment to accessibility.