About University of Mary Washington
The financial picture looks reasonable for a public university. After aid, students pay an average of $21,108 per year, which includes room and board costs of $14,040. Graduates earn a median of $60,613 ten years after graduation, while carrying median debt of just $20,500. Monthly loan payments average $217, making the degree affordable relative to earning potential. Only 20.24% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting the student body comes from middle-class backgrounds.
Women make up 62.84% of the student body, and 89.02% come from Virginia. The school competes in NCAA Division III athletics with 18 varsity sports and 439 student athletes. With an 85.79% acceptance rate and average SAT scores of 1255, Mary Washington attracts solid students who want a liberal arts education without the pressure of highly selective admissions.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 69.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 68.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 67.4%
- Retention Rate
- 82.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $60,613
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $78,896 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $69,002 |
| Education, General. | Master | $50,194 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $49,625 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $47,406 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $45,584 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $37,568 |
| Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $34,704 |
Campus Life
Weekends often revolve around the historic downtown area, where students grab coffee at local cafes or explore Civil War battlefields. The Rappahannock River runs through town, popular for kayaking and riverside walks. With 89% of students from Virginia, many head home on weekends, but those who stay find a close social scene. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, and with 439 students playing Division III sports across 18 teams, games draw decent crowds. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate campus culture like at larger state schools.
- Setting
- Suburb-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 2,261 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1908
Campus Safety (2023)
7 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 24°–45°F
- July Avg
- 67°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 86.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 37.2%
- Women
- 62.8%
- White
- 59.8%
- Black
- 8.0%
- Hispanic
- 13.3%
- Asian
- 4.8%
- In-State Students
- 89.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 20.2%
Location
- Address
- Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401-5300
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $60,613
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $58,080
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $40,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 74.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $217/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Mary Washington?
University of Mary Washington accepts 85.79% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a public liberal arts institution. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1170-1340 on the SAT. This Virginia university draws primarily in-state talent, with 89.02% of students coming from Virginia.
How much does University of Mary Washington cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $21,108 after aid at University of Mary Washington. In-state tuition runs $14,559 while out-of-state students face $31,479 in tuition costs. Only 20.24% of students receive federal Pell Grants, suggesting the student body skews toward middle and upper-middle class families.
What academic programs is University of Mary Washington known for?
University of Mary Washington operates as a public liberal arts university with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio serving 3,504 students. The school has built strong reputations in education, business, and historic preservation programs. Founded in 1908, it maintains the intimate feel of a private college while offering public university affordability.
What career outcomes can graduates expect from University of Mary Washington?
University of Mary Washington graduates earn a median salary of $60,613 ten years after graduation. The school achieves a 67.40% six-year graduation rate and 94.1% employment rate for recent graduates. Graduates typically leave with $20,500 in median debt and monthly loan payments of $217.
Where is University of Mary Washington located and what is campus life like?
University of Mary Washington sits in Fredericksburg, Virginia, a mid-sized suburban setting rich in Civil War history. The campus houses 2,261 students in residence halls, creating a close-knit community where women make up 62.84% of the student body. Students compete as the Eagles in 18 NCAA Division III sports with 439 total athletes.
Does University of Mary Washington have any notable alumni?
University of Mary Washington counts Jim Morrison, lead singer of The Doors, and Robin Roberts, Good Morning America anchor, among its distinguished graduates. The university's retention rate of 81.97% reflects strong student satisfaction with the liberal arts experience. This historic institution has been shaping leaders since 1908 in the heart of Virginia's historic corridor.
