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85.8%Acceptance
$14,559Tuition
3,504Students
67%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$60,613Earnings
#16 in VirginiaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

Overview

University of Mary Washington is a accessible public four-year institution in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The school accepts 85.8% of applicants and enrolls 3,504 students.

Admission Statistics

Acceptance Rate
85.8%
Average SAT
1,255
SAT Range (25th–75th)
1,170–1,340
ACT Composite (avg)
28
Total Enrollment
3,504

Your Chances by SAT Score

Strong Candidate
SAT above 1,340

Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.

Competitive
SAT 1,170–1,340

Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.

Reach School
SAT below 1,170

Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.

Admission Guide

University of Mary Washington uses the Common Application with a January 15 deadline for fall admission. You need to submit your high school transcript, one letter of recommendation, and either SAT or ACT scores. The application fee is $50.

While UMW admits most applicants, the business program requires separate admission after completing prerequisite courses with strong grades. You cannot apply directly to business as a freshman. Computer science has become increasingly popular and competitive within the College of Arts and Sciences.

Housing fills up quickly despite the school's size. Submit your housing application immediately after being admitted, even if you haven't decided to enroll yet. First-year students must live on campus unless they commute from home. The residence halls vary significantly in age and amenities, with newer options like Bushnell and Jefferson Square offering apartment-style living.

UMW operates on a 4-1-4 academic calendar with a January term between fall and spring semesters. You can use this month-long term for internships, study abroad, or intensive courses. Many students appreciate this flexibility for career exploration.

The campus sits on a hill above downtown Fredericksburg, about an hour south of Washington DC. You will need a car or reliable transportation to access internships and job opportunities in the DC metro area, though some students use the Virginia Railway Express train service. The historic downtown area offers restaurants and shops within walking distance.

Orientation occurs in late June or early July, not right before classes start. You register for fall courses during orientation, so research your intended major's requirements beforehand. Popular general education courses fill up fast, particularly those that satisfy multiple requirements.

What It Costs If You Get In

Average Net Price
$21,108/yr
Tuition (in-state)
$14,559
Tuition (out-of-state)
$31,479
Students Receiving Aid
20%

View full cost breakdown →

After You Graduate

Graduation Rate (6-year)
67.4%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$60,613/yr
Freshman Retention Rate
82.0%

View full outcomes data →

Frequently Asked Questions

Does University of Mary Washington require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

University of Mary Washington is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores with your application.

What is the application deadline for University of Mary Washington?

University of Mary Washington has a regular decision deadline of February 1st. Early action applications are due November 15th.

Does University of Mary Washington offer early decision or early action?

University of Mary Washington offers early action with a November 15th deadline. They do not have an early decision program.

How many transfer credits does University of Mary Washington accept?

University of Mary Washington accepts up to 60 transfer credits from community colleges and up to 90 credits from four-year institutions.