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Marist University campus
Marist University is a comprehensive, independent four-year institution that blends the liberal arts with pre-professional studies and emphasizes experiential learning to enrich classroom instruction. With campuses in Poughkeepsie, New York, and Florence, Italy, as well as more than 70 programs offering a variety of international study options, the University is a portal to the world and is devoted to nurturing a welcoming, inclusive community. Through six schools offering nearly 50 majors, Marist fosters the intellectual growth and well-being of its more than 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The University encourages students to explore beyond traditional academic boundaries, pursuing coursework and personal experiences that provide valuable occupational expertise and reflect their individual passions.
  • Named #1 in Study Abroad by Open Doors Report;
  • “#5 in New York State for Top Dorms” as reported by Niche;
  • “#8 in the Nation for Happiest Students” as rated by The Princeton Review;
  • “Top 25 Where Students Love Their College” by The Princeton Review; and
  • 94% of students are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation.
Read Marist University stories that inspire.

Have questions? Want to schedule a campus visit? Contact us. The Marist admission staff is here to help you.
Accepts first-year applicationsMid-AtlanticPrivateSuburbanMedium (2,001 to 14,999)Co-Ed

Academic programs

  • Design
  • Research
  • Science
  • Technology
  • Liberal Arts
  • Business
  • Education
  • Communication
  • Music
  • Art & Design
  • Economics
  • Finance/Accounting
  • Government/Political Science
  • Health Science
  • Performing Arts
  • Social Science
  • Visual Arts

Student experience

  • Athletics
  • Co-op/Internship Opportunities
  • Disability Services
  • Greek Life
  • Intramural/Club Sports
  • LGBTQIA Services
  • Military/Veteran Services
  • Night Class Offerings
  • On-Campus Housing
  • ROTC Program
  • Study Abroad
  • Undergraduate Research
  • Veteran Fee Waiver

Application information

First-year

Your talents, skills, and personal experiences are what set you apart and make you unique. We are test optional; however, for students who choose to submit SAT/ACT scores, we accept official or self-reported scores. Students interested in applying to Marist typically rank in the top half of their graduating class and hold a recalculated average of 3.3 or better. We place an emphasis on your high school transcript. 

Application Deadlines:
  • November 15: Early Decision (binding) and Early Action
  • February 15: Early Decision II (binding) and Regular Decision

Transfer

The admission committee takes many aspects into consideration during the application review process, including your academic preparation and performance, extracurricular and leadership accomplishments, recommendations, essay, and interest in Marist. We are test optional; however, for students who choose to submit SAT/ACT scores, we accept official or self-reported scores. We understand that transfer students often take different paths prior to coming to Marist, and the admission committee is sensitive to the many challenges that transfer students face.

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Additional information

At Marist, you’ll build lasting friendships, discover new perspectives, and grow personally, academically, and socially—all while having fun! And throughout your journey, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Whether your passion is community service, playing sports, Greek life, student government, or music and the arts, you’ll find other students who share your interests in our 100+ clubs and organizations.

About half of all Marist students study abroad because they have amazing experiences. It’s no wonder Marist has the #1 ranked Study Abroad program in the U.S. With more than 70 programs all around the world, students can fit study abroad into every major and academic program we offer.

You know that higher education is a powerful step toward achieving your professional goals—and at Marist, we’re dedicated to making that path accessible. That’s why 92% of Red Foxes receive some form of financial aid, totaling more than $97 million each year.
  • Academic merit scholarships range from $10,000 to $25,000 per year – that’s up to $100,000 over four years for qualifying students!
  • Specialty scholarships are available for history students and emerging leaders.
  • Need-based scholarships help Marist students pursue internships, study abroad, and other extracurricular learning opportunities that may have added costs.
Want the inside scoop? Join the Marist community on ZeeMee! On ZeeMee you can connect with other high school students who are interested in Marist join live events, explore college prep tips, and more. Hope to see you there!

Visit us

The best way to experience Marist is to see it for yourself! We invite you to visit our beautiful riverfront campus at your convenience. Our most popular program is the general information session and student-guided tour. This provides you the best overview of the campus, and access to our admission counselors to have your questions answered. The Admission Office is open 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, during the academic year and most weekends to welcome visitors. 

An online virtual campus tour is available on this page.

“At Marist, I don’t have to limit myself to a single identity. I’m not just a student, or an athlete, or a biology major; I’m all of those things and more.”