Marymount University

Marymount University traces its roots to 1950, when the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary founded it as a women's liberal arts college in Virginia; it welcomed men in 1973 and now serves about 2,600 undergraduates on a compact 21-acre campus. Students who thrive here often seek a close-knit community with personal attention from professors and practical training geared toward quick career entry, especially in creative fields or healthcare. The school's personality reflects its Catholic heritage through service emphasis and ethical focus, without rigid requirements for religious participation. Arlington provides an upscale suburban setting just across the Potomac from Washington, DC, offering safe neighborhoods, Metro rail convenience, and proximity to federal agencies for internships. You can walk to coffee shops in Rosslyn or bike to the Iwo Jima Memorial. Tradeoffs include a high cost of living in the area—apartments easily top $2,000 monthly—and fewer dining or nightlife options on campus itself compared to urban schools.