Acceptance Rate
75%
Avg. SAT
1340
75th percentile
“A tight-knit Catholic university in North Dakota's capital, blending faith, service, and rigorous academics on the prairie.”
Bismarck, ND
Location
Rural
Campus Setting
Nestled in Bismarck, North Dakota, the University of Mary was founded in 1959 by the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery, carrying forward a mission rooted in faith, service, and community. This private Catholic institution embodies the Benedictine values of hospitality and stewardship, creating a campus atmosphere that feels like a supportive family. It's a place where spiritual life isn't just an add-on but woven into daily interactions, with regular opportunities for Mass, prayer, and reflection, even as it welcomes students of all backgrounds.
The surrounding area, Bismarck, offers a quiet, small-city vibe with a population of about 75,000, sitting along the Missouri River with wide-open plains stretching in every direction. It's a stark contrast to bustling urban campuses, which means you'll find peace and space to focus, but also fewer entertainment options or big-city amenities right outside your door. Students who thrive here are often self-motivated, drawn to a faith-centered environment, and comfortable with a slower pace; those craving constant activity or a secular campus might feel out of place in this close-knit, values-driven setting.
One tradeoff is the isolation of the location—North Dakota winters are long and harsh, with temperatures often dipping below zero, and the nearest major city is hours away. Yet, for many, this remoteness fosters a unique bond among students, faculty, and staff, who rally together in the face of blizzards and endless snow. If you're looking for a school where personal growth and spiritual grounding take center stage, Mary offers a rare kind of sanctuary on the prairie.
Photo Gallery
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Available Online
Degree Levels Offered
At the University of Mary, academics are shaped by a commitment to developing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—with strong programs in nursing, education, and business leading the way. The nursing school, in particular, stands out with its hands-on clinical training and high pass rates on licensure exams, preparing students for careers in a field desperate for skilled professionals. You'll find small class sizes in most upper-level courses, allowing for personal attention from professors who often know your name and your goals, though some introductory classes may feel a bit more crowded as the university balances its growing enrollment.
Research opportunities are available, especially in health sciences and through service-learning projects tied to the university's mission, but they’re not as extensive as at larger research institutions. The intellectual culture leans practical—think applied learning over theoretical debates—with a focus on preparing you for careers that serve others. A potential challenge is that some specialized majors or cutting-edge fields might not be as developed here, so if you're set on something niche, you may need to look elsewhere or supplement your studies independently.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
2,821 undergrad • 1,040 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
78%
Black / African American
2%
Asian
2%
Other / Multi-racial
18%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Bismarck, ND
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life at the University of Mary revolves around community, faith, and a shared sense of purpose, with many students living on campus in residence halls that encourage connection through shared meals and group activities. You can expect a typical week to include attending a campus ministry event, cheering on the Marauders at a basketball game, and studying in the library with friends who quickly become like family. Traditions like the annual Crowning of Mary ceremony, where students honor the university's namesake, reinforce the spiritual heartbeat of the school.
The social scene is quieter compared to larger universities—there’s no booming party culture, and alcohol-focused events are minimal due to the campus’s values. Instead, you’ll find fulfillment in service projects, outdoor adventures like hiking along the Missouri River, and cozy gatherings in dorms during those brutal North Dakota winters. A real challenge is the weather, which can limit outdoor activities for months, and the cost of living in Bismarck, while lower than in big cities, still requires careful budgeting for students on tight funds.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$15,267
$30K – $48K
$16,697
$48K – $75K
$15,823
$75K – $110K
$18,278
$110K+
$21,212
Apply for Financial Aid
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Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
84%
4 Years Graduation Rate
53%
6 Years Graduation Rate
62%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$60,909
84% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at University of Mary and return in the fall. 53% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 62% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
53%
4-6 years
9%
Non-grad
38%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$18,710
Acceptance
75%
Undergrads
2,821
4-Year Grad Rate
53%
Endowment
$75M
Bismarck, ND 58504