
Bismarck, NDprivate nonprofitumary.edu
The University of Mary, a Catholic institution in Bismarck, North Dakota, blends faith, service, and practical career preparation with a notably welcoming campus culture. Known for its strong health professions programs and a Rome study-abroad campus, it offers a tight-knit community where 84% of first-year students return—a testament to its supportive environment and accessible admissions (78% acceptance rate).
The University of Mary maintains a 78.2% acceptance rate, making it accessible yet selective, with admitted students typically posting SAT scores between 1120–1310 or ACT scores averaging 27.6. Notably, 100% of applicants receive some form of financial aid, softening the sticker shock of tuition. Rolling admissions dominate, though some programs enforce deadlines, and the university emphasizes Holistic admissionsA review that weighs the whole applicant — grades, essays, activities, and context — rather than relying on test scores and GPA alone. over rigid test-score cutoffs (Test-optionalA policy where you choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you don't, the rest of your application carries more weight. since 2025).
With , the University of Mary is a "College of Distinction" lauded for hands-on learning and career readiness. Health professions dominate as the most popular majors, followed by kinesiology and business. Unique offerings include an for undecided students and a for study abroad. As North Dakota’s largest degree-granting institution west of the Missouri River, it balances liberal arts with vocational training, anchored by a Benedictine commitment to 'community, hospitality, and service.'
Life here revolves around faith, service, and camaraderie. Over 40 student organizations—from swing dance clubs to campus ministry—fuel a vibrant but low-pressure social scene. Students describe the vibe as 'welcoming and close-knit,' where it’s easy to find your niche. Weekly Mass, volunteer opportunities, and traditions like outdoor winter bonfires reflect the Benedictine ethos. The Bismarck location means rugged outdoor adventures (think hiking the Missouri River bluffs) balance academic rigor.
The university boasts an 84% first-year retention rate and a 71% six-year graduation rate—strong for a regional institution. Recent graduates report a median debt of $20,500, below the national average, with median earnings of $40,985 early in their careers. These figures reflect Mary’s focus on employable degrees (especially in healthcare) and robust internship networks across North Dakota.
Tuition transparency is a priority: the Net Price Calculator helps families estimate real costs after aid. 100% of students receive grants, averaging $7,523, with school-specific awards averaging $5,902. Though 64% take loans, the university emphasizes that its graduates carry less debt than peers at comparable institutions. Merit scholarships and Need-based aidFinancial aid awarded based on your family's ability to pay, as measured by forms like the FAFSA, rather than on achievements. are plentiful, leveraging the school’s Catholic mission to keep education affordable.
The University of Mary carves a distinct niche with its Benedictine values woven into career-focused education. Its Rome campus and health programs attract students seeking global exposure and practical skills, while the 84% retention rate signals a community that nurtures success. Unlike cutthroat elites, Mary fosters a culture where professors know students by name, tuition aid is nearly universal, and -20°F winters are offset by warm camaraderie. For those seeking faith-integrated learning without sacrificing job prospects, it’s a hidden gem on the Plains.