CQA College Visit With Marist University

Students are drawn to Marist University for its unique blend of strong academics, career-focused opportunities, and an engaging campus experience set along the scenic Hudson River just outside New York City. With a flexible academic structure that allows students to explore different majors, nationally recognized study abroad programs, and a track record of excellent career outcomes, Marist offers both personal and professional growth. Combined with a welcoming campus culture, modern facilities, and a reputation as one of the happiest campuses in the country, it appeals to students looking for a well-rounded, supportive college experience that prepares them for life after graduation.

Location

• Hudson Valley, NY (about 90 minutes to NYC)

• Scenic campus in Poughkeepsie, NY, on the Hudson River

• Study abroad hubs located in Florence, Dublin, and Madrid

• There are lots of restaurants, cafés, and shops in the nearby area

• Outdoor recreation (hiking, riverfront, Walkway Over the Hudson)

• Small-city feel with access to nature.

• Airports: Laguardia/JFK are about 1.5-2 hours away. Stewart International Airport is 20 minutes away

• Shuttle systems and train access make travel simple

Academics

• 50+ majors, strong mix of liberal arts + career prep (“and, not or”)

• Easy to switch majors; undeclared students are supported

• Honors program growing quickly

• Highly regarded study abroad program (#1 nationally; 50%+ participate)

• Marist Schools:

  • School of Communication & the Arts

  • School of Computer Science & Mathematics

  • School of Liberal Arts

  • School of Management

  • School of Science

  • School of Social & Behavioral Sciences

• Students are generally admitted to the university rather than locked into a major.

• Some academic exceptions:

  • Fashion Design

  • Studio Art (portfolio required)

Popular majors

o   Business (especially Marketing & Finance)

o   Communications

o   Computer Science

o   Psychology

o   Fashion

Unique majors

• Fashion (top-ranked, NYC/Florence connections)

• Cybersecurity & Data Science

• Integrated Marketing Communications

Internships, Research & Study Abroad

• Very strong opportunities

• 80%+ complete internships

• Study abroad is a major strength:

  • Florence, Italy campus

  • Programs in Dublin, Madrid, and other cities.

• Undergraduate research available across disciplines

Honors Program

• Marist has a selective Honors Program

• It is an invitation based on strong academics (GPA, rigor, application strength)

• There is no separate application in most cases.

• The Honors program offers smaller classes, priority registration, and enriched coursework

Admissions Snapshot

• 11,500 applicants /1,275 enrolled

• 5000 undergraduate/1000 graduate students

• 30-35% students of color

• 10% international students

• 55% acceptance rate

• Typical student: strong grades (B+-A-), honors/AP coursework

• Holistic review (academics/activities/interests)

• Average GPA: 3.6-3.8 (B+ to A-)

• Test scores (if submitted/Marist is Test Optional):

o   SAT: 1200-1350

o   ACT: 26-31

Best-fit student

o   Strong student who wants career prep and flexibility

o   Balanced (academics and extracurriculars)

o   Interested in internships and real-world experience

Financial Aid and Scholarships

• Strong need-based aid focus

• FAFSA (and sometimes CSS Profile)

• Does not guarantee full needs met, but offers solid aid packages

• Merit Scholarships: Automatic consideration with application (no separate form for most merit aid)

• Special program scholarships 

Student Experience and Activities

• Average of 20 students per class.

• 16:1 student/faculty ratio

• 90+ clubs, Division I athletics

• Low Greek life (6%): 4 sororities, 3 fraternities

• 70% live on campus all 4 years: First 2 years guaranteed housing 

• Known as a “Top 10 Happiest Campus” (Princeton Review)

• 90+ clubs and organizations

  
  

• Popular activities

  • Club sports & Division I athletics

  • Student media

  • Service organizations

  • Business and academic clubs

Rankings & Recognition

• Princeton Review: Top 10 Happiest Campuses

• Strong rankings in:

  • Study abroad

  • Internships

  • Regional universities (North)

Traditions

• Fox Fest (student festival)

• River Day events

• Club fairs and campus-wide celebrations

• Strong school spirit around athletics

Campus Feel

• Beautiful riverfront campus with modern facilities

• Mix of traditional and updated residence halls

• Clean, safe, and very walkable

• Blend of classic college feel and modern career focus

Study Abroad

• Signature strength: Florence campus and global programs

• Many students study abroad at least once

Outcomes

• 94% employed or in grad school within 6 months

• 80% complete internships

• Strong career services and alumni network

Overall Vibe

• Mid-sized, supportive community

• Balanced, respectful campus culture

• Strong academics and real-world preparation

• Known as a friendly, balanced, and supportive community

• A mix of academic focus and social life

Marist University is ideal for students who want

• A balanced college experience (academics and social life)

• Strong career preparation and internships

• A scenic campus with access to NYC

• A supportive, upbeat community