University of Mary

  • University of Mary

    Bismarck, ND

  • University of Mary

    Bismarck, ND

  • University of Mary

    Bismarck, ND

  • University of Mary

    Bismarck, ND

  • University of Mary

    Bismarck, ND

  • University of Mary

    Bismarck, ND

  • University of Mary

    Bismarck, ND

  • University of Mary

    Bismarck, ND

  • University of Mary

    Bismarck, ND

  • University of Mary

    Bismarck, ND

2,178

Undergrads on campus
371 undergrads online

68%

Catholic Faculty

85%

Catholic Students

University of Mary

Founded in 1959 in Bismarck, North Dakota, by the Benedictine Sisters of the Annunciation, who serve as sponsors today, the University of Mary has been taking exciting steps to reinforce its Catholic identity, expand academic programs, and increase enrollment.

With nearly 60 degrees and 10 pre-professional programs, the University of Mary focuses on career preparation while offering a comprehensive, liberal arts core curriculum, which includes two Catholic theology and two philosophy courses. Catholic Studies and other students can study abroad at the University’s campus in Rome. Although the students are mostly Catholic, only about two-thirds of the faculty are. All theology professors have a mandatum from the local bishop.

U-Mary’s campus ministry is Catholic but strives to reach out to students of all faiths on campus. The college has a rich sacramental life, a beautiful Marian Grotto, and an increased emphasis on vocational discernment. All student residence halls are appropriately single-sex, but regrettably opposite-sex visitation is allowed in student rooms until late at night, with no open-door policy. There are two vocation-based residence halls.

Students can join a great variety of activities including more than 40 student clubs. Athletes compete in 18 varsity teams in the Northern Sun conference of NCAA Division II, and the University is implementing a plan of “greatness through virtue” in its athletic programs.

The University of Mary’s renewed vitality as a Catholic university is exciting, and it is an attractive and relatively inexpensive choice for students looking for a career-oriented university that is in good Catholic hands.

What we really like:

The University of Mary is growing rapidly, and the Catholic formation keeps getting better. Its multiple health-related programs are highly ranked, and a partnership with the National Catholic Bioethics Center ensures that students are immersed in Catholic ethics. The Catholic Studies program is also notable and recommended for faithful students.

Visit Campus

Get in touch with the University of Mary to schedule your campus visit:

701-355-8030

7500 University Dr
Bismarck, ND 58504

umary.edu

Ave Maria University FacebookAve Maria University InstagramAve Maria University Youtube

Catholic Identity Special Recognition for University of Mary in The Newman Guide:

  • GOLD: Profession of Faith

    All Catholic faculty and president make the Profession of Faith at least once upon hiring, and all theology faculty have the mandatum.

  • GOLD: Honors and Speakers

    Has policy prohibiting honors and speaking invitations to those who publicly oppose Catholic moral teaching and ensures that speakers do not call into question Catholic moral teaching.

  • GOLD: Spiritual Life

    Mass is offered every day on campus and there are scheduled opportunities at least three times/week for Confession & Adoration.

  • SILVER: Catholic Trustees

    At least 85% of trustees are Catholic.

  • SILVER: Catholic Students

    At least 80% of students are Catholic.

All of the colleges recognized in The Newman Guide are serious about faithful Catholic formation and education, but they are quite different in many important respects. Explore their websites, talk to faculty and admissions counselors, and visit their campuses to determine which is right for you!