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 15 pre-professional programs, the University of Mary focuses on career preparation while offering a 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. Students are mostly Catholic, and about two-thirds of the faculty are Catholic. All theology professors have a mandatum from the local bishop.

The University has a rich sacramental life, including daily Mass, Vespers, perpetual Eucharistic Adoration, FOCUS Bible studies, a beautiful Marian Grotto, and an increased emphasis on vocational discernment. All student residence halls are single-sex.

Students can join a great variety of activities including more than 50 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. Students also have the opportunity to care for underserved populations in other countries through the University’s service learning trips.

The University’s renewed vitality as a Catholic university is exciting and it is an attractive and relatively inexpensive choice, with a year-round campus option and many full-tuition scholarships available. For Catholic students looking for a career-oriented university that is in good Catholic hands, the University of Mary is an outstanding choice.

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.