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BISMARCK, ND — The University of Mary announces that this fall two new enrollment records have been set. When classes begin on Tuesday, September 3, Mary welcomes the largest-ever freshman class, surpassing last year’s record-breaking number. Additionally, with the inclusion of transfer and graduate students, the campus incoming population will exceed 800 new students. Those data points make this the largest enrollment ever of new students at the University of Mary.

These milestones reflect the continued success in attracting students from across the United States and around the world, who not only earn their degrees but also choose to make Bismarck-Mandan and North Dakota their new home. Vice President for Public Affairs Rachael Brash says Mary also far exceeded normal retention rates for all three classes making the transition from freshman, sophomore, and junior years.

“The allure of a faith-based culture; a robust and active campus life; a variety of attractive academic programs and world-class faculty; 24/7 dining in The Crow’s Nest Restaurant; a once-in-a-lifetime experience studying abroad at our Rome campus; and a welcoming Bismarck-Mandan community with vibrant growth, activities, support, and amenities is attracting young people from all over to study at the University of Mary. We hear from our students and their parents that come from around the globe and the US, stating there is a real community atmosphere at Mary fostering a sense of belonging that attracts their siblings, peers, and friends. Word continues to spread about Mary on a global scale. Most importantly, we’re grateful to the parents who have entrusted us with the care of their sons and daughters,” said Brash.

All 50 states and 35 countries are represented on campus. Within this record-setting freshman class, 35% come from North Dakota and 65% come from out of state with the largest representation from MN, WI, CO, SD, WA, and CA.

New this fall, on the graduate level, and already nearing enrollment capacity, is the extremely popular Master of Social Work degree — those interested should enroll now before it fills up. This new program starts every fall, and the university can accept up to 24 students per cohort.

Just as the University of Mary’s student body continues to grow, so does its campus because of its three-phased $272 million Vision 2030 Capital Campaign started in 2015. Phase I included a new all-female Roers Residence Hall; Field House for various sports and student health and wellness area; LVUC at the center of campus featuring The Crow’s Nest Restaurant with 24/7 dining, lounging areas, and student amenities; and the state-of-the-art Hamm School of Engineering, to name just a few. 

Phase II is currently underway with the recent expansion and completion of the Hamm School of Engineering. There’s more building to come in the near future with the anticipation of a new Welcome Center added on to the Benedictine Center for Servant Leadership building on south campus; an all-new master landscaping project throughout campus and a Marauders Sports Complex on the east side of campus parallel to Highway 1804 that will bring several NCAA sports onto campus; and the expansion of the Saint Gianna School of Health Sciences to meet the nation’s health care needs. 

Anyone who wishes to learn more about the University of Mary can do so at www.umary.edu or  , or by contacting an admissions representative at enroll@umary.edu, or by calling (701) 355-8030. The University of Mary is one of only 15 Recommended Cardinal Newman Society Residential Colleges and Universities in the US.

SWAG��Ƶ the University of Mary: True to its motto “lumen vitae”—The Light of Life—the University of Mary offers education for the whole of life through cutting-edge professional programs and graduate programs animated by moral courage and leadership in chosen professions and service to the community. A private, co-educational Catholic institution, the University of Mary welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds.

A Christian, Catholic, Benedictine institution founded in 1959 by the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery, Mary offers nearly 60 bachelor’s, 15 master’s, and five doctoral programs—in Business Administration, Education, Nursing Practice, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy. The 19-sport Athletic Department adheres to its Greatness Through Virtue mission under the governance of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) conferences. With more than 3,800 students, Mary has locations in North Dakota, Montana, Arizona, Rome, Italy, as well as vibrant online offerings.