
3399 North Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601-1387, USA


Marist University holds accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, a regional accrediting body recognized by the U. S. Department of Education. This accreditation ensures that the institution meets rigorous standards of quality in areas such as faculty qualifications, academic programs, and student services. For prospective students, this endorsement confirms that the education provided aligns with national expectations for degree-granting universities.
Prospective students aiming to enroll at Marist University must meet several admission requirements that emphasize academic readiness and language proficiency. A General Educational Development (GED) certificate is necessary for applicants who did not complete high school. Additionally, submission of a complete secondary school record and a minimum required grade point average (GPA) are mandatory components of the application process. Letters of recommendation are also required, underscoring the importance of external evaluations in the admissions decision.
Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting TOEFL scores, while other standardized test submissions are recommended but not compulsory. The university does not have an open admission policy, ensuring that admission decisions are selective rather than guaranteed. Dual credit options are not available, but both college-level program credits and Advanced Placement (AP) credits can be applied toward degree requirements.
Standardized test scores play a significant role in showing academic preparedness. The average SAT score of admitted students is 1279, which ranks in the top 20th percentile nationally. Within this, the SAT Math and Writing components are also strong, with scores positioned in the upper quartiles. The mean ACT score is 28, placing students in the top 25% nationwide. Despite these high scoring averages, the overall acceptance rate is around 65%, reflecting a moderately selective admissions process.
Marist University charges an application fee for prospective students submitting their admission materials. However, the institution offers application fee waivers under specific circumstances to reduce financial barriers for applicants. These waivers are typically granted to students who demonstrate financial need or participate in certain outreach programs aimed at supporting diverse and underrepresented populations in higher education.
Applicants seeking a fee waiver must provide appropriate documentation or meet eligibility criteria outlined by the university's admissions office. The process is designed to ensure that qualified students are not deterred from applying due to the cost of the application fee.
Marist University hosts an ROTC branch unit on its campus, offering students the opportunity to participate directly in military training programs while pursuing their academic degrees. This on-site presence enables prospective students interested in an ROTC pathway to engage conveniently with military instruction and leadership development without needing to commute to separate institutions. The availability of an ROTC unit at Marist University supports those considering careers in the armed forces by integrating military education within the university environment.
Marist University maintains a very difficult entrance process for transfer students, indicating a competitive admission environment. The institution accepts transfer credits, including those earned through CLEP General and CLEP Subject exams, as well as credits obtained via DANTES. This flexibility allows students to potentially accelerate their progress toward a degree.
Transfers are possible for fall and spring semesters, providing multiple opportunities throughout the academic year to enroll as a transfer student. Additionally, Marist University considers recommendation letters as part of the application evaluation.
Marist University offers a broad array of study abroad programs designed to accommodate diverse academic interests and schedules. Students may participate in semester-long or year-long exchanges at partner universities worldwide, allowing for immersive cultural and educational experiences. There are also shorter-term faculty-led programs, often taking place during summer sessions or winter breaks, ideal for students seeking international exposure without extending their time away from campus.
The university maintains partnerships with institutions across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Australia, enabling students to choose locations that align closely with their fields of study or personal preferences. These programs provide opportunities not only to earn academic credit overseas but also to develop language skills, global perspectives, and intercultural competence.
Additionally, Marist University supports internship and service-learning opportunities abroad, which integrate practical work experience or community engagement with academic study. This variety of options ensures that prospective students can find programs matching their academic goals, budgets, and timelines while enriching their university education through international exposure.
Median composite SAT score
1279Median composite ACT score
28Percent of students submitting ACT scores
3%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
11%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
HardGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring