
1301 College Avenue, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, USA


University of Mary Washington provides a variety of athletic opportunities for students interested in competitive sports as well as those seeking recreational activities. The university competes primarily at the NCAA Division III level, emphasizing both athletic development and academic achievement. Student-athletes have access to numerous varsity sports, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, and lacrosse for both men and women, fostering a balanced environment for competition and teamwork.
In addition to varsity teams, the university supports club and intramural sports, which allow students to engage in athletics without the intensity of varsity commitments. This provides a welcoming option for those who want to maintain an active lifestyle while balancing their academic workload. Facilities on campus are well-maintained and accommodate a range of sports, offering modern fields and gymnasiums suitable for training and hosting games.
Participation in athletics at the university also encourages leadership development, personal discipline, and a strong sense of community among students. Coaches and staff emphasize the importance of academic success alongside athletic involvement, ensuring that student-athletes receive guidance both on and off the field.
University of Mary Washington offers a variety of student organizations that cater to diverse interests and communities. Among these are the Pre-Health Society, which is suited for students pursuing careers in health-related fields, and the Latino Student Association, providing cultural engagement and support for Latino students.
Other groups include Yarnworks, which likely appeals to those interested in crafts, particularly knitting or crocheting, and the Tabletop Game Club, serving students who enjoy board games and role-playing games. Additionally, the UMW Girl Gains supports students with a focus on strength training and fitness initiatives.
These associations contribute to a vibrant campus life, encouraging student involvement and offering opportunities for social connection and personal development.
University of Mary Washington attracts a predominantly in-state student population, with 88% of students coming from within Virginia, a figure that ranks in the top 25% nationally. Out-of-state students comprise a smaller segment, accounting for only 10%, which places the university in the bottom 25% for this category. The student body is overwhelmingly composed of residents of the United States, making up 98% of the enrollment, while international students represent a modest 1%. The remainder of the student demographic falls into categories that are either unknown or do not report their residency status.
The total student enrollment is moderate in size, with 1,035 new students entering in a given intake year. Freshmen constitute the majority at 758 students, while transfers number 277. These figures place the university near the bottom 45% nationally in terms of incoming student volume, reflecting a campus that is not overly large and likely offers a more personal collegiate experience.
Age demographics reveal a diverse range, especially among undergraduate students. Most fall within traditional college ages, with 1,230 students aged 18 to 19 and 1,279 between ages 20 and 21. However, there is also a significant presence of older students, including 637 aged 22 to 24 and smaller but notable populations in age brackets up to 64 years. Graduate students tend to be older, primarily ranging from 22 to 49 years old, showing the university's ability to accommodate learners at various life stages.
Racial and ethnic composition at University of Mary Washington is relatively balanced across several groups. Hispanic students number 462, African American students total 291, and White students are the largest group at 2,116. Smaller populations include Native American students (7), Asian students (158), and Pacific Islanders (2). Students identifying as belonging to two or more races amount to 217, and 218 students have an unknown racial background. These figures generally place the university in the lower half nationally for diversity, but they reflect a steady presence of various communities.
Student life at University of Mary Washington offers a variety of cultural and media activities on campus. Students can engage with the campus newspaper, participate in drama productions, join the campus radio station, or become a member of the chorus. While there is no campus band or television station, these existing opportunities contribute to an active on-campus community.
The university provides health and support services, including access to a health clinic and psychological counseling, which can be essential for maintaining student well-being. Additionally, there is a veterans affairs office to assist students with military backgrounds.
The campus itself spans 234 acres, offering ample space for student activities and outdoor engagement. However, some specialized services, such as legal services or a women's center, are not available on campus.
University of Mary Washington has one main library, the Simpson Library, which serves as the primary resource center for students. While the university's total number of libraries falls in the lower 40th percentile nationally, the facilities provide essential services including physical access to collections, digital access, and staff support.
The library houses approximately 294,556 books, positioning it near the midpoint compared to other institutions. Subscriptions number 4,357, and digital subscriptions are plentiful at 151,509, ranking in the top half nationally for digital resources. Additionally, the collection includes around 849,628 ebooks, which is above average and places the university in the higher 40th percentile for this format.
Students can also access a sizable number of databases, totaling 209, although this figure remains average and below the national median. The Simpson Library offers about 80 service hours per week, includes study rooms for collaborative or quiet work, maintains established hours, and has trained staff to assist patrons. While there is no all-day access, students benefit from access to shared collections beyond the main library's holdings.
Total enrollment
3826Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
721Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
208 full time, 105 part timeVeterans affair office
YesMain library name
Simpson LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
1Reservable study rooms in library
Yes24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes