Exterior of Mary College at ASU location in Tempe, AZ

An Unprecedented Partnership 

The University of Mary has partnered with Arizona State University to create Mary College at ASU, a domestic exchange program where Mary College students have the opportunity to belong to a community of learners committed to developing their minds and fostering their faith through the Catholic Intellectual Tradition. Mary College members enrolled at ASU can access Catholic studies courses taught by the University of Mary faculty and fulfill ASU general course requirements. Students from the University of Mary can spend a semester in Arizona as exchange students and access ASU courses and all the opportunities and resources of a Research One university.

In addition, all Mary College at ASU students have the opportunity to take part in an annual pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi. Specially designed for Mary College members, this dynamic international study experience takes place following finals week each December. 

Mary College Library

The Mary College at ASU Campus

Mary College is located on the ASU campus in Tempe, Arizona, in the beautiful and newly renovated Old St. Mary’s. The building is the oldest-standing Catholic structure in the area, built in 1903. Old St. Mary’s is home to both Mary College and the All Saints Catholic Newman Center (providing spiritual and pastoral support to students).

Headshot of Hope Simons

My experience at Mary College has been life-changing. I was able to learn as a part of a community and focus on academic and spiritual growth. The people at Mary College and the Newman Center are so kind and welcoming, and they helped make this experience a great one.

Hope Simon '22

Life at Mary College at ASU

Mary College at ASU is an ideal opportunity for our students to build new friendships within a thriving Catholic community and enjoy all that ASU has to offer while enjoying beautiful Arizona — the Grand Canyon State. Students will enjoy the academic opportunities offered by the nation’s largest research university. University of Mary students will continue to pay their regular tuition rate to the University of Mary but will pay room, board, and student fees to ASU for their semester in Tempe, in addition to the Mary College membership fee.

Why study in Arizona?

Mary College at ASU is a transformative exchange experience. As a Collegiate Fellow, students immerse themselves in a culture and ideas different from their own. It is a chance to see the needs of the Church and the culture from a broader and more national perspective – all while experiencing the beautiful state of Arizona and the Southwest United States.

Mary College is located in Tempe, Arizona, in the Old St. Mary’s at ASU. It is a beautiful and recently renovated location that Mary College shares with the All Saints Catholic Newman Center.

Where will I live?

University of Mary students are housed in ASU apartments equipped with a private bathroom suite, kitchen, and furniture.

Who can study at Mary College?

University of Mary students are eligible to study in Arizona after a semester at Mary and must be in attendance for at least one semester immediately prior to participating. Participation is a privilege, and approval by the University of Mary is required. Only students in good academic standing and behavioral standing are eligible to apply.” 

What is the cost?

University of Mary students will continue to pay their regular tuition rate to the University of Mary but will pay room, board, and student fees to ASU for their semester in Tempe, in addition to the Mary College membership fee. Financial aid and scholarships still apply, and accepted Mary College members are eligible for the Don Briel Scholarship.

Do I get to travel?

Yes, students get to travel both locally and abroad! The Mary College at ASU program offers an annual study pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi following finals week each December at the end of the fall semester. For ten days, join your classmates on a life-changing, first-hand experience of the Eternal City. This is a great opportunity to study domestically and internationally within one semester.

Locally, students are also able to attend weekend retreats and an excursion to the Grand Canyon with Mary College students. A week-long fall or spring break also allows students to explore the American Southwest.

Will I miss out on student life activities?

There are many community events at Mary College. On Tuesday evenings, Mary College invites ASU community members and the general public to an event centered around food and fellowship, fittingly named Convivium (from the Latin for life together). This event, which often features guest speakers, is an opportunity not only to bring people together but also to bring the classroom into a social environment, growing relationships between students and strengthening their communal desire for truth established in the classroom.

There are multiple Catholic studies courses offered at Mary College.

View the course schedule here.

Have Questions?

To learn more about Mary College at ASU, Mary students click the buttons below or contact the Office of Global Studies at 701-355-8010.

Are You a Current or Prospective ASU Student?

Contact the Program Director of Mary College at ASU at 480-290-7047 or email us to learn more.