University of Mary Achieves Record Enrollment, Reaches 3,973 Students

Largest student body in school history underscores national reach and mission-driven growth

BISMARCK, N.D. — The University of Mary has reached the largest enrollment in its 66-year history, welcoming a record 3,973 students for the 2025–26 academic year. The milestone represents a continuation of steady growth across all areas of the university — undergraduate, graduate, and online — and solidifies Mary’s reputation as one of the nation’s most vibrant Catholic universities.

This fall’s record enrollment follows the arrival of 1,296 new students, including freshmen, transfers, and graduate students. Together, they join a thriving academic community that now spans every corner of the United States and 20 countries worldwide.

Growth Across Every Category

The university reports growth in every major enrollment category compared to the previous year. University officials say this balanced growth underscores both the university’s national reach and its ability to serve students at every stage of life.

“Not only does the University of Mary have record enrollment, we have increased enrollment in both undergraduate and graduate programs, here on campus and online,” said Rachael Brash, vice president for public affairs. “This proves that the University of Mary is a leader in educating students at every stage of their journey — from 18-year-olds beginning their undergraduate studies to adults advancing their professional careers. Families and students across the country are recognizing that Mary provides not only excellent academics, but also a faith-filled and supportive community where they truly belong.”

Retention Strengthens the Enrollment Story

Alongside record-setting enrollment, the University of Mary continues to excel in student retention — a key measure of student satisfaction and university health. Early indicators show that 83% of last year’s freshmen returned for their sophomore year, a rate that far exceeds national averages and highlights the university’s commitment to student support and success.

“When students choose to stay, it shows they feel supported academically, personally, and spiritually, and that Mary is delivering on the promise we make to families,” Brash said. “It also shows they’re succeeding in the classroom while finding a true sense of belonging in our community.”

Students From All 50 States and 20 Countries

Within the record-setting student body are students from all 50 states and 20 countries, underscoring Mary’s expanding national and international presence. While North Dakota students continue to form the largest share of the incoming class, a strong majority come from out of state, with Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Colorado, Washington, and California among the leading contributors.

University leaders say this geographic reach demonstrates the growing reputation of the University of Mary as a destination for students seeking both academic excellence and a transformative Catholic education.

A Campus in Motion: $45 Million Marauders Athletics and Master Landscaping Plan

The record enrollment comes as the University of Mary undertakes the most ambitious construction project in its history: the $45 million Marauders Athletics Complex, part of the university’s $272 million Vision 2030 Campaign. Scheduled for completion in fall 2027, the complex will include a cutting-edge Research and Performance Center — dedicated to academic study, sports medicine, athletic conditioning, and wellness — as well as the largest multipurpose sports dome in North Dakota.

University leaders say the project not only elevates the student-athlete experience but also strengthens Mary’s role as a center of research and health innovation for the region.

Expanding Programs and Academic Reach

This fall also marks the launch of the Catholic Montessori Institute at the graduate level. Announced earlier this year, the institute will host its annual major, national conference Oct. 16–18 and is positioned to become the premier global hub for advancing Catholic Montessori education. The program adds to Mary’s expanding portfolio of undergraduate and graduate offerings that continue to draw students from across the nation and the world.

“Families continue to see the University of Mary as a place where students not only receive an excellent education, but also a transformative experience rooted in faith, service, and community,” Brash said. “Our enrollment growth, new programs, and historic campus projects all point to a university that is thriving and looking boldly toward the future.”

A Catholic University on the Rise

As the University of Mary enters the fall 2025 semester, the combination of record enrollment, expanding programs, rising retention rates, and major campus projects paints a portrait of a university on the rise.

From students beginning their undergraduate journey, to professionals advancing their careers, to lifelong learners embracing new opportunities, nearly 4,000 students have made Mary their academic home this year.

Rooted in its Catholic Benedictine tradition and boldly embracing the future, the University of Mary continues to grow as one of the most dynamic Catholic universities in the nation.

Anyone who wishes to learn more about the University of Mary can do so at www.umary.edu or  online.umary.edu, or by contacting an admissions representative at enroll@umary.edu, or by calling (701) 355-8030. The University of Mary is one of only 23 Recommended Cardinal Newman Society Residential Colleges and universities in the US.

About 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 3,900 students, Mary has locations in North Dakota, Montana, Arizona, Rome, Italy, as well as vibrant online offerings.