University of Mary to Award 65 Tuition Free Scholarships, Expanding Academy Model and Adding New Programs

Newman Guide-recommended university expands proven academy model to address workforce needs in nursing, education, business, engineering, healthcare, and the humanities

BISMARCK, N.D. — As one of only a select group of Newman Guide-recommended Catholic universities in the United States, the University of Mary is expanding its pioneering tuition-free academy model to provide 65 scholarships annually for high-achieving students pursuing careers in some of the nation’s most critical fields.

Following the overwhelming success of its Nursing Academy, launched in 2023, the University of Mary is extending this innovative approach to additional disciplines, including elementary education, accounting, engineering, humanities, respiratory therapy, and other nursing scholarship opportunities. Applications are now open for students beginning their university studies in fall 2027.

The expansion reflects the university’s commitment to making a rigorous Catholic education more accessible while preparing students for meaningful careers rooted in service, leadership, and human dignity.

“The success of our Nursing Academy confirmed what we believed was possible — that students and families are looking for an innovative approach to higher education that provides exceptional career preparation without the burden of overwhelming debt,” said Rachael Brash, vice president for Enrollment Services. “As a Newman Guide-recommended university, we have a responsibility to provide students with an education that forms the whole person — intellectually, professionally, and personally. These academies allow us to do that while preparing graduates to serve in fields where they are needed most.”

The University of Mary’s first academy, the Nursing Academy, was created to address the nation’s nursing shortage while preparing students to become skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals. Through full-tuition scholarships funded by healthcare partners Sanford Health and CHI St. Alexius, Nursing Academy students complete the university’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program through the innovative Year-Round Campus model, graduating in 2.6 years and entering the workforce with guaranteed employment.

The academy experience extends beyond the classroom. Students receive personalized mentorship, hands-on professional preparation, and participate in transformative formation opportunities, including a European pilgrimage that connects their future profession with history, culture, service, and the dignity of the human person.

For Nursing Academy student McKaylee Kalstrom of Bowman, North Dakota, the opportunity changed the trajectory of her future. After seeing the compassion of nurses who cared for her mother during a serious illness, Kalstrom knew she wanted to provide that same support to others.

“I always knew I wanted to be a nurse, but I struggled to find an affordable program,” Kalstrom said. “When I found the Nursing Academy and learned about the tuition-free scholarship, it felt like a perfect fit. Seeing the way my mom’s nurses cared for our whole family inspired me to do the same for others.”

Building on the Nursing Academy’s success, the University of Mary launched the Elementary Education Academy and Accounting Academy in fall 2026, while also expanding tuition-free scholarship opportunities in engineering, humanities, respiratory therapy, and additional nursing pathways.

The academy model is part of the University of Mary’s broader commitment to affordable, career-focused Catholic higher education. In addition to the academy programs, the university continues to provide tuition-free scholarship opportunities for high-achieving students entering select programs, including the Hamm School of Engineering and the School of Arts & Sciences.

With 65 tuition-free scholarships available across multiple disciplines, the University of Mary’s expanded academy model is opening doors for students seeking an education that combines academic excellence, affordability, faith, and preparation for lives of service.

For more information about University of Mary’s Tuition-Free Academies and scholarship opportunities, visit www.umary.edu/TuitionFree.