University of Mary Welcomes Record-Breaking Class as Fall Semester Begins

Classes begin today with 1,296 new students, continued growth, and historic campus projects

BISMARCK, N.D. — The University of Mary opens its doors today, Tuesday, Sept. 2, to the largest incoming class in its history, as a record 1,296 new students — including freshmen, transfers, and graduate students — begin their studies on campus and online. The milestone underscores a trend of steady growth over the past several years, cementing Mary’s reputation as one of the nation’s most vibrant Catholic universities.

This fall’s new student total reflects both on-campus and online learners, a hallmark of the university’s expanding academic reach. While official enrollment figures will not be finalized until the census date of Oct. 15, projected numbers show over 3,900 total students enrolled — continuing Mary’s strong upward trajectory.

Students From Across the Nation and Around the World

Within the freshman class, students hail from every corner of the United States and beyond. All 50 states and 20 countries are represented on campus this fall, underscoring Mary’s growing national and international reach. North Dakota students account for the largest portion, or one-third of the class, while the rest come from out of state. Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Colorado, Washington, and California lead the list of other states sending the most students to Mary.

University officials say these numbers reflect the school’s ongoing success in both attracting new students and providing a supportive environment where they thrive.

Retention Strengthens Enrollment Story

Alongside record enrollment, the University of Mary continues to see encouraging student retention. Early indicators show that 83% of last year’s freshmen are returning for their sophomore year, a rate that remains far above national averages and reflects the university’s commitment to student support and success.

University of Mary Vice President Rachael Brash said retention is one of the clearest signs of a vibrant campus community.

“Retention is one of the most important measures of a healthy university and one of the clearest signs of student satisfaction,” Brash said. “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. It also shows they’re succeeding in the classroom while finding a true sense of belonging in our community.”

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

Adding to the excitement of a new academic year is the most ambitious construction project in the university’s history: the Marauders Athletics Complex. Groundwork is underway on the $45 million project, which is part of the $272 million Vision 2030 Campaign. Scheduled for completion in fall 2027 are a cutting-edge Research and Performance Center — dedicated to academic study, sports medicine, athletic conditioning, and wellness — along with the largest multipurpose sports dome in North Dakota.

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

Expanding Programs and Academic Reach

This fall also marks the launch of new academic initiatives, including the Catholic Montessori Institute at the graduate level. The Institute, officially announced earlier this year, will begin with a major, national conference Oct. 16–18 and position Mary as the premier global hub for advancing Catholic Montessori education. The program adds to an expanding portfolio of undergraduate and graduate offerings that continue to draw students from across the nation and the world.

Brash added that the momentum in both enrollment and academic innovation underscores the school’s mission to serve students with excellence.

“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. Our enrollment growth, new programs, and historic campus projects all point to a university that is thriving and looking boldly toward the future.”

A Community on the Rise

As the University of Mary enters the fall 2025 semester, the combination of record-setting enrollment, major campus development, and expanding academic offerings reflects a thriving institution. Students arrive at a university that is both deeply rooted in its Catholic Benedictine tradition and boldly embracing the future.

With students from all 50 states and 20 countries stepping onto campus this semester, and with historic projects transforming the landscape, the University of Mary continues to cement its place 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 over 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 3,800 students, Mary has locations in North Dakota, Montana, Arizona, Rome, Italy, as well as vibrant online offerings. 

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