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Summary
University of Mary Washington is a public institution that was founded in 1908. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 4,464, its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 176 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. University of Mary Washington's ranking in the 2013 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Universities (South), 16. Its in-state tuition and fees are $9,222 (2012-13); out-of-state tuition and fees are $21,560 (2012-13).
The University of Mary Washington (UMW) is named after the former United States president’s mother and is located in Fredericksburg, Va. Students at UMW’s main campus can earn bachelor’s degrees in science, arts, and liberal studies, and master’s degrees in elementary education. About 10 miles northeast of Fredericksburg, at the Stafford campus, adult learners can take weekend and evening classes to complete several bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. UMW students can also learn from speakers at the Fredericksburg Forum, which has hosted influential people such as former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, actor James Earl Jones, and celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain.
Students at UMW can participate in more than 100 clubs, play recreational sports, and drive an hour to the attractions of Washington, D.C. Many UMW students listen to bands and play trivia games at The Underground in Lee Hall, and some relax by playing video games and air hockey at the Wash Room in the campus center. Student athletes can try out for the WMU Eagles varsity teams, which compete in the NCAA Division III Capital Athletic Conference and offer opportunities in more than 20 sports.
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The University of Mary Washington, founded in 1908, is recognized as one of the nation's premier public, liberal arts and sciences institutions. Highly respected for its commitment to academic excellence, strong undergraduate liberal arts and sciences program, the University boasts three colleges, business, education and arts and sciences and three campuses, conveniently located between Richmond, Va., and Washington, D.C. These two capitals provide a rich resource for undergraduate student internships, as well as a promising job market for graduates. Mary Washington's talented and intellectually curious students work collaboratively in small, interactive classes with innovative and accessible master teachers, including a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and Fulbright scholars, who motivate them to think critically, engage meaningfully and communicate effectively. The UMW experience is based on rigorous academics, a culture of honor and dedication to community and global service, exemplified in the 2011 Peace Corps ranking of Mary Washington as the nation's top volunteer producer among small colleges. An education at UMW, with multiple opportunities for student research and service learning, prepares graduates for outstanding careers or for advanced study. UMW offers one of the nation's leading historic preservation programs, a concentration in creative writing and one of the top debate programs in the country. Other strong majors include political science and international affairs, English, biology, psychology, earth and environmental science, history, visual and performing arts, economics and business. With its classic Jeffersonian architecture, beautifully manicured grounds and sweeping campus walk and dorms located amidst traditional lecture halls, UMW offers an unparalleled American college experience. At the same time, a premium residential and retail complex, centrally located student services and 2,000-seat convocation center provide students with superb facilities. Historic Fredericksburg, Va., bustles with distinctive stores, great restaurants, quaint bookstores and coffee shops, all within easy walking distance of campus. More than 100 student organizations and clubs provide opportunities for leadership. UMW Eagles varsity teams regularly compete at the championship level in NCAA Division III, and numerous intramural and club sporting activities are available. |
General Information
| School type | public, coed college |
| Year founded | 1908 |
| Religious affiliation | N/A |
| Academic calendar | semester |
| Setting | suburban |
| 2011 Endowment | $39,596,241 |
Applying
When applying to University of Mary Washington, it's important to note the application deadline is February 1, and the early action deadline is November 15. Scores for either the ACT or SAT test are due February 1. The application fee at University of Mary Washington is $50. It is selective, with an acceptance rate of 75.7 percent.
For more information about the tests, essays, interviews, and admissions process, visit the Applying to College knowledge center.
| Selectivity | selective |
| Fall 2011 acceptance rate | 75.7% |
| Application deadline | February 1 |
| SAT/ACT scores must be received by | February 1 |
Academic Life
The student-faculty ratio at University of Mary Washington is 15:1, and the school has 42.4 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students. The most popular majors at University of Mary Washington include: Social Sciences; Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; English Language and Literature/Letters; Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies; and Psychology. The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 83.8 percent.
Student Life
University of Mary Washington has a total undergraduate enrollment of 4,464, with a gender distribution of 35.7 percent male students and 64.3 percent female students. At this school, 61.0 percent of the students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing and 39.0 percent of students live off campus. University of Mary Washington is part of the NCAA III athletic conference.
See what students are saying about life at University of Mary Washington.
| Total enrollment | 5,170 |
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| Collegiate athletic association | NCAA III |
Campus Info & Services
University of Mary Washington offers a number of student services including nonremedial tutoring, health service, and health insurance. University of Mary Washington also offers campus safety and security services like 24-hour foot and vehicle patrols, late night transport/escort service, 24-hour emergency telephones, lighted pathways/sidewalks, student patrols, and controlled dormitory access (key, security card, etc). Of the students at University of Mary Washington, 65 percent have cars on campus. Alcohol is permitted for students of legal age at University of Mary Washington.
| Students who have cars on campus | 65% |
| Health insurance offered | Yes |
| Students required to own/lease a computer | No |
More About Campus Info & Services
Paying for School
At University of Mary Washington, 35.2 percent of full-time undergraduates receive some kind of need-based financial aid and the average need-based scholarship or grant award is $6,920.
Paying for college doesn't have to be difficult or devastating. Go to the Paying for College knowledge center to get advice on raising cash and reducing costs.
| In-state tuition and fees | $9,222 (2012-13) |
| Out-of-state tuition and fees | $21,560 (2012-13) |
| Room and board | $9,094 (2012-13) |
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* Overview details based on 2011 data
