Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Poughkeepsie, New York
64.7% Acceptance Rate
Marist University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
64.7%Acceptance Rate
3.56Avg GPA
1285Avg SAT
29Avg ACT
$63,898Annual Cost
$77,819Grad Salary
14.7%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
64.7%
Avg GPA
3.56
Avg SAT
1285
Avg ACT
29
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1220–1360
ACT Middle 50%
27–30
Need-Based Aid
14.7% receive Pell
Marist College, established in 1929 along New York's Hudson River, combines liberal arts with strong programs in technology, communication, and fashion.
The 180-acre campus features the Steel Plant Studios for digital media, the Fontaine Hall for fashion design, and the Hancock Center for student success. Its partnership with IBM supports cutting-edge technology education.
Marist University Acceptance Rate
Marist University is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Marist University is 64.7%. This means that 65 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 64.7% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.56 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.36 – 3.55
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.11
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Marist University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Marist University is 3.56. Marist University is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.76-3.96 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.26 and 3.56, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
Marist University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at Marist University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.56, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.56 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.36 – 3.55
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.16 – 3.35
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.15
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Marist officially became Marist University on January 29, 2025 (formerly Marist College); all current-cycle materials reflect the new name, but the change is not retroactive for alumni diplomas.
- Acceptance rate approximately 57% overall; ED I and EA (Nov. 15) acceptance rate approximately 67%; ED II and RD deadline February 15 - two binding ED rounds is relatively uncommon and gives applicants meaningful strategic flexibility.
- One required supplemental essay of 200?250 words (why Marist); counselor letter of recommendation required; teacher rec now optional for the fall cycle; test-optional policy applies to standard admission.
- Study abroad participation exceeds 50% of undergraduates; Marist ranked #1 among peer institutions for study abroad in a 2024 U.S. Department of State-sponsored report; Marist Italy is the only U.S. bachelor's degree-granting institution physically in Florence; First Year Abroad programs (Florence and Dublin) include a $5,000 scholarship and on-track graduation.
- The Rigor Metric: At Marist University, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Marist University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Marist University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Marist University Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Marist University Without SAT or ACT?
Marist University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Marist University Average SAT Score: 1285
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Marist University is 1285 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1285 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do well to score 1285 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1360 SAT or 30 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Marist University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1220, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Marist University. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 635 | 600 | 670 |
| SAT Reading | 655 | 620 | 690 |
| SAT Composite | 1285 | 1220 | 1360 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1220 then you are below most of the admitted students at Marist University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1360 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1300
Can I get into Marist University with a 1350 SAT?
With a 1350 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Marist University are good but the admission staff at Marist University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Marist University ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Marist University is 29.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 29 — Competitive
This score makes Marist University Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 29 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 26 | 23 | 28 |
| ACT English | 28 | 25 | 30 |
| ACT Composite | 29 | 27 | 30 |
Can I get into Marist University with a 30 ACT?
A 30 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Marist University — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Marist University use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Marist University — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Marist University uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 30 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Marist University
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Marist University is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Write the 200?250 Word "Why Marist" Essay With Granular Institutional Detail
Marist requires one supplemental essay of 200?250 words through the Common App supplement. Given the tight word count, generic "campus by the Hudson River" framing wastes space. The essay rewards students who demonstrate specific knowledge of Marist's structural offerings: the Marist/IBM Joint Study program (active since 1978, accessible from freshman summer), the First Year Abroad option in Florence or Dublin with its $5,000 scholarship, the ranked study abroad participation rate (over 50% of undergraduates), or the AACSB-accredited School of Management. Name the specific program, lab, or experiential track relevant to your major and tie it to a concrete academic or career goal.
Apply Early Decision I by November 15 to Meaningfully Improve Your Odds
Marist's overall acceptance rate is approximately 57%, but the ED I acceptance rate is roughly 67% - a statistically meaningful gap. Marist offers four decision cycles (ED I Nov. 15, EA Nov. 15, ED II Feb. 15, RD Feb. 15), which gives applicants unusual scheduling flexibility. For students confident in the fit, binding ED I submission is a genuine strategic lever. ED I applicants are also first in line for merit scholarship consideration, which matters because financial aid is not need-sensitive in Marist's admissions process.
Technology and CS Students: Position the IBM Joint Study as Your Specific Reason for Choosing Marist
Marist's partnership with IBM has been active since 1978 and gives undergraduates access to the Enterprise Computing Lab, IoT Lab, and Cloud Computing and Analytics Lab on campus, plus participation in IBM TechConnect conferences and pathways to IBM co-ops and full-time offers. Students as early as freshman summer have completed Joint Study projects and presented findings at international technical workshops. For computer science, data science, cybersecurity, and IT applicants, building your "why Marist" essay around this infrastructure demonstrates genuine research and signals a concrete plan for experiential learning from year one - not a generic interest in technology.
First Year Abroad Is a Real Academic Track, Not a Gap Year - Understand the Logistics Early
Marist's First Year Abroad program in Florence and Dublin earns full Marist credit and keeps students on track for graduation - over 95% of incoming students are eligible because the program covers most first-year major courses and all core curriculum disciplines. Students live in furnished apartments, take included day trips, and receive a $5,000 scholarship. Marist is also the only U.S. institution granting bachelor's degrees directly from its Florence campus (in eight majors). Students interested in FYA should flag this intent early in the application process, as FYA enrollment involves a workflow separate from standard Poughkeepsie campus admission.
Expert Insight:
The most common error among Marist applicants is writing a 200?250 word supplemental that could paste unchanged onto a Fordham, Quinnipiac, or Fairfield application. Marist became a university only on January 29, 2025, and its admissions readers are acutely aware that most "why us" essays will reference vague community-and-opportunity language rather than naming a real institutional feature. Any essay that doesn't name at least one specific Marist program - the IBM Joint Study, First Year Abroad, the Marist Poll research center, the Florence four-year degree option - reads as unfocused and suggests the student hasn't seriously researched the school.
Marist University Profile
Full Name
Marist University
City
Poughkeepsie
State
New York
ZIP Code
12601
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Is a Marist University Degree Worth It?
Getting into Marist University can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Marist University offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Marist University is $83,200 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.13%.
How much does a degree from Marist University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Marist University is $63,898. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Marist University is much less than this.
14.7% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 63 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Marist University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Marist University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Marist University as your choice in the form.
How much does a Marist University Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $77,819. An average Marist University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Marist University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| Biola University | La Mirada, CA | 1258 | 27 |
| Eckerd College | Saint Petersburg, FL | 1256 | 27 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | Daytona Beach, FL | 1256 | 27 |
| Florida Southern College | Lakeland, FL | 1263 | 28 |
| University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | 1235 | 27 |
| Covenant College | Lookout Mountain, GA | 1254 | 27 |
| Bradley University | Peoria, IL | 1237 | 28 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Marist University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego, CA | 1278 | 26 |
| Thomas Aquinas College | Santa Paula, CA | 1277 | 29 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | New London, CT | 1290 | 28 |
| University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | 1277 | 27 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Marist University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | Huntsville, AL | 1321 | 28 |
| Auburn University | Auburn, AL | 1318 | 28 |
| Hendrix College | Conway, AR | 1336 | 29 |
| Chapman University | Orange, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
Degree Programs at Marist University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Marist University →
Frequently Asked Questions About Marist University Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $77,819 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $63,898 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
14.7% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
The acceptance rate of Marist University is 64.7% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.56. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.26, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.26, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.16 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.56, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Marist University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1285 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1220–1360.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.