Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Arlington, Virginia
80.5% Acceptance Rate
Marymount University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
80.5%Acceptance Rate
3.38Avg GPA
1070Avg SAT
$55,748Annual Cost
$67,516Grad Salary
22.1%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
80.5%
Avg GPA
3.38
Avg SAT
1070
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1030–1100
Need-Based Aid
22.1% receive Pell
Marymount University is a private, Catholic university in Virginia known for its commitment to academic excellence, career-focused learning, and the development of the whole person. Offering a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, the university fosters a supportive campus community that encourages critical inquiry, leadership, and professional preparation. Its focus on providing a high-value, well-rounded education makes it a meaningful choice for students seeking to prepare for leadership in a global society.
Marymount University Acceptance Rate
Admission at Marymount University is inclusive by design: 80.5% of applicants who meet basic eligibility are accepted.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in — worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 80.5% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.38 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.18 – 3.37
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.93
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Marymount University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Marymount University follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline.
Key Admission Dates
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
Marymount University reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
💡 The scholarship deadline (Priority: 2026/02/01) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Marymount University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Marymount University is 3.38. That makes admissions here competitive, but not extremely selective. Most admitted students carry a mix of A's and B's.
In the 3.08–3.38 range, a high SAT or ACT score still carries real weight.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 3.58–3.78.Marymount University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Admission here leans heavily on holistic review.
Recommended Strategy: Leans on context — leadership, personal circumstances, or a standout talent.
This range is a rough map — where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.38 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.18 – 3.37
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.98 – 3.17
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.97
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Test-blind for the large majority of applicants; SAT/ACT scores are only required for specific instructional models, not general freshman admission.
- Freshman applicants must submit an essay or untimed writing sample of 250-500 words as a core application requirement.
- Designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) by the NSA and DHS - a distinction held by only select universities nationally, tied to the undergraduate B.S. in Cybersecurity.
- Nursing programs (traditional BSN, ABSN, MSN, DNP, FNP certificate) each have separate GPA thresholds, prerequisites, and application windows distinct from general undergraduate admission.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: Course rigor is read alongside the number itself — a 3.8 with a demanding schedule can beat a 4.0 without one.
- Trajectory Matters: Grades that climb toward graduation tend to matter more than a flat average — the trajectory tells its own story.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Marymount University
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from Marymount University's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
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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.
Marymount University Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at Marymount University — landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into Marymount University Without SAT or ACT?
Marymount University neither requires nor recommends test scores. Submit yours only if it's above the state or national average — otherwise, leaving it off works in your favor.
Marymount University Average SAT Score: 1070
Admitted students at Marymount University average a 1070 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1070 — Accessible
A 1070 average means even a modest SAT score can strengthen your application.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1100 SAT) to stand out. Below average? Marymount University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 1030? A retake is worth it at Marymount University — two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 1070 | 1030 | 1100 |
A score under 1030 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1100+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1050
Can I get into Marymount University with a 1100 SAT?
At 1100, your SAT is squarely in Marymount University's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file — GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Marymount University
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Marymount University takes a broad view of applicants. Your energy is best spent proving readiness for coursework and maximizing your financial aid package.
Confirm Which Instructional Model Applies Before Assuming Test-Blind Status
Marymount doesn't consider SAT/ACT scores for most applicants, but specific instructional models (certain online, hybrid, or international pathways) do require standardized test scores for admission consideration. Check which category applies rather than assuming blanket test-blind status covers every applicant type.
Leverage the NSA/DHS Cyber Defense Designation for Cybersecurity Applicants
Marymount holds a federally recognized Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) designation from the NSA and DHS, held by only select universities nationally, tied directly to the undergraduate B.S. in Cybersecurity. Students targeting this major should name specific interest in CAE-CDE-aligned coursework or the DC-area government/defense internship pipeline in their essay - a genuine credibility marker most competing regional schools lack.
Use the Required 250-500 Word Essay to Signal Specific Fit
Marymount requires an essay or untimed writing sample within this exact word range for freshman admission. Given the university's moderate selectivity, the essay likely carries more weight for demonstrated fit and writing competency than as a high-stakes differentiator - name a specific program (nursing, cybersecurity, etc.) and connect it to Marymount's DC-metro internship access rather than writing a broad personal narrative.
Treat Nursing as a Separately Gated Process With Its Own Cycle
Marymount's nursing tracks (traditional BSN, ABSN, MSN, DNP, FNP certificate) each carry different GPA thresholds, licensure/certification prerequisites, and application windows with specific spring/summer/fall dates. Identify the specific track and its own deadline structure rather than assuming general undergraduate admission timelines apply.
Expert Insight:
Don't confuse Marymount University (Arlington, VA, Catholic, RSHM-founded) with Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles - a different, unaffiliated, more selective institution that frequently surfaces in the same searches due to shared "Marymount" branding. Verify materials specifically reference the Arlington, VA campus.
Marymount University Profile
Full Name
Marymount University
City
Arlington
State
Virginia
ZIP Code
22207-4299
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a Marymount University Degree Worth It?
Whether Marymount University is worth it depends less on its reputation and more on your program choice, financial aid package, and career goals — here's the data to weigh it against.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $89,800, and graduates see a 2.65% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from Marymount University Cost?
Listed tuition runs $55,748/year at Marymount University; factor in Pell and federal grant aid and most students land typically much lower.
At Marymount University, 22.1% receive a Pell Grant and 35% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming Marymount University on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a Marymount University Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, Marymount University graduates report a median income of $67,516, about 66% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Marymount University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Central Baptist College | Conway, AR | 1022 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton | Morrilton, AR | 1020 | 20 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Magnolia, AR | 1050 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | Fort Smith, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Western Connecticut State University | Danbury, CT | 1044 | 24 |
| Baptist University of Florida | Graceville, FL | 1045 | 20 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Marymount University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Florida College | Temple Terrace, FL | 1068 | 19 |
| Piedmont University | Demorest, GA | 1074 | 21 |
| Shorter University | Rome, GA | 1075 | 20 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Marymount University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
Degree Programs at Marymount University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Masters Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Marymount University Admissions
Marymount University graduates earn a moderate median salary of $67,516/year, with some variation by field.
Tuition at Marymount University runs high — roughly $55,748+/year — so financial aid planning matters.
22.1% receive a Pell Grant here, below the ~35% national average — Marymount University skews toward higher-income students, though merit aid may still be worth checking.
Marymount University's acceptance rate is 80.5%, comparatively higher than most selective universities — admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted Marymount University students is 3.38, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 3.08 puts you in the standard applicant pool at Marymount University. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 2.98 or below makes admission tougher at Marymount University, but strong test scores, activities, and essays — plus AP/IB coursework — can still keep you in contention.
Marymount University weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1070, and within the 1030–1100 range, keeps you competitive.
Marymount University follows Rolling Admissions — applications are reviewed year-round, so applying early is your best strategy.
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before Priority: 2026/02/01 — that's Marymount University's scholarship priority date.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out — plus a solid test score where the school considers one.
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