Unigo Top Student Rated School

University of Mary Washington

1301 College Ave

Fredericksburg, VA 22401-5300

Write A Review & Enter To Win $1,000 Scholarship
See Details

About University of Mary Washington

Founded in 1908, University of Mary Washington. is a Public college. Located in Virginia, which is a city setting in Virginia, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 4,357 full time undergraduate students, and 369 full time graduate students.

The University of Mary Washington Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 14:1. There are 250 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at University of Mary Washington include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate74%
Application Deadline
Application Fee50
SAT Range1010-1210
ACT Range22-27

Admissions at UMW are considered Selective, with ,48% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 16 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

0% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 0% were in the top quarter, and 0% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at University of Mary Washington.

3%
“We”re apathetic”
12%
“We know about current events and vote”
61%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
25%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
3%
“We save it for the classroom”
19%
“Sometimes, but not often”
62%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
17%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
5%
“I only go out in groups”
24%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
71%
“I feel extremely safe”
10%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
78%
“We bought the gear”
12%
“We live for the big game”
2%
“It”s not really our thing”
18%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
56%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
24%
“We”re a very artistic group”
2%
“Haven”t met them”
3%
“Available in class”
42%
“They keep regular office hours”
54%
“They”re always available”
73%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
24%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
4%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
3%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
18%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
58%
“We only party on weekends”
21%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
14%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
60%
“There might be people who do”
24%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
2%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
3%
“We”re apathetic”
12%
“We know about current events and vote”
61%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
25%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
3%
“We save it for the classroom”
19%
“Sometimes, but not often”
62%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
17%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
5%
“I only go out in groups”
24%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
71%
“I feel extremely safe”
10%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
78%
“We bought the gear”
12%
“We live for the big game”
2%
“It”s not really our thing”
18%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
56%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
24%
“We”re a very artistic group”
2%
“Haven”t met them”
3%
“Available in class”
42%
“They keep regular office hours”
54%
“They”re always available”
73%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
24%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
4%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
3%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
18%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
58%
“We only party on weekends”
21%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
14%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
60%
“There might be people who do”
24%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
2%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
Write a review, Enter to win $1,000 Scholarship
  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    117 Students rated on-campus housing 3.5 stars. 9 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    91 Students rated off-campus housing 3.4 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    120 Students rated campus food 2.8 stars. 5 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    124 Students rated campus facilities 4 stars. 34 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    124 Students rated class size 4.5 stars. 65 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    124 Students rated school activities 4 stars. 39 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    124 Students rated local services 4.3 stars. 51 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    124 Students rated academics 4.2 stars. 52 % gave the school a 5.0.

University of Mary Washington REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of University of Mary Washington?

44 Students rated University of Mary Washington

aijya
09/10/2023

In my opinion the University of Mary Washington is a fun, academic school. There are many activities to do here at different places and times so that everyone can enjoy them. The Bing nights are my best because I get to relax with my friends and win prizes. Academic are taken seriously here if you are struggling there are a lot of resources that will help.

Megan
03/12/2020

I love my school! While there are many things that set us apart from other schools (lack of greek life, not a big party scene, lower than average school spirit for sports, etc.) the pros by far outweigh what some would consider cons. The campus is beautiful, the class sizes are small, the professors are competent and accessible, and town is great. At the end of the day we’re all here to learn and I think Mary Wash makes learning exciting and possible in a way very few other schools could achieve. As with all things it takes an adjustment period, but I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else right now.

Hailey
01/29/2020

I love UMW because there are so many different types of people here. I can always find a familiar face on campus no matter where I am at. All the professor are amazing as well.

Cosette
12/17/2019

I like my school overall! It's got really good academics, with motivated and helpful professors. The campus is super motivated politically and socially, with lots of chances to work for change. The students are inclusive, and it is a supportive environment!

Zahia
11/17/2019

I really like Mary Washington. There are always things to do around campus and activities to get involved in. There are numerous intramural sports clubs for men and women. There are countless clubs to join. For such a small school, there are many food options for students. Mary Washington is a very good school. The professors as well as administrators really seem to care about us students and our success.

Shannon
07/27/2019

I LOVE my school. All of my professors have been amazing and they show that they care about their students; students always have the opportunity to speak with their professors and voice their thoughts. It's not a party school by any means and there is no Greek life affiliated with the school, which I prefer. It's a fairly small school of about 4,000 undergraduates so there is a greater opportunity to make friendships that last. The only negative thing I have to say about my school is that the food is not very good, though it does the job, and the residence halls are definitely not 5-star hotels; more like 2 1/2, maybe 3. Other than that, it is an awesome university with top of the line academics, lots of opportunities for out of the class experience, and just overall everything I have ever wanted in a school. have ever wanted in a school.

Amelia
06/30/2019

Attending UMW was the best decision I have ever made. I loved it so much that I am going to graduate school here. The UMW community is inclusive, accepting, and values learning. UMW allows students to find their interests and passions with various classes and extracurriculars. The campus is so pretty! The professors and staff care about you inside and outside of the classroom. Our honor code is respected and ensures we as a community work hard and respect each other.

Joe
06/26/2019

The first impression of the school for our family was positive. We did not take an official tour and visit yet but will be doing so this July. My son is looking forward to the visit as well as participation in a prospect day for the lacrosse program. We hope to leave there with another positive visit. The campus grounds looked very appealing, well kept and very attractive older buildings consistent with our view of a Virginia Commonwealth school.

Haley
05/24/2019

I think that the University of Mary Washington has plenty of opportunity for students to get involved with their interests as well as their peers. I do however think that some activities could be more steadily communicated to the students via email/the canvas site. The students who attend Mary Washington are well-informed on issues both national and local. I have yet to meet someone who does not like to have an intellectual discussion about political, ethical, or personal issues. Mary Washington is where I call home and I am happy to call it home for the next three years of my college career.

Mikaela
05/22/2019

I love the University of Mary Washington. I'm attending the school to play soccer and as soon as I stepped onto the campus I fell in love. The professors, students, environment is amazing. I felt welcomed as soon as I got to the campus. This school also has the major and pre medical field I would like to attend. It was the best choice for me and I'm excited I'm attending the school I love.

Gabriella
05/16/2019

The University of Mary Washington is a great University, and I am proud to call myself a student there. UMW is known not for the party scene, greek life, tailgates, and day drinks, but rather the academics, the kind students, student life and involvement and traditions. This is the school for you if you are looking for an academic oriented school with small class sizes and accessible professors. You have the ability to stand out and make a name for yourself at this school. You will meet tons of people and see them regularly due to the small campus size. At Mary Wash you are a big fish in a small pond, rather than small fish in a big pond.

Carlei
01/23/2019

University of Mary Washington seems amazing from the outside, but then you find out that almost everything they tell you is a lie. They will tell you how perfect their school is, but fail to inform you about all of their flaws. Their cafe only offers actual food about 5 hours out of a 24 hour day.

Ashley
01/02/2019

I really love this school and they are extremely helpful and accommodating to all students. The faculty is amazing, and the Education program faculty is very caring of all students and want to see them succeed. As an off-campus student, I have always been welcomed to on-campus events and not turned away from anything. UMW is truly an awesome school!

Laura
01/01/2019

The computer system is the WORST monstrosity I have ever encountered. The info given on procedures, tuition deadlines, and just all of the general components in BEING a productive student are INCOMPLETE. Eagle pay is the system used to pay tuition and it goes down for maintenance at the SAME time that the school is on break. The convoluted MAZE of despair in navigating the computer dominated procedures in being a part of this University are egregious. I have to say that the Theater program is WONDERFUL as is one of the head advisers and several of the teachers. If it weren't for those redeeming virtues , a plan of escape and transfer would have already been underway. I am absolutely DISGUSTED with the inefficiency of the computer system, inadequately trained and only student-manned personnel that give incomplete information when you are FORCED to call to inquire about deadlines or any needed information.

Jacob
12/28/2018

UMW is a good school if you like small classes and like having the Professor know you by name. Professors keep regular hours and answer their emails pretty often. The campus is small so you're more likely to find friends out and about throughout the day. Fredericksburg is also very easy to get accustomed to it has a mixture of Rural and Urban areas all throughout it.

University of Mary Washington FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at University of Mary Washington?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for University of Mary Washington is 74%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    Trust your instincts, you know yourself the best and make good decisions.

    Read all 105 answers
  3. Describe the students at your school.

    My classmates at University of Mary Washington are helpful and understanding if I ever need assistance.

    Read all 86 answers
  4. What are the academics like at your school?

    Difficult. Some students study daily while other may only do work the night before something is due. Upper level classes are difficult, especially in the science department. There is a low student:teacher ratio that does help, but students should not expect to be able to do well by doing the bare minimum. In upper level classes, class participation is expected and more often then not it becomes a portion of the grade.Teachers always have office hours and if you are having difficulties it is important to seek help with them in order to succeed. Since UMW is a liberal arts school, they do make sure you get the liberal arts education which can often put you in classes that make you feel like a fish out of water. However, it does broaden your horizons and sometimes you find a field that you never saw yourself interested in before.

    Read all 72 answers
  5. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    Mary wash has a great student body, everyone's laid back and has a good sense of humor. It's academically challenging but not as hard as William and Mary. The campus is gorgeous and small, you can walk anywhere / everywhere. Most parties occur in peoples' houses and apartments off campus. There's a TON of gorgeous girls. Everyone's in good shape, Mary Wash ranked as one of the most fit schools in VA. The on campus food sucks.

    Read all 71 answers
  6. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    not diverse and pulled from public schools

    Read all 70 answers
  7. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    No, while we do not have a racially diverse population we do have a diverse group of students. People come from all different socioeconomic, religious, and political backgrounds. If anything, this school has a more liberal and very tolerant student body

    Read all 68 answers
  8. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    Intramural sports / club sports at mary wash are really fun! It's a great way to meet people and the students who work for campus recreation are really great. There's no football team at mary wash but we do have a mens and womens rugby team. The womens team is really good and has gone to nationals 7 or 8 times and has won states pretty much every year. Rugby games are fun to watch, and the people who play rugby are fun to drink with!

    Read all 62 answers
  9. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    Mary Washington is a little bit smaller than the other schools that I considered. It was a good size for me and does not have Greek life, which I did not want on campus. It also had smaller general education classes than some of the other schools and had an equestrian team.

    Read all 42 answers
  10. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    Well this school is great but has one little annoyance I am a woman of color and I saw that University of Mary Washington had advertise a lot of diversity that went to the school, for example on their website and almost all of their pamphlets so I assumed that Mary Washington had like twenty percent of diversity. Once i got to the school it was more like five percent, I was very annoyed but not enough to leave the school.

    Read all 31 answers
  11. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    The University of Mary Washington is a wonderful small town school, convienently located near the nation's capital, filled with friendly students and caring professors.

    Read all 24 answers
  12. What's unique about your campus?

    The community. We're a smaller school, and sometimes it can feel like everyone knows everyone, but we're not THAT small. We are, however, a close-knit community, often like a family--not only in the warmth, support, and love that that implies but also the drama.

    Read all 21 answers
  13. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    Probably previously being an all girls school and being a small solid school.

    Read all 19 answers
  14. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish I had known how helpful staff could be! Take advantage of the most important resource at Mary Washington, the faculty! They always respond quickly to emails and do their best to help. I've had such good experiences with the ResLife staff and the professors (who actually teach the classes!). Don't be afraid to ask for clarification on assignments or about clubs and other great activities for students. I know it can seem intimidating for a student to just email a professor directly, but just give it a try!

    Read all 19 answers
  15. What kind of person should attend this school?

    Someone who likes the hometown feel and someone who likes to make friends

    Read all 16 answers
  16. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    a normal person.

    Read all 14 answers
  17. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    I like that it is in a quiet town and there is some shopping around the area so you can have a nice day out during spring time.

    Read all 14 answers
  18. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    THE "SAFETY" PROVIDED BY THE CAMPUS AND ESPECIALLY THE CITY POLICE. SECOND PLACE WOULD BE THE FRUSTRATION BETWEEN THE ADMINISTRATION AND STUDENTS/FACULTY.

    Read all 13 answers
  19. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    My least favorite stereotype about UMW is that "there isn't enough to do" or that "people leave on the weekends." I can honestly say that neither is true. UMW hosts a "Club Fair" every semester in order to get students involved with various clubs and activities. I joined a ton of organizations my freshman year, my favorite of which was my campus improv comedy team. The friends I made my freshman year are still my friends now, and that's because we didn't leave on the weekends! As an out-of-state student from New Jersey, I was really nervous about meeting new people. Everyone was fantastic. I'm now a graduate student at UNC Greensboro and I even managed to join a comedy team down here.

    Read all 3 answers
  20. Why did you decide to go to this school?

    I visited UMW and fell in love with it immediately. I just had "that feeling" and sometimes you have to trust your gut.

    Read all 1 answers
  21. Describe a typical weekend.

    My typical weekend is composed of cleaning my dorm, studying, and going out to eat once.

    Read all 1 answers

Student Body

Students

64%

female

36%

male

4,357

Total Undergrad Enrollment

369

Total Grad Students

10%

Out-Of-State

88%

In-State

2%

International

Organizations

120

Student Organizations

N/A

Fraternities

N/A

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

55%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
4%
% Black or African-American
7%
% Hispanic/Latino
8%
% White or Caucasian
70%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

87% of students attending University of Mary Washington receive some sort of financial aid. 15% were awarded federal grants.50%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$26,220

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,200

Books and Supplies

$10,104

Room and Board

37,524

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$11,899
$30 - $48K
$14,742
$48 - $75K
$20,021
$75 - $110K
$24,554
$110K & UP
$25,072

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

FIND SCHOLARSHIPS

Find your perfect match from over 3 million scholarships!

START YOUR SEARCH

CAN YOU GET INTO University of Mary Washington?

Complete your profile to see if this school is a fit for you, and what your chances of admitance are.

START YOUR SEARCH