Central ND News

The University of Mary began its fall semester on Tuesday, September 2, welcoming the largest incoming class in its history. The university reported that 1,296 new students—including freshmen, transfers, and graduate students—have started their studies both on campus and online. This figure marks a continued trend of enrollment growth for the institution.

While final enrollment numbers will be confirmed after the census date of October 15, projections indicate that more than 3,900 students are enrolled this semester. The university attributes part of this growth to its expanding online programs as well as traditional on-campus offerings.

This year’s freshman class includes students from all 50 states and 20 countries. North Dakota represents about one-third of the class, with significant numbers also coming from Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Colorado, Washington, and California.

Retention rates remain strong at the University of Mary. Early data shows that 83% of last year’s freshmen have returned for their sophomore year—a rate significantly higher than national averages.

“Retention is one of the most important measures of a healthy university and one of the clearest signs of student satisfaction,” said Rachael Brash, Vice President at the University of Mary. “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.”

The university has begun construction on what it describes as its most ambitious project to date: the Marauders Athletics Complex. The $45 million initiative is part of a broader $272 million Vision 2030 Campaign. Scheduled for completion in fall 2027 are a Research and Performance Center focused on academic study and sports medicine as well as what will become North Dakota’s largest multipurpose sports dome.

Academic offerings are also expanding this fall with initiatives such as the Catholic Montessori Institute at the graduate level. The institute launches with a national conference scheduled for October 16–18 and aims to establish Mary as an international center for Catholic Montessori education.

Rachael Brash commented further: “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.”

As classes begin for fall 2025 with record-setting enrollment figures and ongoing development projects underway across campus grounds—including major athletic facilities—the University of Mary continues efforts to strengthen its reputation nationally among Catholic universities.