Marymount University Points of Pride
Nationally Recognized
In U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Colleges Rankings, Marymount reached its highest-ever position among all National Universities, rising 15 spots to No. 273. For the first time, Marymount is ranked No. 1 among all Virginia private institutions. The University also leaped 85 spots to No. 189 in Top Performers on Social Mobility, reflecting its commitment to advancing opportunity for students from all backgrounds. Marymount was also placed in the Top 50 of America’s Best Colleges for Women 2026 by Newsweek and Gender Fair: A Public Benefit Corporation.
In program-specific categories, Marymount climbed to No. 214 in Undergraduate Nursing—the highest among Virginia’s private institutions—and earned its first-ever ranking in Undergraduate Computer Science, placing second among Virginia private institutions. For Most International Students, Marymount was listed at No. 32 nationally—second among all Virginia colleges and universities, and second for all institutions in the DMV region.
In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools Rankings, Marymount University’s School of Education ranked among the Top 10 in Virginia, and the Doctor of Physical Therapy program ranked No. 180 in the nation and No. 2 in the greater Washington, D.C., area.
Marymount was also included in the Forbes 2026 America’s Top Colleges list. The recognition places the University among only four private institutions in Virginia to appear on the list, which honors colleges that produce successful, high-earning and influential graduates from all economic backgrounds while limiting student debt.
In 2025, Marymount University received dual national recognitions in the recently released 2025 Carnegie Classifications of Institutions of Higher Education, earning both the Research Colleges and Universities (RCU) and Opportunity Colleges and Universities (OCU) designations. Marymount joined an elite group of only 33 institutions nationwide honored for both research excellence and expanding student access and success, reflecting its mission to foster innovation while supporting diverse learners.
These achievements highlight Marymount’s ongoing commitment to providing a high-quality education fostering student success and retention, rooted in the values of intellectual curiosity, service to others and a global perspective. Strong outcomes for Pell Grant recipients, a low student-faculty ratio of 14:1 and a growing, diverse student body have all contributed to the Catholic University’s rankings.
A Welcoming Catholic University Founded in 1950 by the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (RSHM), an international congregation of Catholic women serving in 13 countries in diverse ministries, the University welcomes people of all backgrounds and faiths and provides an educational environment that promotes dialogue, friendship, understanding and service to others, as well as intellectual and personal development grounded in student engagement and leadership. Explore our Catholic, RSHM education
A Diverse, Global Student Population Marymount is consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s most ethnically and internationally diverse campuses — over 4,000 students from 47 states (plus Washington, D.C.) and 112 countries — reflecting our commitment to creating a welcoming environment where students explore their passions, pursue their dreams, positively impact the world and Learn with Purpose.
Research University Classification
Marymount’s increasing number of doctoral program offerings and growth in research capacity has resulted in a reclassification by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, the nation’s gold standard for evaluating the work, achievements, and impact of students and faculty at higher education institutions in the U.S. Previously listed under the category of Doctoral/Professional Universities, Marymount is now listed as a designated Research University. This new distinction plays a key role in elevating Marymount on a national scale, included in the ‘Best National Universities’ list produced by U.S. News & World Report.
Opportunity University Classification
In 2025, the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education introduced the inaugural Student Access and Earnings Classification, designating 16 percent of U.S. institutions as Opportunity Colleges and Universities (OCUs)—highlighting campuses that serve as national models for increasing higher education access and fostering strong financial outcomes. This new classification identified Marymount as an Opportunity College and University – Higher Access, Higher Earnings based on its high enrollment of underrepresented students and strong post-graduation alumni incomes.
A Hispanic-Serving Institution Marymount is Virginia’s first a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) with more than 25% of its undergraduate student population identifying as Hispanic. Marymount is also a partner university with TheDream.US, working to support the college aspirations of DACA students.
Excellent Salary Potential Marymount is ranked #3 in 10-year ROI at $193,000 among private nonprofit institutions in Virginia that primarily grant bachelor’s degrees, according to the Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce.
Research That Makes an Impact Marymount’s distinguished faculty members are experts in their fields and have contributed grant-funded research for the National Endowment for the Humanities, National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, National Security Agency, and the Department of Health and Human Services. Marymount University has been recognized with a research university classification by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation. Students at the undergraduate level and above can also take advantage of research opportunities.
A Community Dedicated to Service Service is at the heart of Marymount. The University fulfills its commitment to serving others through facilitating collaborations between people, organizations, and communities, and providing programs and resources that empower Marymount students and the broader community to educate and act towards a more just and equitable world.
A Path to Exciting Careers
Marymount prepares students for careers not just for today’s market but also for the “What’s Next Economy,” offering student-centered completion pathways with hands-on learning, required internships, and programs that reflect the demands of our ever-changing environment. Outstanding internship experiences are available throughout the Washington area with corporations, government agencies, schools, hospitals and retail establishments.
Successful Outcomes
More than 75% of Marymount’s recent alumni were employed within six months of graduation, and 87% found their first job within their field of study.
Quality Faculty-Student Interaction At Marymount, students enjoy small classes and incredible personal attention from outstanding faculty with a student-faculty ratio of 14:1.
An Unbeatable Location Marymount is located in Arlington, VA, one of the most educated cities in the U.S. and just five Metro stops from Washington, D.C. Students can take advantage of the resources of the nation’s capital, one of the world’s most important business, arts, financial, and political centers, and participate in unique learning experiences for personal and professional growth. Read more about our location
Military Friendly Marymount is committed to supporting veterans and their families. By providing undergraduates and graduates with access to the Yellow Ribbon Award, Marymount ensures that military students and families receive a quality education. Read more about the support provided for veterans
Accredited Programs Marymount is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), with specialized accreditation for many of its professional programs such as Business Administration, Health Care Management, Interior Design, Physical Therapy, and undergraduate and graduate programs in Education and Nursing. Find out more about our institutional and program accreditation
Success and Tradition with Saints Athletics Marymount has 25 NCAA Division III athletic teams and competes in the Atlantic East Conference. Making headlines this past year were 8 Atlantic East Conference championships and the first full season for the Women’s flag football team.
Raising Graduation Rates Marymount has made tremendous strides in expanding the number of Saints graduates over the last few years. The University’s four-year graduation rate has increased by 7% since 2017, while its six-year graduation rate has also steadily climbed, rising by 5% over the same time period.
Where Innovative Educators Rise Marymount University’s School of Education is ranked among the Top 10 in Virginia in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools Rankings. Also recognized at the national level for the first time, the School of Education prepares innovative, inclusive leaders through hands-on learning, personalized support, and programs designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s classrooms.
Advancing Excellence in Physical Therapy Marymount University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program is nationally recognized in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools Rankings, ranked No. 180 in the nation and No. 2 in the greater Washington, D.C., area. With a hands-on, problem-based curriculum and extensive clinical experience, Marymount prepares future physical therapists to excel in a fast-growing, patient-centered field.
Building the Future of Nursing Marymount climbed to No. 214 in Undergraduate Nursing—the highest among Virginia’s private institutions—according to U.S. News & World Report 2026 rankings. Marymount also boasts a NCLEX passing rate of 92% (traditional BSN) and 94% (accelerated second-degree BSN) from 2019.
A Renowned Leader in Cybersecurity Recognized by leading federal agencies as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense since 2014, Marymount is at the forefront of cybersecurity education. This prestigious cybersecurity center of excellence designation, renewed through 2027, highlights the University’s commitment to preparing students for the evolving cybersecurity workforce with hands-on learning and successful outcomes across bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. With cyberattacks on the rise worldwide, Marymount cybersecurity graduates are in high demand.
“The small classes at Marymount really allowed me to form close relationships with my professors, both improving the quality of education that I was receiving and allowing me to make more connections. I wouldn’t change the experiences and education I acquired at Marymount for another university — ever!” — Jisandry Gonzalez, BA, Class of 2020
