Marymount University has officially welcomed the Class of 2029, the largest incoming class in the institution’s history. This marks the second straight year that Marymount has set a new enrollment record, and also represents the fourth consecutive year of undergraduate enrollment growth.
During the admissions cycle for the 2025-26 academic year, Marymount received an estimated 27,500 inquiries and 7,000 undergraduate applications, a 44 percent increase over last year. Both totals are record highs.
New students arrived on August 20 for Move-In Day, greeted by 75 enthusiastic volunteers that included current Marymount students, faculty and staff. Returning Saints settled into their residential spaces over the weekend, with the first day of classes beginning on August 25.
The arrival of these new members of the Marymount community coincides with the University’s 75th anniversary year, which will be celebrated throughout the fall semester as a variety of special events honor Marymount’s legacy of academic excellence, service and innovation.
“Class of 2029, I cannot wait to see all that you will accomplish,” said Dr. Irma Becerra, President of Marymount University. “This marks the beginning of a journey that will shape who you are and who you will become. Where you choose to spend your college years matters, and by selecting Marymount, you’ve made a choice that will challenge, inspire and prepare you to make a difference in the world.”
Welcome Week activities, running through August 29, are designed to immerse new students in Marymount’s culture and community. In addition to the traditional New Student Convocation, the week features a barbecue on the Main Lawn, silent disco, mini-golf and laser tag, as well as a group trip to Nationals Park to watch the Washington Nationals in action.
“Our location, just minutes from the nation’s capital, gives each of you extraordinary opportunities for learning, community engagement and professional growth,” said Dr. Pamela Slaven-Lee, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Marymount University. “But our location is not what makes our University special—the people here do. It is the integrity of our work, the care we show one another and the work we’ll do together that will shape your next four years.”
The Class of 2029 represents 26 states and 17 countries, including Honduras, Ecuador, the U.K., Ghana, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan and Thailand. These students join a University that is one of only 33 institutions nationwide recognized by Carnegie as both a Research College & University (RCU) and an Opportunity College & University (OCU), a rare distinction that demonstrates Marymount’s dual commitment to innovation and equity.
The most popular majors among the new class are Nursing, Business Administration and Biology, and students arrive with an average high school GPA of 3.35. Learn about the scholars, athletes and leaders joining Marymount, including a high school valedictorian and Flag Football recruit, a triple all-state high school athlete, a civic leader and more.
“Because of you, our classrooms will be more vibrant, our labs more innovative, our athletic fields more competitive and our community more compassionate,” said Evan Lipp, Vice President of Enrollment Management at Marymount University. “Your journey here is not just about earning a degree. It is about becoming the confident global citizens and servant leaders our world so urgently needs.”
To support a smooth transition to campus, all first-year students will participate in MU 101, a one-credit course launched last year and expanded this fall to cover the full semester. It provides guidance on campus resources, time management and financial literacy while helping students develop study skills, a growth mindset and familiarity with emerging technologies, including the ethical use of AI. This year’s course also introduces four ‘Campus Experience Weeks,’ allowing students to explore open house events, field trips, career fairs and more. Additionally, students in the same majors are now grouped in course sections to foster stronger connections.
Graduate student enrollment remains strong, driven by the continued success of Marymount’s distinguished programs in Physical Therapy, Forensic and Legal Psychology, Education (Ed.D.) and Clinical Mental Health Counseling, which continue to attract students nationwide. The University is committed to building on this momentum by exploring new graduate program offerings and innovative pathways to meet emerging student and workforce needs.
