Marymount University welcomed the Class of 2029, the largest incoming class in its 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 Aug. 20 for move-in day, greeted by 75 enthusiastic volunteers that included current students, faculty and staff. Returning Saints settled into their residential spaces over the weekend, with the first day of classes Aug. 25.
The university marks its 75th anniversary this year. Multiple events will be held throughout the fall semester to honor Marymount’s legacy of academic excellence, service and innovation.
“Class of 2029, I cannot wait to see all that you will accomplish,” said Irma Becerra, Marymount’s president. “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 immersed new students in Marymount’s culture and community. The New Student Convocation, barbecue on the main lawn, silent disco, mini-golf and laser tag welcomed students along with a group trip to a Nationals baseball game.
“Our location, just minutes from the nation’s capital, gives each of you extraordinary opportunities for learning, community engagement and professional growth,” said Pamela Slaven-Lee, provost and vice president of academic affairs. “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 for both its research and the opportunities it affords students, 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.
“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. “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 Marymount’s programs in physical therapy, forensic and legal psychology, education and clinical mental health counseling.
Read the original article on the Arlington Catholic Herald’s website.
