Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Fredericksburg, Virginia |
| Online | umw.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Small Suburban |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
The University of Mary Washington is located in historic Fredericksburg, Virginia, approximately 50 miles south of Washington, D.C. and 50 miles north of Richmond. The main campus occupies 176 acres featuring Georgian-style architecture and is designated as a national historic district, with many buildings dating to the 1908 founding of the institution, which was originally established as the State Normal and Industrial School for Women. Now a public liberal arts university, UMW maintains selective admission standards and is recognized for its programs in preservation studies, geography, and education. The university primarily serves undergraduate students who reside in campus dormitories and approved housing, while also operating a separate business campus in nearby Stafford County that serves graduate students.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Mary Washington College is rated within the top 34% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for University of Mary Washington within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#262 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#67 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#9 in Best Colleges in Virginia
#7 in Best Public Colleges in Virginia
#438 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#9 in Best Value Colleges in Virginia
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1140/1330 |
| ACT | 23/31 |
| GPA | 3.71 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $50 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Virginia Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $5,621 |
| Room and Board | $14,040 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,750 |
| Total One Year Cost | $32,549 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $5,621 |
| Room and Board | $14,040 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,750 |
| Total One Year Cost | $49,469 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences | 19% |
| Business | 12% |
| General Studies | 11% |
| English and Literature | 11% |
| Psychology | 8% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Mary Washington College are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=232681 IPEDS survey data for University of Mary Washington.
Current students may use the University of Mary Washington GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025