Talk to me about Marymount University

[Anonymous]

No knock on Marymount but I would think UmBC (or GMU) would be much stronger for cybersecurity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi OP. I work at MU so I can help answer some of your questions.

It's a pretty and small campus split between the main campus off of Glebe road and the Ballston campus. Professors are excellent, involved, know student's names, and are accessible. Some of the academic programs are stronger than others. What does your child want to pursue or study? MU is technically a liberal arts school, but a rising start in technology and business.

The dorms are pretty nice, that is true. I can see why it's a draw. There is a new residency requirement so lots of (traditional age) students live on campus. The PPs comments about catering mostly to night students and older adults is not really applicable anymore, but the university is welcoming to non traditional students. I think your kid will absolutely find their group and feel like they are in the majority in terms of life-phase.

It's a very diverse community. Catholic, but I don't really run into any religious aspects in my day to day. That said, those who are into campus ministry and faith-based groups will have lots of options (for any faith).

In terms of getting value for your money it's very affordable once you factor in aid, especially for good students. The honors program is excellent. Generally I see dedicated, motivated students get excellent internships and graduate on time and do very well. Like most small liberal arts universities. Again, this may vary a bit based on what your kid is majoring in.

I would encourage your kid to follow these Instagram accounts:
@marymountu for the larger university
@marymountace for a taste of campus events
and the accounts for the programs they are interested in to get a sense of community

If my kid was ivy-bound I wouldn't be attracted to a Marymount or a Salisbury or a Christopher Newport. But for the average kid who cares about their education and wants a smaller community they can thrive in with lots of the advantages of DC, it's a good option.

Thank you for the biased view, MU Admissions/PR team/IRMA

That was rude of you, PP. The poster stated up front that she works there. I found the post informative (I'm not the OP.)

[Anonymous]

George Mason would not be a pleasant place for the student wanting a small school

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi OP. I work at MU so I can help answer some of your questions.

It's a pretty and small campus split between the main campus off of Glebe road and the Ballston campus. Professors are excellent, involved, know student's names, and are accessible. Some of the academic programs are stronger than others. What does your child want to pursue or study? MU is technically a liberal arts school, but a rising start in technology and business.

The dorms are pretty nice, that is true. I can see why it's a draw. There is a new residency requirement so lots of (traditional age) students live on campus. The PPs comments about catering mostly to night students and older adults is not really applicable anymore, but the university is welcoming to non traditional students. I think your kid will absolutely find their group and feel like they are in the majority in terms of life-phase.

It's a very diverse community. Catholic, but I don't really run into any religious aspects in my day to day. That said, those who are into campus ministry and faith-based groups will have lots of options (for any faith).

In terms of getting value for your money it's very affordable once you factor in aid, especially for good students. The honors program is excellent. Generally I see dedicated, motivated students get excellent internships and graduate on time and do very well. Like most small liberal arts universities. Again, this may vary a bit based on what your kid is majoring in.

I would encourage your kid to follow these Instagram accounts:
@marymountu for the larger university
@marymountace for a taste of campus events
and the accounts for the programs they are interested in to get a sense of community

If my kid was ivy-bound I wouldn't be attracted to a Marymount or a Salisbury or a Christopher Newport. But for the average kid who cares about their education and wants a smaller community they can thrive in with lots of the advantages of DC, it's a good option.

Thank you for the biased view, MU Admissions/PR team/IRMA

I'm actually faculty, and probably biased because I like my job. You got me!

I'm siding with the PP - you may like your job, but MU is in dire straits. SCHEV data shows a yield rate below 15%. Undergraduate enrollment is the lowest it's been since they started tracking (2004). There are mass departures from the tenured professor ranks and staff. Plenty of material budget issues and the administration decided to implement a 4-year requirement to live on campus, which is unheard of for a commuter school. Can you imagine if GMU did that? I would never send my children there. GMU or or NOVA gets you more for less.

I mean, this sounds scary but much of it is the story of just about every school right now. The on campus thing is a draw for some, maybe not others.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:George Mason would not be a pleasant place for the student wanting a small school

Not at all. Mason has come a long way in respect and rankings. And it has a residential vibe now. But it’s huge and impersonal. Two totally different schools.

[Anonymous]

My kid was admitted to Marymount and Catholic.
They don't want to apply to GMU. We live between these schools, sort of.

My son often practices sports at Marymount and it is a lovely place.
The students we see when we go there are always smiling and participating in something (there are lots of events, like BBQs) which feels homey. It backs up against a country club's golf course. The Ballston part is about a mile away, so from there, kids can walk to the movies, Chipotle, etc, and the metro is right there if your child gets an internship in DC.

Catholic U is in DC, in an area becoming more "gentrified" and the campus itself feels suburban. It is right near a lot of religious landmarks so the architecture is lovely. The faculty we have spoken with are so supportive, and it has a very good reputation-especially for law School & the arts.

GMU is in Fairfax, which is more like a very developed suburb. There are more concerts and games to attend on campus (think Disney on Ice) and students I know who applied places like VA-Tech also applied to GMU. One of their technology faculty wound up running a program at Harvard. It is a great jumping off point. They are looking for 3.7-ish GPA. For academics, I'd pick GMU.

If your kid needs small and cozy, Marymount.

[Anonymous]

Just to say, I went to a small, cozy university like Marymount (but in California.) All my friends went to UC's and the big schools. I finished in 4 years and, because I was so happy, I got great grades and went to a top grad school. Many of my friends also came from no-name schools. Now, no one asks where I went to undergrad. Find your comfort school and go there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
My son often practices sports at Marymount and it is a lovely place.
The students we see when we go there are always smiling and participating in something (there are lots of events, like BBQs) which feels homey. It backs up against a country club's golf course. The Ballston part is about a mile away, so from there, kids can walk to the movies, Chipotle, etc, and the metro is right there if your child gets an internship in DC.

I live in Arlington, so I have been to the campus for community events (Marymount is a good citizen, so to speak) and my kids have had student teachers from MU. I can't speak to the academic side, but the students seem very sweet and helpful.

[Anonymous]

Marymount University update (Fall 2025):

Marymount University recently (September–October 2025) closed its research program and terminated the Vice President for Research as well as the director of the university’s only active research program, noting that the institution is no longer pursuing a Research 2 trajectory. Several additional research staff and faculty were also laid off during this period.

There is widespread concern among faculty and staff regarding the university’s direction. Multiple campus sources have reported further leadership turnover, including the departure of the recently appointed provost, who stepped into the role following the exit of Provost Hesham. In addition, several members of the Board of Trustees reportedly left the board in October 2025. These developments have heightened uncertainty and anxiety across the campus community.

Collectively, these changes have raised significant questions about the university’s short-term stability as well as its long-term strategy and financial health. Many within the community feel that the future of this small institution has become increasingly precarious.