If you’re looking for a Catholic university with a strong sense of community and faith-based education, the University of Mary (UMary) in Bismarck, North Dakota, is a solid choice. Founded in 1959, it embraces Benedictine values and Catholic intellectual tradition, offering programs that integrate faith and reason, preparing students for career and life success.
The university’s motto is “Lumen Vitae” (“The Light of Life”). The Lumen Vitae University Center at the heart of campus serves as a community gathering space for students and faculty alike. The LVUC is more than a study space, it’s a home away from home with beautiful stone fireplaces and comfortable sitting areas.
In line with the Benedictine value of hospitality, University of Mary provides a welcoming atmosphere to all. The university offers a liberal arts education with a focus on moral courage, leadership, and community service. Compared to other Catholic colleges, UMary is known for its affordability, strong Catholic identity, and focus on practical career outcomes.
The University of Mary is considered the best Catholic school in North Dakota and ranks among the top Catholic colleges in the U.S. The university also has a partnership with Arizona State University through Mary College at ASU, which provides students with opportunities to engage in Catholic education while studying at ASU.
Academics
The University of Mary has a relatively small student body of about 1,991 undergraduate students and 3,800 students total. The student-faculty ratio is 10:1. UMary offers 60+ undergraduate majors, 21 master’s programs, and 5 doctoral programs, making it a strong choice for students seeking a Catholic education with diverse academic options.
Popular majors include:
- Nursing – One of the strongest programs at the university, ranked as the #1 Nursing Program in North Dakota.
- Business Administration & Accounting – Well-regarded for its business school and online offerings.
- Kinesiology & Exercise Science – A top-ranked program for students interested in physical therapy and sports science.
- Education – Elementary and secondary education programs are widely chosen by students.
- Psychology – A strong liberal arts foundation with research opportunities.
- Communications – Covers corporate communications, media studies, and public relations.
- Theology – Prepares students for careers in parish and diocesan ministries such as religious education, liturgy, youth work, and more.
The University of Mary also has strong programs in education, engineering and healthcare management, with pre-professional tracks.
Campus Life
UMary offers a close-knit community with a strong Catholic identity, although students of all faiths are welcome. There are 50+ student clubs, NCAA Division II athletics (football, basketball, track, wrestling, and more), music ensembles & performing arts, as well as opportunities for outdoor recreation (hiking, parks, and Missouri River activities).
The University of Mary sits on 340 acres of rural land, offering scenic views of the Missouri River Valley, and a peaceful grotto for quiet reflection. The picturesque setting and distinctive architecture make UMary a unique place for study and community life.
The UMary campus is known for its blend of modernist prairie architecture and natural beauty. Designed in part by renowned architect Marcel Breuer, a student of the Bauhaus movement, the campus features expansive structures made of native stone and striking concrete designs that play with light and shadow.
As North Dakota’s capital, nearby Bismarck is the state’s political and business hub, with a wide range of internship and job placement opportunities for UMary students and graduates. The area’s many cultural attractions contribute to it being one of the fastest growing small cities in the country, especially for young adults.
Homeschool Applicants
At about half the average tuition of other private colleges and universities, UMary is one of the most affordable private universities in the nation. The university welcomes homeschool applicants and has a tailored admission process for them.
If you use an accredited homeschool program, you simply need to submit an online application, pay the application fee, provide academic transcripts, and optionally send standardized test scores (ACT, SAT, or CLT). If your homeschool program is non-accredited or self-designed, additional documentation may be required.
You can find more details here: https://www.umary.edu/admission-aid/undergraduate-admissions/admission-requirements/homeschool-applicants
