Private Catholic university in rural Florida, founded 1998, emphasizing faith-integrated liberal arts education.
Ave Maria offers 33 undergraduate and 3 graduate degrees rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition. All undergraduates complete a 14-course core curriculum in philosophy, theology, composition, science, math, history, political science, and foreign language. Graduate programs include M.A. and Ph.D. studies in theology, Master of Theological Studies, and master's degrees in philosophy, business, education, and writing. Over 90% of faculty hold terminal degrees. The university is accredited by SACS (2010) and AALE (2008), and was formally recognized as a Catholic university by the Diocese of Venice in 2011.
The 1,000-acre rural campus in Ave Maria features the Canizaro Library (215,000+ volumes, 100+ online journals), the Mother Teresa Museum, and the Ave Maria Oratory—a Gothic-inspired parish church at the town center. Six same-sex dormitories house students; chapels in each dorm support spiritual life. The university hosts 40+ student clubs, 250+ annual events, intramural and club sports, and campus ministry programs. Mass is offered in both Ordinary and Extraordinary Forms.
Undergraduate admissions is fee-free and streamlined: applicants complete an online application, submit official transcripts, and schedule an interview with an admissions counselor. The university offers merit-based scholarships, government assistance, athletic scholarships, sibling scholarships, mission-fit scholarships, and regional scholarships. Graduate and dual-enrollment pathways are also available.
Ave Maria competes in 24 NAIA varsity sports (baseball, basketball, football, soccer, volleyball, lacrosse, and more) primarily in the Sun Conference. The university fielded its first football team in 2011. Career Services supports students in job placement, graduate school preparation, and professional development; specific employment rates and median salaries are not published in available sources.