Ohio's first institution of higher learning, now a private liberal arts college with 1,109 students.
Marietta College is a Phi Beta Kappa liberal arts institution requiring all students to complete courses in Quantitative Reasoning, Artistic Expression, Civilization & Culture, Social Analysis, and Scientific Inquiry. Students must also pursue a secondary academic concentration and complete an out-of-classroom education experience. The college offers three honors tracks—curriculum honors, research honors, and college honors—and features the McDonough Center for Leadership and Business, which provides a bachelor's degree, minor, and certificate in Leadership Studies, as well as a Teacher Leadership Certificate for education-focused students.
The campus encompasses approximately six city blocks in downtown Marietta, Ohio, creating a walkable, intimate environment. Students can participate in 23 honor societies, multiple national and international fraternities and sororities, and a vibrant calendar of events including theatre productions, concerts, First Friday downtown events, and outdoor activities along the riverfront and Wayne National Forest. The college emphasizes community and tradition, with strong residential life programming and first-year experience initiatives.
Marietta competes in NCAA Division III as a member of the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC), fielding 21 varsity sports including baseball, basketball, crew, football, volleyball, track & field, cross country, soccer, softball, golf, lacrosse, and esports (added 2021). The baseball team is nationally renowned, winning six NCAA Division III championships and becoming the first team to repeat as champions since 1978–1979. The crew program has earned multiple gold medals at the Dad Vail Regatta.
Marietta operates on a test-optional admission policy and welcomes transfer students and international applicants. The college offers a $200 enrollment deposit to confirm enrollment and provides comprehensive support through the Milone Center & Resources, including academic coaching, accessibility services, career development, and writing/speech studios. Veterans services and financial aid counseling are also available.
In 2025, Marietta was ranked #4 in Student Experience, Best Salaries, and Social Mobility in Ohio by WSJ/College Pulse, and #5 in Ohio for Best Value. Niche.com ranked it #1 Best Value College in Ohio. In 2024, Washington Monthly ranked Marietta 32nd among 223 bachelor's-degree-granting colleges for contribution to public good. U.S. News & World Report (2021) ranked it #3 for Best Value Schools and #8 for Regional Colleges in the Midwest.