Private university in Poughkeepsie, NY, founded by Marist Brothers in 1905, now an independent institution with 6,356 students.
Marist University operates six schools offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across liberal arts, sciences, management, computer science, communications, and social sciences. The institution maintains an honors program and core curriculum, with experiential learning through internships and study abroad opportunities. A notable partnership with IBM since 1984 has strengthened computer science and technology education. The university also hosts research centers including the Marist Poll, Hudson River Valley Institute, and Marist Institute for Public Opinion.
The 180-acre main campus in Poughkeepsie features modern facilities including the James A. Cannavino Library (83,000 sq ft, completed 1999), Hancock Center technology building, and renovated Dyson Center. Students enjoy residence halls, dining facilities, the Murray Student Center, and access to Longview Park along the Hudson River. The university sponsors 23 NCAA Division I sports, club sports, intramurals, and numerous student organizations including fraternities, sororities, ROTC, and cultural groups. Additional campuses include a 60-acre estate in Esopus, NY and a branch in Florence, Italy.
Marist offers multiple admission pathways including undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, transfer, international, and adult/returning student programs. The university hosts summer preview days and provides virtual tours, campus visits, and personalized counselor meetings. Bridge programs and high school pre-college options are available for prospective students seeking preparation before full enrollment.
Founded in 1905 by the Marist Brothers as a training center, the institution evolved into Marist Normal Training School (1929), Marian College (1946), and Marist College (1960). Ownership transferred to an independent board in 1969, and in 2003 the Catholic Church formally declared it a secular institution. On January 29, 2025, Marist College was renamed Marist University, reflecting its expanded mission and academic scope.