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About

About University of Mary Washington

public liberal artssmall class sizesarts and sciences focusaccessible admissionsvirginia public college

University of Mary Washington is a public liberal arts college in Fredericksburg, VA, known for its small class sizes, arts and sciences focus, and accessible admissions. With an acceptance rate of 86%, Mary Wash is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 749 students each year. Mary Wash is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1160–1320, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Mary Wash offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $7,202 per year; the sticker price of $47,276 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

University of Mary Washington acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

86%
Overall Accept Rate
1.00
Typical Admitted GPA
1240
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1160 – 1320 (test optional)

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ACTScore range: 23 – 31

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to University of Mary Washington

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
UMW takes its identity as a public liberal arts university seriously, so use your essays to show intellectual curiosity that crosses disciplines rather than focusing narrowly on career goals. Admissions readers want to see a student who will thrive in small seminar-style classes where you are expected to engage deeply with ideas.
Extracurriculars
UMW has a strong culture of civic engagement and community service, especially given its location in Fredericksburg and proximity to Washington D.C., so highlight any activities where you took initiative in your local community or engaged with public issues. Connections to regional history, government, or service organizations are especially relevant here.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What University of Mary Washington actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceAvg. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$47k/yr$10.3k
30k-48k~$47k/yr$11.1k
48k-75k~$47k/yr$15.5k
75k-110k~$47k/yr$26.2k
110k+~$47k/yr$31.0k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

67%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$49k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
13:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
3,250
Undergrad Enrollment

Student Body

Student body composition

Race & Ethnicity

59%White
13%Hispanic
8%Black / African American
6%Two or More Races
6%Unknown / Unreported
4%Asian
3%International
0%American Indian / AK Native
0%Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
Gender36% Men · 64% Women
Citizenship / Immigration Status97% Citizens and Immigrants · 3% International
Mary Wash, Fredericksburg Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch