Located on the banks of the historic Hudson River and at its Florence, Italy campus, Marist College is a comprehensive, independent institution grounded in the liberal arts. Marist educates more than 5,000 traditional-age undergraduate students and 1,400 adult and graduate students in 47 undergraduate majors and numerous graduate programs, including fully online MBA, MPA, MS, and MA degrees, and also Doctor of Physical Therapy and Physician Assistant programs.
 

“Marist College is a very special place whose upward trajectory over the past several decades is matched by only a small number of colleges and universities in the nation. Our academic programs, our finances, and our campus have never been in better shape. There is a sense of dynamism and optimism about the future that is palpable. While the College is not immune from the challenges that face American higher education, Marist is a real success story thanks to the commitment and hard work of its faculty and staff.”
-Kevin C. Weinman, President

What makes Marist so special?

We believe it starts with our mission and values. The College was founded by the Marist Brothers, who first arrived in Poughkeepsie in 1905. The Marist Brothers were and are famous for their skill and dedication as educators and, even though Marist has not been religiously affiliated for many years, their values remain central to who we are. Those core values are excellence in education, a sense of community, and a commitment to service.

From U.S. News & World Report to Barron’s to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, the College is recognized for both educational excellence and exceptional value. Most gratifying has been our inclusion in The Princeton Review’s book Colleges That Create Futures: 50 Schools That Launch Careers By Going Beyond the Classroom, which lists Marist alongside such schools as Princeton, MIT, Stanford, Duke, the University of Pennsylvania, and Notre Dame.

At Marist, we demonstrate excellence in education through an emphasis on quality teaching in a small classroom setting. Our dedicated faculty really get to know their students, leading to mentorship, joint research opportunities, and intellectual guidance. We believe in the value of a liberal arts education and the idea that all students–no matter what their primary field of study–should receive a broad education across many disciplines, learn to think logically and creatively, and be able to communicate effectively. Excellence in education also includes a forward-looking educational philosophy that incorporates the use of technology and meaningful learning opportunities outside the classroom–everything from internships to study abroad to leadership development programs. At Marist, we believe that the best type of education prepares students for success after college.

Marist College Mission Statement

“Marist is dedicated to helping students develop the intellect, character, and skills required for enlightened, ethical, and productive lives in the global community of the 21st century.”

Values Statement

The College fulfills its mission by pursuing three ideals:
 

1. excellence in education
2. a sense of community
3. a commitment to service.

These ideals were handed down to us by the Marist Brothers who founded the College. Now an independent institution governed by a lay board of trustees, Marist continues to embrace the three ideals as an integral part of the College mission.

Diversity & Inclusion

At Marist, we strive to create an environment that reflects the diversity of our nation and the world, ensuring that all members of our community feel welcomed, valued, and supported. We want everyone to know they are welcome here: people of different races, ethnic groups, religions, sexual orientations, and political views, as well as women, veterans, and those with disabilities. A diverse and inclusive community allows our students to develop the qualities they need for effective collaboration and leadership in today’s global society. The College is committed to expanding access to education and fostering a culture of active engagement, reflection, and growth in the Marist community.