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 public liberal arts, small class sizes, and arts and sciences focus. 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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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.
Test Score Strategy
Since UMW is test optional and your score is below their 75th percentile, do not submit it. At an 86% acceptance rate school, a below-range score adds nothing and could only work against you.

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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 PriceEst. 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
University of Mary Washington Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch