How to get into Marist University
How to get into Marist: ED1/ED2, the Florence pathway, and a hidden D1 athletic scholarship pool
56.5%
Acceptance rate
$47,750
In-state cost
What makes Marist University admissions different
Marist University (recently renamed from Marist College) in Poughkeepsie, NY, sits in the mid-50s acceptance band, with a strong reputation in communications, business, fashion, and computer science. Marist offers Early Decision I (November 15), Early Action (November 15), and Early Decision II (February 1) — the ED rounds carry a real admissions bump. Marist's branch campus in Florence, Italy, supports a freshman-year Florence Experience for select applicants, and Marist's D1 athletics offer scholarship pathways across multiple sports.
What an actually competitive application looks like
- 1.
Apply Early Action (non-binding) by November 15 if Marist is on your list, or Early Decision I (binding) by November 15 if Marist is your clear top choice. ED2 is a binding January 15 deadline option.
- 2.
Submit the Common App with the Marist supplement. The supplement typically asks why Marist and your intended major — short, specific responses do best.
- 3.
Marist is test-optional. Submit SAT/ACT only if scores reinforce the rest of the application.
- 4.
Consider the Marist Florence Experience: a freshman-year branch-campus option that admits a smaller cohort. Indicate interest on the application.
- 5.
Check program-specific admissions: Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising at Marist have separate portfolio review. Communications, Computer Science, and Business have their own dynamics within the application.
- 6.
Apply for Marist's Presidential Scholarship and other competitive merit. Most institutional merit is awarded based on the admission file — no separate application needed for the standard tiers.
Common mistakes that hurt applicants here
- ✕
Treating Marist like a generic mid-tier — its communications, fashion, and IB/computer science programs are nationally ranked and competitive on their own.
- ✕
Ignoring ED rounds. The Early Decision bump at Marist is real for borderline candidates.
- ✕
Missing Florence Experience interest box. The program admits a smaller cohort and you have to opt in.
- ✕
Fashion applicants underestimating the portfolio. Fashion Design admissions look at design samples, sketchbooks, and creative work, not just academics.
The specifics for Marist University
Application deadlines
- Early ActionNovember 15, 2025Non-binding
- Early Decision INovember 15, 2025Binding
- Early Decision IIFebruary 1, 2026Binding
- Regular DecisionFebruary 15, 2026
What makes this admissions process distinctive
Marist Florence Experience
Branch campus in Florence, Italy, supports a freshman-year Florence Experience for a select cohort of admitted students. Indicate interest on the application.
Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising programs
Marist's fashion programs are highly ranked with portfolio review for Fashion Design admission. Includes NYC industry partnerships.
Notable scholarships at Marist University
Presidential Scholarship
Top institutional merit award based on the admission application.
What graduates actually do
Marist (formerly Marist College, now Marist University as of 2024) has built strong national reputations in fashion, communications, and business analytics, with the Marist Poll lending public-policy visibility. Its IBM partnership has historically produced a strong technology pipeline. Alumni are concentrated in New York-area media, finance, and fashion industries.
Notable alumni
- Bill Murphy Jr. — Journalist/Author
- Andrew Cuomo — Former NY Governor
- James Cantalupo — Former CEO, McDonald's
- Lisa Tomasetti — Photographer
Transfer pathway
Marist accepts transfers for fall and spring, with rolling admissions. Articulation agreements exist with SUNY community colleges in the Hudson Valley and with several New York and New Jersey community colleges. Students with 24+ college credits use the transfer application; fewer than 24 credits requires the freshman application plus college transcripts. Minimum 2.5 GPA is typical, higher for fashion and selective business programs.
Articulation partners
SUNY Dutchess Community College · SUNY Westchester Community College · SUNY Orange · SUNY Ulster
Specifics verified 2026-05-18 from the school's own admissions page + Common App. Always confirm current-year details directly on the school site before applying.
If you're on the bubble
Marist is a target for applicants in the 3.4+ GPA band who want a small/mid-sized private with strong communications, fashion, or business programs. For borderline candidates, ED1 or ED2 is the highest-leverage move. Florence Experience applicants should plan to write a specific essay about why year-one in Italy fits their path.
Next steps
Last updated: November 2025. Acceptance rate and cost data refreshed nightly from college reporting.