Marist University Admission Requirements

  • 8/10 Overall Rating
  • 4 Year
  • Poughkeepsie, NY
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#23 Best Private Colleges in New York

Marist University Admission Overview

Marist University admission requirements are competitive. Last year Marist University admitted 56.5% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.56 GPA (A-) and SAT 1190-1340 / ACT 25-31. Marist University is test-optional, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT. Those figures describe last year's class, not a score you must hit.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Marist University Acceptance Rate

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance rate

56.5%

Admission Standards

Difficult

Applicant Competition

Average

Very Low
Low
Average
High
Very High
Extreme

Admission difficulty for Marist University

Acceptance Rate

The Marist University acceptance rate is 56.5%. Last year, 6,371 of 11,274 applicants were admitted. That is the 41st lowest acceptance rate in New York.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into Marist University and can you get accepted?

Marist University is a competitive school to get into, turning away a substantial share of applicants. You have a good chance of acceptance if you meet last year's profile.

Marist University typically attracts "A-" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.56. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 20% of those admitted chose to enroll.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Marist University GPA

GPA of enrolled freshmen

Avg. High School GPA

3.56

Typical High School Grades

A-

Average GPA (4.0 Scale) 3.56

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0

Average GPA

Enrolled freshmen at Marist University typically have around a 3.56 GPA (A-) on a 4.0 scale. That is last year's class average, not a cutoff. Enrolled students typically have very good grades in high school. Marist University is test-optional. If you withhold SAT or ACT, GPA carries more weight.

The school ranks #42 in New York for highest average GPA.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.6 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

Share of last year's freshmen in each GPA range, compared with the rest of the class.

High school GPA ranges for enrolled Marist University freshmen
High School GPA Freshmen Within Range Competitiveness
4.0 0% Good
3.75 to 3.99 16.35% Good
3.50 to 3.74 49.06% Avg -
3.25 to 3.49 30.19% Reach
3.00 to 3.24 4.25% Reach
2.50 to 2.99 0.16% Low
2.00 to 2.49 0% Low
1.00 to 1.99 0% Low
less than 1.00 0% Low

What do these figures mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024

Marist University SAT Scores

SAT scores of enrolled freshmen

SAT Range

1190-1340

Freshmen who sent SAT

10%

25th Percentile Scores

  • Reading 600
  • Math 590
  • Composite 1190
SAT 25th percentile scores for Marist University

75th Percentile Scores

  • Reading 680
  • Math 660
  • Composite 1340
SAT 75th percentile scores for Marist University

Average SAT

Enrolled testers at Marist University typically score around a 1270 SAT (middle 50% 1190–1340) out of 1600. That is last year's class, not a cutoff. The average SAT of enrolled testers is about the 85th percentile nationally. Marist University ranks #36 in the state of New York for highest average SAT composite score.

SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 1190 to 1340

800 1000 1200 1400 1600

SAT policy

Marist University is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT. If you send a score, it is considered.

View other colleges which accept students in the 1270 SAT score range.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

How SAT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers

This table compares SAT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. It is not a personal chance of admission. If you withhold SAT, skip this table.

SAT ranges vs last year's enrolled testers at Marist University
SAT Score (1600 scale) Competitiveness Admission Chances
1340+ Above 75th >72%
1270 to 1340 Avg + 58%-72%
1190 to 1270 Avg - 41%-58%
Below 1190 Below mid-50 <41%

What do these figures mean?

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Marist University ACT Scores

ACT scores among enrolled freshmen

ACT Range

25-31

Freshmen reporting ACT

3%

25th Percentile Scores

  • English 25
  • Math 24
  • Composite 25
ACT 25th percentile scores for Marist University

75th Percentile Scores

  • English 34
  • Math 26
  • Composite 31
ACT 75th percentile scores for Marist University

Average ACT

Incoming testers at Marist University typically have around a 28 ACT (mid-50 25–31) on the 36 scale. That reflects last year's enrolled testers, not a cutoff. That average sits near the 88th percentile of ACT takers nationwide. Marist University places #31 among colleges in New York and #233 nationwide for highest average ACT composite.

ACT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 25 to 31

1 9 18 27 36

ACT policy

You may apply to Marist University without ACT. A score you do send is still reviewed.

See colleges with similar ACT profiles in the 28.0 ACT score range.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

How ACT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers

This table compares ACT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. They are not your individual odds. If you leave ACT off your application, you can skip this table.

ACT bands compared with last year's enrolled testers at Marist University
ACT Score (36 scale) Competitiveness Admission Chances
31+ Above 75th >72%
28 to 31 Avg + 57%-72%
25 to 28 Avg - 41%-57%
Below 25 Below mid-50 <41%

How to read these figures

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

High School Class Rank

Class Rank of Admitted Students

81% of Marist University freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 48% are in the top quarter.

High School Class Rank for admitted Marist University students
High School Class Rank Freshmen Within Range
Top 10% of class 20%
Top 25% of class 48%
Top 50% of class 81%

Data Source, Peterson's Data

Estimate How You Compare

See how your GPA and scores compare with last year's enrolled testers. You can mark that you will withhold scores.

Open the Marist University chances calculator

Applying

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed in the table below.

Marist University admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 6,852 4,410 11,274
Accepted 3,627 2,736 6,371
Acceptance Rate 53% 62% 57%
Enrolled 725 540 1,267
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 20% 20% 20%

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Marist University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Marist University application requirements
Requirement Used for Admission
Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
High School GPA Required to be considered for admission
High School Class Rank Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Completion of College Preparatory Program Required to be considered for admission
Recommendations Required to be considered for admission
Demonstration of Competencies Not required for admission, but considered if submitted

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Fall 2027 Application Deadline

Applications Due

Feb 15, 2027

Days left to Apply

168

Applicants have 168 days left until the Fall 2027 term applications are due on Feb 15, 2027.

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Marist University is $50.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Credits Accepted

High school credits accepted at Marist University
Credit Type Accepted
AP Credit Yes
Dual Credit Yes
Credit for Life Experiences Yes

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Admission summary

Marist University is test-optional for 2024-25. Last year it admitted 56.5% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.56 GPA (about an A- average). Send SAT/ACT if you are at or above this campus mid-50 (1190-1340); otherwise withhold. Mid-50 scores, where shown, are enrolled testers, not cutoffs.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Other Colleges to Apply To

Students applying to Marist University often consider these colleges

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=192819.

GPA calculator: Marist University GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026