Mount Mary University: Profile & College Rankings
Comprehensive guide to Mount Mary University's academics, rankings, and student experience.
Mount Mary University: A Comprehensive College Profile
Mount Mary University, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, stands as a distinctive private, Catholic women’s university dedicated to empowering female students through rigorous academics and a commitment to social justice. As a regional institution with approximately 675 full-time and 106 part-time undergraduate students, Mount Mary has established itself among the top educational institutions in the Midwest, earning recognition for its value, social mobility initiatives, and academic excellence. The university’s focused approach to women’s education creates a unique environment where female perspectives are centered, and leadership development is prioritized alongside traditional academic pursuits.
Overall Rankings and Recognition
Mount Mary University continues to climb in national rankings, reflecting its commitment to academic quality and student success. The university was ranked No. 72 among Best Regional Universities (North) in the 2025-26 U.S. News & World Report rankings, representing a nine-spot increase from the previous year. This upward trajectory demonstrates the institution’s ongoing efforts to enhance educational outcomes and institutional quality. Additionally, Mount Mary ranked #287 out of 2,217 colleges and universities on College Factual’s 2024 Best Colleges list, placing it in the top 15% of all schools nationally. Within Wisconsin alone, Mount Mary secures the #4 position among 46 colleges in the state, underscoring its regional prominence.
Academic Excellence and Value
Mount Mary distinguishes itself as among the best value in Wisconsin, outranking all UW campuses among regional universities in the category of best educational value according to U.S. News and World Report. The university’s net price per year averages $19,409, making quality education accessible to a diverse student population. This affordability combined with strong academic programming creates an exceptional value proposition for prospective students seeking transformative education without excessive financial burden.
The university’s commitment to academic rigor is supported by faculty engagement and small class sizes. Mount Mary maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1 according to Niche data, with College Factual reporting a 10:1 ratio—both significantly better than the national average of 15:1. This intimate learning environment enables students to engage closely with faculty members who are invested in their success. Student feedback reflects this quality, with 81% of students surveyed agreeing that professors put significant effort into teaching their classes, and 76% reporting ease in getting desired courses.
Admissions and Student Profile
Mount Mary maintains accessible yet selective admissions standards. The university reports an acceptance rate of 94% according to Niche, though College Factual indicates a competitive 62% acceptance rate, suggesting variation in data collection or reporting methodology. For admitted students, test score submissions are relatively limited, with approximately 2% of students submitting SAT scores. Among those who do submit scores, Evidence-Based Reading and Writing scores typically range between 458 and 563 (25th to 75th percentile), while Math scores fall between 408 and 560.
The current undergraduate enrollment reflects Mount Mary’s position as a small institution with approximately 781 total undergraduates, consisting primarily of women who represent the core of the university’s mission. This size enables personalized attention and community building while maintaining the resources necessary for comprehensive academic programming.
Social Mobility and Economic Diversity
Mount Mary demonstrates exceptional commitment to serving economically diverse student populations. The university is recognized among the top regional universities for social mobility, measuring the success rate of graduating Pell Grant recipients based on six-year graduation rates. Notably, 67% of all undergraduate students received Pell Grants in 2024, positioning Mount Mary as one of the top performers in the Midwest among regional universities in terms of economic diversity. This focus on access and support for low-income students reflects the institution’s Catholic values and commitment to social justice.
Student Retention and Graduation Rates
Mount Mary’s retention and graduation metrics demonstrate strong student success. The freshman retention rate stands at 68%, which aligns with the national average, indicating that most first-year students successfully transition into their sophomore year. More impressively, Mount Mary’s on-time graduation rate for first-time, full-time students reaches 42%, significantly exceeding the national average of 33.3%. The six-year graduation rate for first-time students entering in fall 2019 increased by 9% compared to those entering in fall 2018, demonstrating improving institutional effectiveness. Current graduation rate data from Niche shows 59% of Mount Mary students successfully complete their degree programs.
Academic Programs and Popular Majors
Mount Mary’s academic portfolio emphasizes health professions and applied fields aligned with career preparation. The highest-ranked major at the institution is Health Professions, reflecting the university’s strength in preparing students for healthcare careers. Among the most popular undergraduate majors are:
| Major | Number of Bachelor’s Degrees | Average Salary of Graduates |
|---|---|---|
| Design & Applied Arts | 15 | $28,624 |
| Social Work | 12 | Data Not Available |
| Dietetics & Clinical Nutrition Services | 12 | Data Not Available |
| General Psychology | 11 | Data Not Available |
| General Biology | 11 | Data Not Available |
| Communication & Media Studies | 6 | $31,777 |
These programs reflect Mount Mary’s emphasis on practical, career-focused education. Departments such as Dietetics and Nursing provide hands-on learning opportunities with experienced professionals, creating conducive environments for practical skill development. The university also supports career preparation through dedicated services, including the Student Success Center and comprehensive career services that facilitate internships and job placement.
Post-Graduate Employment Outcomes
Mount Mary graduates demonstrate strong employment outcomes, with 96% of students employed within one year of graduation according to Niche data. Student confidence in career prospects reflects this success, with 78% of students reporting confidence in finding employment in their field after graduation. These statistics underscore the effectiveness of Mount Mary’s career preparation initiatives and the relevance of its academic programs to contemporary job markets.
Campus Life and Student Experience
As a women’s university, Mount Mary creates a distinctive campus culture that emphasizes female empowerment and leadership development from a Catholic perspective. The campus environment promotes women’s voices, power, and influence, fostering a supportive community dedicated to women’s education and personal growth. Graduate programs do include male students, introducing some diversity to the primarily undergraduate female student body.
Student feedback regarding campus life reveals strengths in academic support and faculty relationships, though some areas present opportunities for improvement. Students consistently praise the supportive faculty and accessible resources for academic assistance. However, reviews suggest that dining services and residential facilities could benefit from enhancement. The overall Niche grade for Mount Mary reflects this mixed feedback: Academics (C+), Value (A-), Diversity (B), Campus (C-), Professors (C+), Location (B-), and Dorms (C-).
Despite these mixed grades in specific areas, the student community rates the overall experience positively. As one student noted: “I love how understanding my professors are and how easy it is to be able to get the help I need. I’ve learned so much in the little time I am here. There’s a lot of different resources you can go to if you’re struggling and everyone is friendly.” This sentiment reflects Mount Mary’s core strength in fostering supportive academic relationships.
Institutional Leadership and Strategic Direction
Under the leadership of President Dr. Isabelle Cherney, Mount Mary has articulated a clear strategic focus on delivering affordable, transformative education that prepares students for meaningful careers and lasting impact. The university positions itself as a catalyst for social and economic mobility, empowering students from all backgrounds to achieve their full potential. This mission-driven approach guides institutional decisions regarding curriculum development, student support services, and community engagement initiatives.
Financial Aid and Affordability
Mount Mary’s commitment to accessibility is reflected in its comprehensive approach to financial aid. Student aid distribution varies based on family income levels, with the following average institutional aid amounts across income brackets:
| Income Range | Average Aid |
|---|---|
| $0-$30K | $19,417 |
| $30K-$48K | $18,804 |
| $48K-$75K | $21,167 |
| $75K-$110K | $27,794 |
| $110K+ | $28,270 |
These figures demonstrate Mount Mary’s progressive approach to financial aid, ensuring that lower-income students receive substantial support while also assisting middle and upper-income families.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mount Mary University’s acceptance rate?
Mount Mary maintains an accessible acceptance rate of 94% according to Niche, though College Factual reports 62%, reflecting different data collection methodologies. The variation suggests the university welcomes qualified applicants while maintaining academic standards.
What are the most popular majors at Mount Mary?
Popular majors include Design & Applied Arts, Social Work, Dietetics & Clinical Nutrition Services, Psychology, and Biology. Health professions represent the institution’s highest-ranked academic area.
How does Mount Mary rank nationally?
Mount Mary ranks No. 72 among Best Regional Universities (North) in the 2025-26 U.S. News rankings and #287 out of 2,217 colleges on College Factual’s 2024 Best Colleges list, placing it in the top 15% of all schools nationally.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at Mount Mary?
Mount Mary maintains an excellent 7:1 to 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, significantly better than the national average of 15:1, enabling small classes and close faculty-student relationships.
What percentage of Mount Mary students receive Pell Grants?
Approximately 67% of all undergraduate students at Mount Mary received Pell Grants in 2024, positioning the university among the top performers in the Midwest for serving economically diverse students.
What is Mount Mary’s graduation rate?
Mount Mary reports a 59% graduation rate overall, with an on-time graduation rate of 42% for first-time, full-time students—significantly exceeding the national average of 33.3%.
References
- Mount Mary University Overview – College Factual — College Factual. 2024. https://www.collegefactual.com/colleges/mount-mary-college/
- 2025-26 Best Colleges Report: Mount Mary University continues to rank among top in Midwest for value, social mobility — Mount Mary University. 2025. https://mtmary.edu/news/2025-news-archives/09/2025-26-best-colleges-report-mount-mary-university-continues-to-rank-among-top-in-midwest-for-value-social-mobility.html
- The Mount Climbs in U.S. News & World Report Rankings — Mount Mary University News. November 2025. https://news.msmary.edu/2025/11/the-mount-climbs-in-u.s-news-world-report-rankings.html
- Mount Mary University – Niche — Niche, Inc. 2025. https://www.niche.com/colleges/mount-mary-university/
- U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Ranking — U.S. News & World Report. 2025. https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges
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