The University of Mary is a private Catholic university located in Bismarck, North Dakota, USA. Founded in 1959, the university has grown significantly over the years and now offers over 60 undergraduate programs and 14 graduate programs. In this answer, we will discuss the pros and cons of attending the University of Mary.
Pros:
- Strong Catholic identity: As a Catholic university, the University of Mary has a strong Catholic identity, which is reflected in its mission and values. The university emphasizes the importance of faith, character, and service, and encourages students to live out these values in their personal and professional lives.
- Small class sizes: The University of Mary has a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, which means that students have ample opportunity to interact with their professors and receive personalized attention. This can lead to a more engaging and productive learning experience.
- Beautiful campus: The University of Mary’s campus is located on a hill overlooking the city of Bismarck, and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The campus is also well-maintained, with modern facilities and plenty of green space for students to enjoy.
- Strong academic programs: The University of Mary offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as business, education, nursing, and theology. Many of these programs are highly ranked, and the university has a reputation for producing well-prepared graduates who are sought after by employers.
- Career-focused education: The University of Mary places a strong emphasis on career readiness, and offers a variety of resources to help students prepare for their future careers. These include internships, career counseling, and networking events with alumni and employers.
Cons:
- High cost: Like many private universities, the University of Mary is relatively expensive, with tuition and fees totaling over $30,000 per year. While the university offers financial aid to many students, some may still find the cost of attendance to be a barrier.
- Limited diversity: The University of Mary is located in a predominantly white and conservative area of the country, and as a result, the student body is not particularly diverse. This lack of diversity can limit students’ exposure to different cultures and viewpoints.
- Remote location: Bismarck, North Dakota is not a particularly large or bustling city, and some students may find the area to be too quiet or isolated. This can be particularly challenging for students who come from larger or more urban areas.
- Limited extracurricular opportunities: While the University of Mary offers a variety of student organizations and clubs, the overall extracurricular scene on campus is relatively limited. This can be a disadvantage for students who are looking for a wide range of activities to get involved in outside of class.
- Limited graduate programs: While the University of Mary offers a strong selection of undergraduate programs, its graduate program offerings are relatively limited. This can be a disadvantage for students who are looking to pursue advanced degrees in fields that are not offered by the university.
Overall, the University of Mary offers a strong academic program with a Catholic focus, personalized attention from professors, and a beautiful campus. However, students should consider the high cost, limited diversity, and limited graduate program offerings when deciding whether to attend.