November 20, 2025 —  Marist University has once again earned the No. 1 ranking in the country for full academic year study abroad programs, according to the Institute of International Education’s (IIE) annual Open Doors report. Marist secured five Top 20 placements in all across multiple categories of global engagement.

This marks the University’s fourth consecutive year leading the nation in full-year study abroad student participation when ranked among its peers. The strength and breadth of Marist’s global programs continue to distinguish the University, reflected in this year’s rankings:

• No. 1 for academic-year programs
• No. 2 for semester-long programs (up from No. 4 last year)
• No. 3 for total number of students studying abroad (up from No. 4 last year)
• No. 6 for overall study abroad participation rate (up from No. 9 last year)
• No. 18 for short-term “travel course” programs (unranked last year)

Marist students as part of the First-Year Dublin Experience. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist University.

The rankings, compiled in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, reflect data from the 2023–2024 academic year for master’s-granting institutions.

Studying abroad is a hallmark of the Marist experience, offering students across every discipline the chance to immerse themselves in new cultures, perspectives, and opportunities. 

“Study abroad is a powerful bridge between people, cultures, and nations, helping to foster discussion, understanding, and dialogue,” said Dr. John Peters, Associate Provost for International Engagement. “We are building a better tomorrow, one student and global experience at a time.”

First-Year Abroad a Catalyst for Marist’s Success
A key driver of Marist’s success in long-term study abroad rankings is the strength of its First-Year Abroad program, which offers separate experiences in Florence and Dublin for students to choose to apply into.

In the First-Year Florence Experience, students start their college experience in Italy, immersing themselves in a vibrant culture of art, language, cuisine, and community. In the First-Year Dublin Experience, they begin in Ireland, where history meets innovation, while living in one of Europe’s most beautiful and charismatic cities.

“This year's Open Doors report demonstrates our commitment to bringing Marist to the world," said Dr. Gavin Webb, Dean of International Programs. “Global programming is a cornerstone of our internationalization strategy.”

“We are proud that Marist has been recognized for fostering international engagement,” said James Morrow-Polio, Director of International Programs. “These opportunities prepare our students to thrive in a global society.”

Marist Italy in Florence. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist University.

Marist Italy and Beyond
In Florence, Marist Italy combines the appeal of an American degree program and the unique experience of studying in one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Students can choose to study for a semester, one year, or all four years. Marist is the only U.S. bachelor degree-granting institution in Florence.

Marist also offers distinctive opportunities that set its study abroad experience apart. For example, students can study in Spain at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid—one of Europe’s most prestigious universities—with options for both Spanish- and English-language tracks.

For those seeking a broader journey, the Asia Study Abroad Program (ASAP) has students travel to nearly a dozen countries and 18 cities in a single semester, combining coursework with visits to companies, alumni, and historic landmarks to immerse themselves in global business and cultural practices.

Veronica Vogelman '26 in Thailand during her semester abroad in the Asia Study Abroad Program. Photo courtesy of Veronica Vogelman.

“ASAP was easily the most unique and transformative experience I've had at Marist,” said Veronica Vogelman '26. “Between traveling to a new country every week, meeting with international businesspeople, and doing hands-on cultural research halfway across the world, I learned so much about myself and the world around me.”

In addition to these core programs, students also engage educational goals and exploration across affiliate programs in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East.

“Studying abroad broadened my perception of the world and of myself,” said Lana Tomchuk '26, who has studied abroad twice, including an attachment class in South Africa and a semester in Florence. She plans to take another attachment class this spring, visiting Thailand and Cambodia.

“Living somewhere new helped me understand how different people move through life, and it made me more open-minded and curious,” Lana said.

“My experience abroad was incredible because I gained so many skills and competencies while living and studying in Spain,” said Jacob Gresens '26, who studied in Madrid. “I feel like a more mature, experienced, and confident person after the program.”

A Commitment to Addressing Financial Need
Marist also remains committed to helping students with financial need fully benefit from these and other study abroad opportunities. In addition to financial aid that can be used to study abroad, Marist also offers the Presidential Fund for Equity in the Marist Experience, which has helped about 300 students with experiential learning opportunities, including short-term courses abroad.

Click here to learn more about study abroad opportunities at Marist.