Marist Welcomes First-Year Students

The Class of 2030 lines up on the field at Tenney Stadium during Welcome Week. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist University.
September 22, 2026 — Marist University proudly welcomes more than 1,300 first-year and transfer students from across the United States and around the world.
The Class of 2030 brings a range of perspectives and experiences to Marist. Students hail from 38 states, including California, Texas, and Florida, and 39 countries around the world, including China, Italy, and India.
Marist also has welcomed its largest cohort of students ever from the United World Colleges (UWC) global network of secondary schools, with 40 students based in Poughkeepsie, Florence, or Dublin. UWC is a network spanning four continents that foster challenging and transformational education around the world.
“The Class of 2030 is intellectually curious, creative, and filled with exceptional leaders,” said Kent Rinehart, Dean of Undergraduate Admission. “As the most geographically diverse class in Marist history, they reflect the University's growing reach and reputation across the United States and around the world.”
Fifty-one students from the Class of 2030 have chosen to spend their first full year as Red Foxes abroad in the University's nationally recognized First-Year Florence Experience (FFE) or First-Year Dublin Experience (FDE) program. Additionally, 18 others have enrolled at Marist's Florence campus seeking a four-year bachelor's degree.
Marist's Study Abroad program is top ranked in the most recent Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State. More than half of Marist students spend time abroad before graduation.
Eight new Long Reach Society scholars joined Marist this year, with exceptional students receiving academic awards to study history with access to hands-on learning experiences and trips, dedicated faculty mentorship, and research opportunities. Long Reach is a scholarship-supported community for students interested in History or American Studies that fosters learning, exploration, and leadership development.
Marist remains a top choice for transfer students seeking a supportive and academically rigorous university experience. These 117 students bring diverse perspectives and experiences that strengthen the campus community, fostering an environment where all students can learn, grow, and thrive.
“We are committed to providing the support and opportunities transfer students need to make a seamless transition and succeed at Marist,” said Jaclyn Sager, Director of Transfer and Adult Admission. “Each transfer student brings unique experiences and perspectives that enrich our campus and strengthen our dynamic and inclusive community.”


