August 26, 2025 — Marist University proudly welcomes more than 1,300 first-year and transfer students from across the United States and around the world. And the Class of 2029 earns an extra special recognition as the “Centennial Class” — they’ll be graduating the same year Marist celebrates it’s 100th anniversary!

This cohort stands as one of the most geographically diverse in the University's history. A record number of students applied through Early Decision, affirming Marist as their clear top choice. Interest from international students also continues to rise, underscoring the growing global recognition of a Marist education.

The Class of 2029 includes students from every region of the country, with a notable increase from the Midwest—states like Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Minnesota—as well as strong representation from the Northeast, South, and West, including Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, North Carolina, Nevada, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and more. This geographic diversity reflects Marist’s expanding national reach.

Signifying the University’s global reach, Marist is also welcoming more students from the United World Colleges global network of secondary schools, with more than a dozen students choosing to start in Poughkeepsie, Florence, or Dublin. This year’s incoming class represents more than two dozen countries across North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.

“The Class of 2029 brings remarkable talent, diverse perspectives, and a deep intellectual curiosity,” said Kent Rinehart, Dean of Admission. “They understand what makes Marist unique — a place where students embrace both academic excellence and personal growth, in our spirit of ‘and, not or.’ They’ve chosen Marist for its welcoming environment, beautiful Hudson River campus, nationally ranked abroad opportunities, and the chance to be part of a vibrant, collaborative learning community.”

A record number of new Long Reach Society scholars have joined Marist this year, with eight exceptional students receiving academic awards to study history.

First-year students are greeted by President Kevin Weinman, along with assembled faculty entering the McCann Center on Sunday before the inaugural Student Convocation. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

51 students from the Class of 2029 are spending their first full year as a Red Fox abroad in the University’s nationally recognized First-Year Florence Experience (FFE) or First-Year Dublin Experience (FDE) program. Additionally, 27 others have enrolled at Marist’s Florence campus seeking a four-year bachelor’s degree.

Students at the First-Year Abroad Orientation on the Marist campus in June. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

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. 

Beyond the Class of 2029
Marist has seen a significant rise in transfer student enrollment, a testament to the University’s growing reputation as a destination for academic excellence and opportunity. These students bring a variety of backgrounds and experiences to enrich the campus community.

“This exceptional cohort of students arrives at Marist from a wide range of two and four-year institutions, with an array of academic interests, personal experiences, and impressive accomplishments,” added Rinehart.

This year also marks a significant rise in graduate student enrollment, highlighting the strength and relevance of Marist’s advanced degree programs across a broad range of disciplines—including the new Master of Social Work program.