Marist College to become Marist University as 6,000 students matriculate

One of Hudson Valley’s most historic houses of higher education is about to get a big upgrade to its title. Just like SUNY New Paltz before it, Marist College will formally transition to university status.

In a unanimous decision approved by the Board of Trustees and endorsed by the New York State Board of Regents, Marist College in Poughkeepsie will officially become Marist University on January 29, 2025.

“Marist has achieved remarkable success over the past several decades, transforming from a small regional college into a nationally and internationally renowned leader in higher education,” President Dr. Kevin C. Weinman said. “Marist University better describes the breadth of opportunities we offer to students today and the vision we have for Marist’s next century.” 

The change comes as enrollment surpasses 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students spread across its historic Poughkeepsie campus, a branch in Florence, Italy, and an array of online programs.

What is the significance of the change beyond semantics?

“As we expand our global reach, the name Marist University provides important clarity to prospective international students, who typically associate the word ‘college’ with secondary education, while also highlighting the strength of our graduate programs,” said Dr. Catherine Gunther Kodat, Provost and Dean of Faculty.

“To me, becoming Marist University gives us the best of both worlds: preserving the personal attention of the college we all grew up with over the last 95 years while signaling the depth of opportunities and leadership role Marist can play as a global university,” said Tony Lorello ’86, President of the Marist Alumni Association, ex officio member of the Board of Trustees, and a Marist parent.  

Come late January, the campus will host celebrations as it officially becomes Marist University, unveiling a new storytelling campaign that reflects its expanded profile.

According to the latest statistics from the US Department of Education, Marist had a graduation rate of 85% and an acceptance rate of 63%.