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Catholic Identity & Culture

Student carrying a thurible down the center aisle in mass with two students on either side

The Nation’s Most Affordable, Serious Catholic University

Newman Guide Seal 2023

When the Benedictine Sisters of the Annunciation founded what is today North Dakota's only Catholic university, they placed their small college under the patronage of Mary, the Mother of God. The Sisters' hope was that generations of students would find inspiration in the beautiful wisdom and courage of the maiden from Nazareth. As a Catholic university, we are deeply dedicated to providing rich opportunities for our students to explore and grow in their faith.

Three students sitting at a table with a professor discussing a religious book

Catholic Studies

This exciting academic program examines the rich intellectual and cultural traditions of the Roman Catholic Church and its impressive contributions to human thought and culture – past and present.

The University of Mary’s Rome, Italy location.

Study in Rome

Rome is the heart of the Catholic faith and the site of the University of Mary's Rome campus. Study abroad in the shadow of the Vatican: tuition, room, and board cost the same as at the home campus.

Smiling, female student in the chapel of one of the University of Mary residence halls.

Catholic Scholars

Eligible graduates of Catholic high schools can receive free room and board at the University of Mary, thanks to our donors who love to support students of Catholic schools.

And Much More!

  • ​​Daily Mass and a rich sacramental life
  • Eucharistic Adoration
  • A thriving University Ministry program
  • Classes integrated in the Catholic intellectual tradition for nearly 60 undergraduate, 15 master’s, and four doctoral degrees
  • Faith-based residence hall communities for men and women, with chapels and common prayer
  • FOCUS Missionaries: We have eight FOCUS missionaries serving our campus and we welcome FOCUS’s new staff training to our campus each year
  • NCAA DII Athletics, where we emphasize pursuing greatness through virtue, with a dedicated chaplain for Marauders athletics
  • Faith-based student organizations
  • A breath-taking Marian grotto
  • Mission trips both abroad and within the US
  • A campus pub dedicated to Catholic literary heroes like J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and G.K. Chesterton!
University of Mary President Monsignor James Shea

The instinct of a Christian, Catholic, Benedictine institution is to resist the fragmentation of knowledge. We stand convinced that there can be a deep harmony between faith and reason. ... At a place like the University of Mary, reason is at home in a culture of faith.

Monsignor James P. Shea, President

Leading in the Service of Truth

We believe that the development of essential leadership qualities in each student prepares that person to work courageously and effectively for the common good. We call this servant leadership. At the University of Mary, we promote an environment in which students have the freedom to discover their gifts and develop characteristics critical to leadership, so that they may use those talents to serve those around them

All students are encouraged to seek the Truth, to see themselves as whole and unique individuals responsible to God and one another, and to become leaders in the service of Truth. 

Professional woman working on her laptop at desk with crucifix on wall behind her

Online Education for the Catholic Professional

Our graduate programs cultivate the knowledge and skill necessary to advance you in your professional field while drinking deeply from the Catholic intellectual tradition.

Come to Mary!

Imagine yourself at the nation’s most affordable, serious Catholic university.