About Mary Baldwin University
Mary Baldwin University is a four-year, private college located in Staunton, Virginia. Mary Baldwin is a predominantly female school and is the oldest institution of higher education for women in the United States that is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. Rufus William Bailey founded the school in 1842 as the Augusta Female Seminary. The school’s name was changed to Mary Baldwin Seminary in 1895 and changed again to Mary Baldwin College in 1923 to honor the long-time principal, an original alumna of the institution, and pioneer woman educator, Mary Julia Baldwin.
MBU offers:
- Personal attention
- Flexibile schedules for online students
- Engaged faculty
MBU empowers future leaders to lead lives of purpose and success. Mary Baldwin University offers pre-professional programs, undergraduate, and post baccalaureate teacher licensure programs, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees. Many degrees and certificates are offered completely online from Baldwin Online.
Accreditation & Licensing
Mary Baldwin University is accredited by:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Presbyterian Church (USA)Enrollment:
Undergraduate: 1,313 ; Graduate: 832Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 37% ; Graduate: 53%Graduation Rate:
39%Transfer Rate:
34%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$44,427Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$26,586Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
95%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$23,791Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by Mary Baldwin University
All Programs
Business
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
Education
Healthcare
Nursing
Filters
Mary Baldwin runs at a demanding pace. The workload is heavy, and even strong students can hit difficult stretches. Time to finish depends on steady week-to-week effort, not occasional catch-up. This is a school where completion stays on track when students can sustain consistent study time across terms.
Cost value is closely tied to aid. Annual tuition is listed at $34,152, and the strongest value read is straightforward: “Great for the price if you receive a scholarship,” but “not worth the cost unless you have a scholarship.” The price-to-value experience changes a lot between aid-adjusted cost and near full price.
At Mary Baldwin, help is close when classes get tough. Students can reach professors without much hassle in a small, connected school. That quick contact helps when instructions are confusing or deadlines feel tight.
Classwork is challenging, but students get steady support to keep moving. Advising and faculty guidance encourage students to speak up early and stay on track. Office support is not always as steady as classroom support. Even so, students who follow up and use available help often do well.
Online students at Mary Baldwin can expect challenging classes and clear expectations. The pace is strong and rewards steady effort each week.
A key strength is access to professors. Students can reach instructors easily and get support in a small, personal learning setting.
Classes at Mary Baldwin are challenging and personal. Professors push students to do their best. The workload is steady, and even strong students can struggle at times.
Classroom learning feels close and interactive. Students can talk with professors easily and get direct feedback. That small-school feel helps students stay engaged in class.
The academic curriculum is solid, though some majors may be limited. Students who ask for help and stay focused tend to do well.
Mary Baldwin is rigorous and personal. Classes are not light. The workload is heavy and steady. Even strong students can struggle at times.
Professors are reachable and engaged. That close contact is a core strength. Cost value depends a lot on aid. With scholarships, price feels much better.
Near full price, value drops for many students. Administrative execution is less consistent than classroom support. Communication and follow-through can be uneven across offices. Overall, the school fits students who want challenge, structure, and direct professor access.
Mary Baldwin is rigorous and personal. Classes are not light. The workload is heavy and steady. Even strong students can struggle at times.
Professors are reachable and engaged. That close contact is a core strength. Cost value depends a lot on aid. With scholarships, price feels much better.
Near full price, value drops for many students. Administrative execution is less consistent than classroom support. Communication and follow-through can be uneven across offices. Overall, the school fits students who want challenge, structure, and direct professor access.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mary Baldwin University
Is Mary Baldwin University accredited?
Yes. Mary Baldwin University is institutionally accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
How many online programs does Mary Baldwin University offer?
Mary Baldwin University offers 27 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Mary Baldwin University offer?
Mary Baldwin University offers both bachelor's and master's level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Mary Baldwin University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Mary Baldwin University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Mary Baldwin University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Mary Baldwin University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Mary Baldwin University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Mary Baldwin University programs require?
GPA requirements typically range from 2.0 to 3.0, and 3.0 appears most often.
Is Mary Baldwin University military friendly?
Mary Baldwin University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Mary Baldwin University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Mary Baldwin University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Statement of Purpose/Intent, Official High School Transcript/GED Score, and Recommendation/Reference Letter(s). Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Mary Baldwin University accept life experience credit?
Mary Baldwin University accepts life experience credit, but qualifying can be harder than expected and fees may still apply. Check Transfer Options to confirm what applies to your program.
Are Mary Baldwin University programs fully online or mixed?
Mary Baldwin University programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Mary Baldwin University offer?
Mary Baldwin University has online program options in areas such as Healthcare, Education, Nursing, and Business; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any Mary Baldwin University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP); Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Are any admission tests required for Mary Baldwin University programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students). Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Mary Baldwin University?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Mary Baldwin University programs have state authorization limitations?
Some programs show state or location restrictions, so students should confirm eligibility for their state before applying. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Mary Baldwin University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Mary Baldwin University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Mary Baldwin University programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
Mary Baldwin University is featured in 17 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Mary Baldwin University is located in Virginia
Virginia at a Glance:

Top Majors in Virginia:
Top Incentives in Virginia:
- Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant: Up to $4,000 annually
Top Career Pathways in Virginia:
- Entry Level: Security Analyst ($80,000)
- Mid Level: Security Engineer ($120,000)
- Senior Level: Security Director ($175,000+)
- Required Education: BS Cybersecurity
- Certifications: Security+, CISSP


















