Watch the Class of 2028 prepare for their class photo. Photo by Bobby Oliver/Marist College. Timelapse by Steve Tuttle/Marist Safety and Security.

August 27, 2024 — Marist welcomes more than 1,275 first-year students from across the country and around the globe, representing one of the most diverse incoming classes in the College’s history. As the number of students applying to Marist rises and each year’s incoming class remains about the same size, admission to the College has become increasingly selective.

The Class of 2028 comes from 35 different states, hailing from all regions of the country, including a surge in students from Texas, California, and Arizona. Roughly 30% of the first-year class identify as students of color, making it the most ethnically and racially diverse first-year class in the history of the College.

“The Class of 2028 was attracted to Marist’s unique blend of liberal arts and professional studies,” said Kent Rinehart, Dean of Admission. “This, along with the incredible opportunities to study abroad, intern in places like New York City, and give back through our community service programs was appealing to the class.”

Marist’s participation in the American Talent Initiative, an organization committed to expanding college access and opportunities to students from low and moderate income households, also aided in welcoming the most economically diverse class in the College’s history. A record number of Pell Grant-eligible first-year students are part of the Class of 2028.

On the international front, Marist remains a global attraction, with the Class of 2028 featuring a growing number of students from outside the United States, representing more than two dozen countries across North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.

First-year students listen to President Kevin Weinman inside McCann Arena on Thursday. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist College.

There are also three new Gilder Lehrman Institute scholars, exceptional students who received academic awards to study history. For the first time, Marist is also welcoming students from the United World Colleges global network of secondary schools, with two beginning their studies in Poughkeepsie and one attending the four-year bachelor’s degree program in Florence.

Additionally, Marist is proud to welcome its first-ever Ralph Lauren Scholar. This design-focused student will receive a four-year scholarship from the world-renowned fashion company, which also includes mentoring, an internship, and post-graduation opportunities with Ralph Lauren.

"We were struck by the personal qualities and academic strength of the Class of 2028," added Rinehart. "They are community-minded, eager to make a difference, and committed to improving the world. With a record 170 new students in Marist's Honors Program, this class showcases academic talent that will shape our campus for years while also advancing Marist's commitment to access, affordability, and economic diversity as part of the Marist 100 strategic plan."

Students enjoying the start of the academic year in Florence. Photos courtesy Marist Italy.

Not all first-year students begin their Marist journey in Poughkeepsie, NY. Fifty-nine students from the Class of 2028 are spending their first full year as a Red Fox abroad in the College’s nationally recognized First-Year Florence Experience (FFE) or First-Year Dublin Experience (FDE) program. Additionally, a record number enrolled at Marist’s Florence, Italy campus seeking a four-year bachelor’s degree. Marist is one of only a few colleges or universities to offer full-year abroad programs for first-year students.

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.

See more highlights from move-in and opening week here.