August 28, 2023 — Marist this fall welcomes students from around the country and the world with one of the largest and most diverse incoming classes in its history. More than 1,300 first-year students have begun their journey as Red Foxes.

A majority (56%) of the Class of 2027 comes from outside New York state, hailing from states in the West (Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, California, and Arizona), the Midwest (Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin), the South (Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, and the Carolinas), throughout the Northeast (Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine), and many other states. More than one-quarter of the first-year class identify as students of color, making it one of the most ethnically and racially diverse first-year classes in the history of the College.

On the international front, the new class features students from more than two dozen countries, including ones in North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. 

There are 12 National Science Foundation Scholars (NSF) in the class. Marist was awarded a grant from the foundation last year to support high-achieving students in STEM majors. There are also four new Gilder Lehrman Institute scholars, exceptional students who received academic awards to study history. 

“This talented collection of first-year students comes to Marist from around the country and the world,” said Kent Rinehart, Dean of Admission at Marist College. “The Class of 2027, like those that have come before them, have used their time, abilities, and education to make an impactful change in their own communities. We are looking forward to seeing them grow into exceptional students and leaders who serve and mentor those around them.”

Of the Class of 2027, 64 students began their full-year abroad First-Year Florence Experience (FFE) and First-Year Dublin Experience (FDE) programs, and 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.