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Mary Baldwin University

Staunton, VA·Private nonprofit·1,188 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access. freshman retention is below 65%. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

N/A
Accept
1,188
Students
$17,833
Net Price
56%
Grad Rate
$39,500
Earnings
10 yr
$12,250
Debt

About This School

Mary Baldwin University is a private nonprofit institution located in Staunton, Virginia with approximately 1,188 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $17,833 per year. The graduation rate is 56%, and the typical graduate earns $39,500 within 10 years of enrollment.

Mary Baldwin University is a private university in Staunton, Virginia, United States. It was founded in 1842 as "Augusta Female Seminary". Mary Baldwin University is home to the Mary Baldwin College for Women, a residential college and women's college with a focus on liberal arts and leadership, as well as co-educational residential college for undergraduate programs within its University College structure. MBU also offers co-educational graduate degrees as well as undergraduate degree and certificate programs for working professionals and non-traditional students.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: a 56% graduation rate and 61% freshman retention rate suggest a meaningful chunk of students don't finish, which is worth asking about directly. On the positive side, median debt at graduation is a relatively low $12,250, and the net price of $17,833/year makes it financially accessible for a private school. Worth considering if you're drawn to a small, women-focused liberal arts environment with leadership programming — but go in with eyes open about the outcomes data, since median earnings of $39,500 a decade out are modest.

Founded
1842
Setting
Small city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing19%
Health Professions15%
Social Sciences15%
Psychology7%
Visual & Performing Arts5%
Biological Sciences5%
Education4%
English3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Tallulah BankheadAnna JarvisKaren AustinKennedy Summers

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$33,157
Out-of-State Tuition
$33,157
Avg Net Price
$17,833
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants48%
Median debt at graduation$12,250

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
56%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
61%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$39,500
after enrollment
Median Debt
$12,250
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$12,250
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$30,800
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$39,500
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.2x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White50%
Black26%
Hispanic/Latino8%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,188 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Mary Baldwin University

318 Prospect Street

Staunton, VA 24401

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Virginia

Browse all Virginia schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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