Meet MBU

At Mary Baldwin, we create, re-envision, and advance higher education so that students can face the challenges of their time and seize any opportunities that cross their paths.

Expanding Access and Opportunity

Mary Baldwin University has always challenged the status quo to expand access and opportunity for everyone.

Standing on that foundation, we’re rebuilding what a college education can be—one where liberal arts combined with professional programs inspire personal, social, and intellectual growth for a diverse population. Today, we’re recognized as the top college in Virginia for delivering social mobility for low-income students.

MBU offers programs of study supported by traditional classroom teaching, online, and work experience. We emphasize the development of critical, creative, reflective reasoning and experiential learning as the bedrock for fulfilling and meaningful lives in the fast-changing new economy.

About Mary Baldwin

The University

MBU is a small, private university enrolling nearly 2,000 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels on campuses in Staunton and Fishersville, Virginia, and online. Since 1842, this intimate learning environment has allowed students to cultivate strong connections with faculty and peers.

Our Mission

Mary Baldwin University empowers inclusive leaders to create lives of purpose and professional success in our changing world.

Three Colleges

The university is organized into three academic colleges: the Gold College of Arts and Sciences, the Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences, and the Palmer College of Professional Studies.

Your university for life

At MBU the focus is always on you — and that personal support continues through graduation and beyond. At our new McCree Center for Life Success, advisors and success coaches are there to offer comprehensive services and resources for life design and professional development. 

We offer an authentic learning community committed to diversity and inclusivity.

Our significant representation of first-generation undergraduate students, working adults from diverse backgrounds, and healthcare professionals preparing to serve all members of their communities is a source of great pride and inspiration to the MBU community. 

Mary Baldwin’s commitment to our students and their families begins with ensuring access and affordability to our undergraduate students, as they pursue their college degrees. We award more than $16 million in scholarships and financial aid each year to residential undergrads and provide zero-cost tuition to Virginia students with families who make less than $60,000 annually.

Programmatic experiences are designed to build community and a sense of belonging, such as cross-cultural sharing, exploration, and holistic support for students of color through MBU’s Office of Inclusive Excellence.

Across all academic programs, we understand the need for students to achieve successful careers and financial stability. U.S. News & World Report has consistently recognized MBU as one of the nation’s top colleges for promoting social mobility, and we’re nationally ranked for community service by Washington Monthly.

About our people

There’s one thing Mary Baldwin’s faculty, staff, and leadership team have in common – we’re all deeply invested in the success and well-being of our students.

From our Office of Inclusive Excellence to the Board of Trustees, you are our top priority.

MBU Partnerships

Mary Baldwin is invested in nurturing mutually-beneficial partnerships with businesses and organizations in the community and beyond.

From tuition discounts to internship and job placements, there are so many ways we can work together.

Come see for yourself..
We offer in-person and virtual visits.