About

See what students say:

Academics

Mary Baldwin University is a small and "beautiful" liberal arts school with "rolling hills and Greek revival buildings" in the Shenandoah Valley. Students "are able, even required, to pursue all areas of study available." But not all areas of study are equal in students’ eyes. "If you go to Mary Baldwin, the best education is going to be in psychology or sociology." Math, on the other hand, is "terrible." As a former all-women’s college, it’s hardly surprising that "Mary Baldwin is all about women’s empowerment and leadership." And they start that empowerment especially early: The PEG [Program for the Exceptionally Gifted] allows students to skip as many as four years of high school and enroll directly in college. While some traditional students find the program innovative, many of them "question the validity of taking girls out of high school to place them in the harsh world of college academics." The students of Mary Baldwin can count on "individual attention" from professors and administrators alike. "It is not uncommon to be given your professor's home or cell phone numbers, and they really do want you to call if you need to." But professors are not pushovers. "Teachers are understanding, yet they push us to succeed no matter what program we are apart of, ethnicity, religion, or age." Additionally, "Everyone knows the President by face and name and are constantly invited to her house for a variety of events."

Student Body

The students of Mary Baldwin are "focused." "We have a lot of strong leadership types," and each one "has a genuine interest in her education and a desire for success in her studies and eventual career." "The typical student has lots of friends and is very studious, keeps a well-balanced schedule, but knows how to have fun." Many students are "very liberal and feminist," yet at the same time "very compassionate and open-minded." The school is "a very diverse school in terms of gender identity, sexual preference, religious preference, race, and personal expression."

Campus Life

Mary Baldwin is located in Staunton, Virginia, "the quintessential friendly Southern neighborly town." "Downtown is cozy and there is definitely a sense of belonging for Mary Baldwin [students] within the community." "There are two theaters within walking distance, so many people go there." But mostly, just "walking around downtown and spending time at the park, Gypsy Hill" is a "popular" way to pass time. "Traveling to Harrisonburg and Charlottesville to the big malls is popular as well." "Life at Mary Baldwin is rather calm and relaxed," one student says. "If you want a huge party scene, Baldwin is probably not what you’re looking for. However, with five colleges and universities within 45 minutes, it’s certainly not hard to find a big school atmosphere." Students do wish that the school would keep the dining hall open a little later. "Dinner is over at 6:30 in our main eatery," so if you "lose track of time" while studying, you’ll "have to go out to eat instead of eating on campus." Also, "The physical fitness center could use upgrading." It’s "in desperate need of a new track," and more than a few women would like them to "build a swimming pool."

Contact & Visit

Campus Visits Contact

Address
PO Box 1500
Staunton, VA 24402
Phone
540-887-7019
Email
admit@marybaldwin.edu

Experience College Life

Most Popular Places On Campus
Spencer Center for Civic and Global Engagement
University Cafe
Grafton Library
Physical Activities Center
Staunton Military Academy/VWIL Museum
Most Popular Places Off Campus
American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriars Playhouse
Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum
By and By Cafe
Downtown Staunton

Campus Tours

Campus Visiting Center
by appointment
by appointment
540-887-7019
Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: 1 hour

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews
Yes
Information Sessions
Available
Times
During and after tours

Faculty and Coach Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Advance Notice
1 week
Contact Email Address for Visit
admit@marybaldwin.edu

Class Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Available
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Limitations
only one night

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus
MBU is accessible by transportation services from airports in Weyers Cave (Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport, 15 miles away); Charlottesville (Charlottesville Albemarle Airport, 45 miles away); and Roanoke (Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, 85 miles away). The Amtrak Station is located five blocks away from the main campus.
Driving Instructions to Campus
Coming from the North:Take I-81 south to exit 225. From the exit ramp, turn right onto Rt. 262W. At the stoplight, turn left onto Rt. 11 south. Bear right at the first fork (Rt. 11 Business). Bear left at the next fork (N. Coalter St.). Pass the Mary Baldwin soccer field and main entrance. Turn right on Frederick St. Follow signs to admissions parking on the right. Coming from the East: Take I-64 west to exit 87. Stay in the right lane of I-81 for 1/2 mile. Take exit 222, merge right onto 250 west. Go two miles, merge right at the fork in the road. Get into the center lane to go under the overpass. Proceed up the hill and you will see the college. Turn left onto Frederick St. Follow signs to admissions parking on the right. Coming from the South: Take I-81 north to exit 222. Follow the directions from the third step under “Coming from the East.” Coming from the West: Access from I-64 or I-81.
Local Accommodations
Comfort Inn, 1302 Richmond Ave., Staunton, VA 24401, 877-424-6423 ; Days Inn, 273D Bells Lane, Staunton, VA 24401, 800-329-7466 ; Econo Lodge, 1031 Richmond Ave., Staunton, VA 24401, 540-885-5158 ; Howard Johnson Express Inn, 268 N. Central Ave., Staunton, VA 24401, 800-446-4656 ; Quality Inn and Suites, 200 Frontier Dr., Staunton, VA 24401, 540-887-0200 ; Stonewall Jackson Hotel and Conference Center, 24 South Market St., Staunton, VA 24401, 866-880-0024 ; Best Western, 92 Rowe Rd., Staunton, VA 24401, 800-752-9471 ; Hampton Inn by Hilton, 40 Payne Lane, Staunton, VA 24401, 800-HAMPTON ; Holiday Inn Staunton, 152 Fairway Lane, Staunton, VA 24401, 800-465-4329 ; Red Roof Inn, 42 Sangers Ln., Staunton, VA 24401, 540-885-3117 ; Sleep Inn, 222 Jefferson Hwy., Staunton, VA 24401, 800-488-8750
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Admissions

Admissions

Applicants: 6,371
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Average HS GPA: 3.35





Academics

Academics








Careers

Careers



Tuition & Aid

Tuition & Aid






Student Body

Student Body



Campus Life

Campus Life











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