Marist College admissions run through the Common Application for undergraduates and program-specific graduate portals, with an IELTS 6.5 floor for both levels and a Bachelor’s degree required for master’s admits.
- Next live deadline: Early Decision I for the Fall 2027 primary intake closes November 1, 2026.
- Base tuition USD 50,760 (INR 48.81 Lakhs) per year for full-time undergraduates, plus a USD 50 (INR 4,809) application fee paid on the Common App.
- Class XII at around 75 percent for UG, Bachelor’s at 3.0 GPA (around 60 percent) for PG, IELTS 6.5 across levels.
- Institutional acceptance rate around 56 percent, per the most recent US News freshman-cohort data.
Indian applicants gravitate to the BS Data Science and Analytics, MS Computer Science Software Development, and MS Information Systems programs, where STEM OPT eligibility and Marist’s long-running IBM tie-up shape the ROI conversation. Broader context on courses, campus life, and Indian-student outcomes sits in the Marist College overview.
Table of Contents
- Marist College Application Deadlines
- Marist College Eligibility Requirements
- Marist College PG Programs and Requirements
- Marist College UG Programs and Requirements
- Marist College MBA Admissions
- Marist College Application Process
- Marist College Admission Decisions Timeline
- Marist College Documents Required
- Marist College Acceptance Rate
- USA Student Visa for Marist College Applicants
- Tips for Marist College Admissions
- Marist College Admissions Checklist
- Marist College Admissions: Frequently Asked Questions
Marist College Application Deadlines for Indian Students
Marist College publishes fixed undergraduate deadlines with four decision plans between November and February. Graduate programs read applications on a rolling basis through the centralised GradCAS portal, so earlier is materially better for scholarship consideration and I-20 processing.
Marist College’s primary intake for Indian students is Fall (August) — most undergraduate and graduate programs open here. All dates below reflect the current active cycle, per the official Marist international admissions page.
| Intake | Level | App Opens | Deadline | App Fee | Portal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2027 (Primary intake) | UG Early Decision I | Aug 1, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | USD 50 (INR 4,809) | Common Application |
| Fall 2027 | UG Early Action | Aug 1, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | USD 50 (INR 4,809) | Common Application |
| Fall 2027 | UG Early Decision II | Aug 1, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | USD 50 (INR 4,809) | Common Application |
| Fall 2027 | UG Regular Decision | Aug 1, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | USD 50 (INR 4,809) | Common Application |
| Fall 2026 | Graduate (MS/MA/MSW) | Rolling | Rolling (Closing Soon) | Set per program | GradCAS |
| Spring 2027 | Graduate (MS/MA/MSW) | Rolling | Rolling; recommended by Nov 1, 2026 | Set per program | GradCAS |
| Spring 2027 | MBA (online only) | Open | Dec 1, 2026 | USD 70 (INR 6,732) | BusinessCAS |
Planning note: Indian applicants targeting an on-campus F-1 experience should treat Early Action (Nov 15, 2026) as the practical inflection point. It preserves scholarship review while leaving four to six months for I-20 processing, SEVIS payment, and the F-1 interview slot at a US consulate in India.
Marist College Eligibility Requirements for Indian Students
Marist College evaluates Indian applicants on two dimensions: academic performance in your most recent qualification, and English-language proficiency. There are no compulsory standardised-test scores at either level, and the graduate school does not require the GRE for the two flagship STEM programs (MSIS and MS Computer Science Software Development).
Marist College Undergraduate Eligibility
- Class XII general entry: aggregate around 75 percent from CBSE, ICSE, or a recognised state board.
- English test floor: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 80, PTE Academic accepted, Duolingo 115.
- SAT and ACT: optional; median SAT of admitted freshmen is 1256, average ACT 25 to 31.
- Recommendation: one counsellor letter plus a personal essay.
Marist College Graduate Eligibility
- Bachelor’s degree from a recognised Indian university, typically 3.0 GPA (around 60 percent).
- MSIS and MS Computer Science Software Development: computing or quantitative background preferred, but not gated.
- GRE and GMAT are not required for most graduate programs.
- English floors match the undergraduate line: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 80, PTE, Duolingo 115.
Marist College IELTS Waiver for Indian Students
Marist College waives English-proficiency testing for applicants who meet any of the three official conditions below. The third route is the one Indian applicants use most often, since most CBSE, ICSE, and IB schools qualify.
- Completed or pursuing the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.
- SAT Critical Reading or Writing score of 500 or above.
- Attended a school taught in English for four or more years, with no ESL courses on the transcript.
Insider note: Marist accepts a formal letter from your school principal, on official letterhead, confirming that the medium of instruction was English throughout secondary school. Attach it with the application to avoid a mid-cycle waiver query.
Marist College PG Programs and Requirements
Marist College’s graduate portfolio spans STEM computing, management, communication, education, and clinical practice. Master’s tuition for most programs is billed at USD 1,030 per credit (INR 99,055 per credit) as base tuition, so a 30-credit degree lands around USD 30,900 (INR 29.72 Lakhs) before living costs. For a full course-wise fees breakdown, see the detailed fee breakdown on the Fees page.
| Programme | Duration | Minimum Eligibility | English Req. Min. |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Information Systems (STEM) | 2 years | Bachelor’s, 3.0 GPA, computing or business preferred | IELTS 6.5 |
| MS Computer Science / Software Development (STEM) | 2 years | Bachelor’s, 3.0 GPA, CS or related field | IELTS 6.5 |
| MA Marketing Communication | 2 years | Bachelor’s, 3.0 GPA | IELTS 6.5 |
| MS Education | 2 years | Bachelor’s, 3.0 GPA | IELTS 6.5 |
| MSW Social Work | 2 years | Bachelor’s, 3.0 GPA, prerequisites in social science | IELTS 6.5 |
| MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 2 years | Bachelor’s in Psychology or allied, 3.0 GPA | IELTS 6.5 |
| MA School Psychology | 3 years | Bachelor’s, 3.0 GPA, Psychology background | IELTS 6.5 |
| MS Professional Accountancy | 1 year | Bachelor’s in Accounting or allied, 3.0 GPA | IELTS 6.5 |
| MPA Public Administration | 2 years | Bachelor’s, 3.0 GPA | IELTS 6.5 |
| MS Physician Assistant Studies | 27 months | Bachelor’s, prerequisite sciences, healthcare hours | IELTS 6.5 |
MSIS and MS Computer Science Software Development are the two STEM-designated master’s, which allows a 36-month OPT extension after graduation. Marist offers scholarships up to USD 4,000 (INR 3.85 Lakhs) over two years for eligible graduate international students.
Note: Program-specific entry requirements, fees, and intake availability may differ from the institution-wide minimums shown above. Always confirm on the official Marist College graduate international page for your chosen program before applying.
Marist College UG Programs and Requirements
Marist College’s six schools award BS and BA degrees across computing, business, communication, science, liberal arts, and the social sciences. Base tuition is USD 50,760 (INR 48.81 Lakhs) per academic year for a full-time load of 12 to 16 credits per semester.
| Programme | Duration | Minimum Eligibility | English Req. Min. |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS Data Science and Analytics | 4 years | Class XII with Mathematics, around 75 percent | IELTS 6.5 |
| BS Information Technology | 4 years | Class XII, around 75 percent | IELTS 6.5 |
| BS Criminal Justice | 4 years | Class XII, around 75 percent | IELTS 6.5 |
| BS Fashion Merchandising | 4 years | Class XII, around 75 percent, portfolio optional | IELTS 6.5 |
| BA Communication | 4 years | Class XII in any stream, around 75 percent | IELTS 6.5 |
Marist College is test-optional for SAT and ACT. Indian applicants without SAT or ACT are considered on Class XII performance, essays, and recommendations. A supplemental portfolio is expected for Fashion Design and Studio Art applicants.
Marist College MBA Admissions
The Marist MBA is a 100 percent online, AACSB-accredited program delivered through the School of Management. Indian students planning to physically study in the USA on an F-1 visa should note a hard blocker before applying.
Reality check: Marist explicitly states, "This program is not F-1 Student VISA eligible." The online MBA cannot support a US student visa or on-campus experience, so Indian applicants who want to move to the US for their MBA should look at Marist’s on-campus master’s programs like MSIS or MSCS instead.
Marist MBA: Format, Credits, and Fees
The MBA requires a minimum of 30 graduate credits, with up to 21 additional foundation credits for applicants without a business undergraduate degree, taking the total to 51 credits. At USD 1,030 per credit, a full 51-credit path lands near USD 52,530 (INR 50.52 Lakhs) as base tuition. Concentrations include Ethical Leadership, Financial Management, Healthcare Administration, and International Business.
Marist MBA Application Requirements
- Bachelor’s transcript, current resume, personal statement addressing three career-focused prompts.
- USD 70 (INR 6,732) non-refundable application fee, paid on BusinessCAS.
- GMAT or GRE is not required; average admitted GMAT is 548 for reference.
- Rolling admission, with Fall deadline August 1 and Spring deadline December 1.
The Marist MBA Fall 2026 August 1 deadline has just closed; the next live intake is Spring 2027 with a December 1, 2026 deadline.
Marist College Application Process
Marist College uses different portals for each application track. Indian applicants should select the portal that matches their level and program before starting a file, since fees, prompts, and document upload rules differ.
- Pick your portal. Undergraduates apply via the Common Application or the Marist Online Application; most master’s applicants use GradCAS; MBA and MPA candidates use BusinessCAS.
- Complete the application form, including personal essay, activity history, and recommender contacts.
- Pay the application fee of USD 50 (INR 4,809) on the Common Application for undergraduates, or USD 70 (INR 6,732) for MBA on BusinessCAS.
- Upload documents: transcripts, counsellor recommendation, English test scores or waiver documentation, and a personal essay.
- Submit English test scores directly from ETS (TOEFL, code 2400) or the Duolingo portal. IELTS and PTE do not require official reporting for graduate programs.
- Track your file through the applicant portal Marist sends by email after submission.
- Once admitted, submit I-20 documents (Declaration of Finances, bank statement, passport) to Enrollment Services to receive the I-20 for your F-1 interview.
Note: Marist reads applications in the order they are completed, so submitting recommendations and transcripts early inside the deadline window materially improves decision speed.
Marist College Admission Decisions Timeline
Marist College publishes decision notification dates by application plan, which lets Indian applicants back-plan I-20, SEVIS, and F-1 interview slots realistically.
- Early Decision I (Nov 1, 2026 deadline): decisions by mid-December 2026.
- Early Action (Nov 15, 2026 deadline): decisions by mid-January 2027.
- Early Decision II (Feb 15, 2027 deadline): decisions by late February 2027.
- Regular Decision (Feb 15, 2027 deadline): decisions by mid-March 2027.
Admitted freshmen typically respond by May 1 (the US common reply date) and pay the enrolment deposit. Indian applicants must submit the deposit before Marist releases the I-20 form. Graduate admits generally receive rolling notifications within four to six weeks of a completed file.
Marist College Documents Required
The document set for Marist College differs between undergraduate and graduate applications, but all Indian applicants share a core paperwork checklist. Have each item scanned as a clean colour PDF with your name on the file.
- Passport ID page (valid for at least six months beyond intended entry).
- Class X and Class XII marksheets plus passing certificate, for undergraduate files.
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and consolidated transcripts, for graduate files.
- Counsellor recommendation (UG) or two academic or professional letters of recommendation (PG).
- Personal essay or Statement of Purpose per program prompts.
- Current resume, mandatory for all graduate programs.
- Official English test score report (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo) or waiver evidence.
- Declaration of Finances on stamp paper, plus a bank letter and current bank statement for I-20.
- Transfer Recommendation Form, if you already hold an active F-1 visa.
All Indian academic documents must be officially translated to English if not already in English medium. Marist accepts certified digital copies during application; originals may be requested at enrolment.
Marist College Acceptance Rate for Indian Students
Marist College’s institutional acceptance rate is around 56 percent, based on the most recent freshman cohort figures. This positions Marist as a moderately selective, access-oriented private university, meaning it admits most applicants who meet its stated academic and English requirements.
How Marist’s Selectivity Compares
The Early Decision route runs materially higher at around 67 percent, reflecting both binding commitment and stronger self-selecting applicant profiles. Indian applicants who clear the Class XII 75 percent, IELTS 6.5, and essay bar generally clear the admissions threshold. See Marist’s ranking band for a comparative frame across US News, Princeton Review, and other lists.
What Improves an Indian Applicant’s Odds
An Indian applicant strengthens the file with strong recommendations that specifically address academic curiosity, a personal essay that engages with a substantive experience rather than generic study-abroad framing, and an English-medium schooling letter to short-circuit the IELTS conversation.
Insider note: Marist reads for institutional fit alongside academics. Indian applicants who cite specific Marist assets — the IBM research tie-up, the New York fashion internships, or a named faculty member — tend to see faster and cleaner decisions than generic files.
USA Student Visa for Marist College Applicants
Indian students admitted to Marist College apply for the F-1 student visa, granted by the US Department of State. The process runs after Marist issues the Form I-20, and requires clearing an in-person interview at a US Embassy or Consulate in India (Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, or Hyderabad).
Once you accept your offer, submit the Declaration of Finances, a signed bank letter, and a current bank statement to Marist’s Enrolment Services, along with a passport ID scan. Marist issues the SEVIS-registered I-20 by email. Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee (USD 350, around INR 33,660), complete the DS-160 online, pay the MRV visa fee (USD 185, around INR 17,791), and book the F-1 interview slot. Bring the I-20, DS-160 confirmation, SEVIS receipt, passport, financial documents, and academic transcripts to the interview. Expect questions on funding, program choice, and post-study intent.
2026 update: US consulates in India continue to prioritise F-1 interview slots in June and July for Fall intake. Indian applicants targeting Fall 2027 should aim to secure an interview by end June 2027 to avoid last-minute cancellations.
Tips for Marist College Admissions
The following tips are drawn from Indian-applicant patterns at Marist College, especially around English waivers, timing, and portal selection.
- Apply Early Action, not just Regular Decision. EA gives a full extra month for I-20 and F-1 slot booking without binding you.
- Request the English-medium letter from your school principal before you fill the Common App to avoid an IELTS query.
- Choose STEM programs (MSIS, MSCS) if OPT is central to your plan; both qualify for the 36-month STEM OPT extension.
- Skip the MBA if you want an on-campus F-1 experience. The Marist MBA is 100 percent online and not F-1 visa eligible.
- Submit the deposit within two weeks of admission. Marist issues the I-20 only after the deposit clears.
- Bundle transcripts through World Education Services (WES) if your Bachelor’s degree needs standardised credential evaluation.
- Name Marist-specific assets in your essay: the IBM research partnership, New York fashion internships, or a school-specific concentration.
Marist College Admissions Checklist
The following steps cover what Indian applicants typically complete before, during, and after submission. Anchor each item to the deadline for your chosen application plan.
- 10 to 12 weeks before deadline: book IELTS or TOEFL slots and register for SAT if you plan to submit scores.
- 8 weeks before deadline: request official Class XII or Bachelor’s transcripts and English-medium letter from your school.
- 6 weeks before deadline: draft personal essay or SOP and share with recommenders.
- 4 weeks before deadline: confirm recommenders have received portal links; upload passport scan.
- 2 weeks before deadline: pay application fee, submit and lock file.
- Within 2 weeks of admission: pay enrolment deposit to unlock I-20 issuance.
- Within 4 weeks of I-20: pay SEVIS fee, file DS-160, book F-1 interview at nearest US consulate.
Marist College suits Indian applicants who want a moderately selective, private US education with strong STEM master’s options and a real path to OPT. The single trap to avoid is the online MBA, which does not support F-1. Anchor your file to Early Action or Early Decision I for the cleanest visa runway.
Marist College Admissions: Frequently Asked Questions
Ques. Is Marist College still called Marist College or Marist University?
Ans. The institution rebranded to Marist University in 2024 but is still widely searched and referred to as Marist College. Both names refer to the same Poughkeepsie, New York campus.
Ques. What is the minimum IELTS score for Marist College undergraduate admission?
Ans. Marist College requires an IELTS overall band of 6.5 for undergraduate and graduate admission. The equivalent minimums are TOEFL iBT 80 and Duolingo English Test 115.
Ques. What is the application fee for Marist College?
Ans. Undergraduate applications carry a USD 50 (INR 4,809) non-refundable fee on the Common Application. The MBA application fee via BusinessCAS is USD 70 (INR 6,732).
Ques. Are SAT scores required for Marist College admission?
Ans. No. Marist College is test-optional. Indian applicants without SAT or ACT scores are considered on Class XII performance, essays, English test scores, and recommendations.
Ques. Can Indian applicants get an IELTS waiver at Marist College?
Ans. Yes. Marist waives English testing for applicants who completed the IB Diploma, scored 500-plus on SAT Critical Reading or Writing, or attended a school taught in English for four-plus years without ESL courses. Most CBSE, ICSE, and IB school graduates qualify with a principal’s letter.
Ques. What is Marist College’s acceptance rate for Indian applicants?
Ans. The institutional acceptance rate is around 56 percent. Marist does not publish a separate figure for Indian applicants, but the Early Decision route runs materially higher at around 67 percent.
Ques. Is the Marist MBA open to international students on F-1 visas?
Ans. No. Marist officially states that the MBA program is not F-1 student visa eligible. It is delivered 100 percent online, so Indian students who want an on-campus US experience should apply for on-campus master’s programs like MSIS or MSCS instead.
Ques. Which graduate programs at Marist College are STEM-designated?
Ans. The MS Information Systems and MS Computer Science Software Development are STEM-designated. Graduates from these programs qualify for the 36-month STEM OPT extension after their initial 12-month OPT.
Ques. When is the deadline for the primary Fall intake at Marist College?
Ans. The Fall 2027 primary intake opens with Early Decision I on November 1, 2026, Early Action on November 15, 2026, and Early Decision II plus Regular Decision on February 15, 2027, per the official Marist admissions calendar.
Ques. Does Marist College require the GRE for master’s admission?
Ans. No. The GRE is not required for most graduate programs, including MSIS and MS Computer Science Software Development. GMAT is also not required for the MBA, though the average admitted GMAT is 548 for reference.
Ques. When will I hear back on my Marist College admission decision?
Ans. Early Decision I decisions arrive by mid-December, Early Action by mid-January, Early Decision II by late February, and Regular Decision by mid-March. Graduate decisions are rolling, typically within four to six weeks of a completed file.
Ques. What documents does Marist College need for the F-1 I-20?
Ans. The I-20 packet requires a Declaration of Finances on stamp paper, a bank letter and current bank statement covering one academic year, a passport ID page scan, and, for transfer students, a Transfer Recommendation Form. Undergraduates must also pay the enrolment deposit before Marist issues the I-20.
College Student Profiles
Marist College Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M.S Information Systems 2 years | INR 28.4 L/Yr USD 29,700 /Yr | 50 | Duolingo-115 |
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