Once again, the University of Mary Washington has been named by the Fiske Guide to Colleges as one of the nation’s “best and most interesting” public and private four-year institutions. UMW is among 11 Virginia universities featured in the guide’s 2026 edition – its 42nd issue.
The bestselling publication describes UMW as “one of the premier public liberal arts and sciences colleges in the country,” attracting students who are “serious about academics, committed to an inclusive community and eager to contribute to the greater good.”
Strong connections between students and faculty remain a hallmark and “great source of pride” with 58% of classes having fewer than 20 students. A political science major told Fiske, “We are able to fully participate and not be another number in a room of hundreds.” A biomedical sciences student added, “The quality of the instructors is so outstanding that students can overcome any obstacles.”
UMW’s sense of community was called “unusually strong,” with students noting peers who are “kind, determined and hungry for academic and cultural knowledge.” One junior said, “Tradition is at the heart of UMW, and it’s one of the many things that instills a sense of community here.” Another student cited the wide variety of events, “from Tuesday night bingo to live music” as examples of ongoing campus engagement, saying “there’s always something happening on campus for students.”
Academic offerings include a liberal arts and sciences core curriculum with a global perspectives and digital-intensive requirement as well as “Beyond the Classroom”– a faculty-supervised experience, such as research, community engagement, study abroad and internships. A “Life After Mary Washington” component focuses on professional preparation and career readiness.
The guide also highlights the University’s location in historic Fredericksburg, described by one student as “a lively downtown,” with museums, bookstores, restaurants, coffee shops, bars and more. “Indeed,” the guide notes, “for an aura of history and tradition, few schools stack up to this small college in Fredericksburg.”
A few of UMW’s most popular majors – psychology, biology, English, business and marketing – are listed alongside strong academic programs in communication and digital studies, education, geography, historic preservation and theatre. The international affairs major is called “noteworthy,” with UMW’s location – just over an hour from both Washington, D.C., and Richmond – cited as a “handy asset for the budding politicos” who seek internships.
UMW athletics earned mentions for standout varsity and club programs. The guide recognized the 18 Division III Eagles sports teams, an internationally known men’s and women’s rugby program, a growing esports team and an established equestrian program. Top performing squads that “fly high” in their respective conferences include women’s swimming, tennis and volleyball, and men’s soccer and tennis.
Campus aesthetics also made an impression. Featuring “classical Jeffersonian buildings, sweeping lawns, brick walkways and breathtaking foliage,” UMW’s setting, the guide notes, has prompted more than one visiting parent to declare, “now this is what a college should look like.”
Founded in 1981 by Edward Fiske, former education editor of The New York Times, the guide offers updated profiles of more than 300 schools in the U.S., Canada, Great Britain and Ireland. Content is based on campus questionnaires and student interviews, with an emphasis on academics, campus culture and overall college experience – factors Fiske considers families and prospective students most want to know about.
Learn more about the Fiske Guide to Colleges or explore UMW’s National Rankings webpage for additional information. The UMW Application for fall 2026 is now open via the Common Application. To apply, schedule a visit or request information, visit the UMW Admissions webpage.
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