“A Catholic university dedicated to fostering faith-based liberal arts education rooted in Catholic intellectual tradition and moral development.”
Ave Maria University is a Catholic liberal arts university located in Ave Maria, Florida, founded in 2003 with a commitment to providing an integrated educational experience that unites intellectual development with faith formation and moral development. The university serves approximately 1,200 undergraduate students and 700 graduate students, drawing a geographically diverse student body committed to learning within a Catholic intellectual tradition. Ave Maria's campus spans 240 acres in southwest Florida, providing a contemplative and purposeful environment for learning and student life. The university curriculum emphasizes a robust liberal arts core alongside specialized major programs, ensuring all students develop strong foundational knowledge in humanities, sciences, mathematics, and philosophy before specializing. With a Catholic faculty largely composed of practicing Catholics (94% hold advanced degrees, 92% faithful to Church teaching), Ave Maria integrates faith perspective throughout the curriculum. The university offers over 60 undergraduate programs and multiple graduate degrees, including an MBA and doctoral program. The honors college provides enhanced intellectual rigor for exceptional students with minimum 3.7 GPA and 1360 SAT/30 ACT. Average financial aid packages exceed $19,000 with merit-based and need-based awards supporting students. Ave Maria's commitment to Catholic formation, academic excellence, and community engagement prepares graduates to be leaders and contributors to society animated by faith, reason, and virtue.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
Test Optional — You can submit scores if they help your case, but they're not required.
Official SourceRolling Admissions
Fall semester deadline is July 1. Applications reviewed on rolling basis; earlier submission encouraged for housing and financial aid consideration.
Spring Semester
Spring semester applications due November 1
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Tuition & Fees (All Students)
$42,050 – $48,620
/yr
Beyond the sticker price — every named scholarship, the financial aid policy, need-aware notes, and a personalized net-cost estimate.
How life on campus actually feels — clubs, sports, traditions, housing realities, and how the school integrates with its city.
Business programs emphasizing ethical leadership, entrepreneurship, and Christian business principles. Includes accounting, finance, management, and MBA offerings.
Nursing and health professions programs combining scientific rigor with Catholic healthcare ethics and compassionate patient care.
Liberal arts programs in sciences, mathematics, humanities, and social sciences emphasizing critical thinking and integration of faith and reason.
Graduate and undergraduate programs in theology and philosophy preparing students for ministry, academic study, and faith-informed leadership.
Teacher education and social science programs focused on developing educators and leaders in service to communities.
4 years
Comprehensive nursing education integrating scientific knowledge with Catholic healthcare ethics, preparing graduates for professional nursing practice and healthcare leadership.
4 years
Enhanced intellectual rigor for exceptional students combining honors coursework across disciplines with leadership development and service opportunities.
2 years
Graduate business program emphasizing ethical leadership, Catholic business principles, and preparation for executive roles in diverse industries.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
