University of Mary launches new tuition-free academies rooted in faith, excellence

The University of Mary in Bismarck, is redefining what Catholic higher education can look like in the 21st century. Following the resounding success of its Nursing Academy, the university is expanding its pioneering, tuition-free academy model with two new programs: the Accounting Academy and the Elementary Education Academy. All three academies are grounded in Catholic values, academic rigor, and career preparation—and they’re transforming lives. For students seeking a university where faith formation is integrated into rigorous academics and career preparation, these academies provide a unique and life-shaping opportunity.  

At the heart of this model is the University of Mary’s nationally recognized Year-Round Campus (YRC), which allows students to complete their undergraduate degrees in just 2.6 years by taking courses during fall, spring, and summer semesters. Each academy offers full-tuition scholarships to select incoming freshmen from across the country. In total, the university now offers 56 tuition-free scholarships annually.  

In addition to the Nursing, Accounting, and Elementary Education Academies, the university also offers generous full-tuition scholarships to high-achieving students entering the Hamm School of Engineering and the humanities. While not formally structured as academies, these programs uphold the same high standards of Catholic formation, academic excellence, and career readiness.  

Rachael Brash, vice president for Public Affairs, sees the academies as both a response to and a solution for today’s educational and workforce challenges. “For students serious about their vocations and their futures, this model is simply unmatched,” Brash explained. “They graduate faster, reduce student debt, and gain a competitive edge in their careers. And because the academies are drawing high-caliber students from across the country, they’re not only transforming lives—they’re also strengthening our regional workforce and fueling long-term economic growth.” 

Students like Savanna Fredrickson, a Nursing Academy scholar from Powers Lake, N.D., represent the heart of the program. Set to be among the first academy cohort to graduate in spring 2026, she already has a job lined up at Sanford Medical Center in Bismarck. “This program has not only eased the financial burden, but it’s helped me grow as a person and as a future nurse,” Fredrickson said. “Each lecture starts with a reflection or prayer which sets our minds on things above. As we are learning about what it takes to be a great nurse, we are challenged to grow in other areas of our life.” 

A hallmark of the academies is their integration of Catholic identity, academic excellence, and professional training. Students receive direct freshman admission into competitive programs, experience personalized mentorship, and participate in a European pilgrimage—an opportunity designed to deepen cultural understanding and spiritual growth. Academy students will visit Italy, Germany, and France, spending time at the University of Mary’s Rome campus, taking in the colorful sights of Munich, and experiencing the breathtaking French mountain village of Lourdes. 

The new academies are housed in the Gary Tharaldson School of Business and the Liffrig Family School of Education and Behavioral Sciences. Students will graduate from the YRC undergraduate program and move directly into graduate studies such as the MBA or MEd, entering the workforce with both degrees in just four years.  

For families seeking both affordability and a deeply Catholic environment, the University of Mary’s tuition-free academies remove financial barriers while providing a strong foundation for career success.  

With workforce shortages in critical fields like healthcare, business, and education, the University of Mary’s innovative model is answering the call—offering students not just a degree, but a Catholic formation for service, leadership, and eternal purpose.  

To learn more or apply, visit www.umary.edu/Tuitio