Marywood University | Scranton

Marywood University is a private Catholic institution located in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1915 by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, it has grown into a comprehensive university offering a wide range of academic programs and fostering a strong community ethos rooted in faith, service, and academic excellence.

History and Mission

Marywood was established to provide higher education opportunities grounded in Catholic values. Its mission emphasizes educating the whole person — intellectually, spiritually, socially, and physically — to prepare students for leadership and service in the broader society.

Academic Programs

The university offers more than 80 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs across diverse fields such as:

Arts and Humanities

Business and Management

Health and Human Services

Sciences and Technology

Education

Architecture and Design

Marywood is particularly noted for its School of Architecture, which is unique in northeastern Pennsylvania and known for sustainable design practices. It also has highly regarded programs in illustration and visual arts.

Faculty and Learning Environment

Marywood maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of about 11:1, promoting small class sizes and personalized attention. The faculty includes experienced scholars and professionals dedicated to mentoring students, fostering research, and encouraging critical thinking.

Campus and Facilities

Situated on a 123-acre campus in a historic residential area of Scranton, Marywood’s facilities combine traditional architecture with modern resources:

The Rotunda: The centerpiece of the Liberal Arts Center, with striking marble floors and a grand domed ceiling.

Sette LaVerghetta Center for the Performing Arts: Houses an 1,100-seat theatre and serves as a cultural hub for performing arts, including music, theatre, and dance.

Center for Architectural Studies: A facility focused on sustainable design education.

Swartz Center for Spiritual Life: Provides chaplaincy, campus ministry, and spaces for reflection and worship.

Veterans Resource Center: Dedicated to supporting military and veteran students.

Pacer Pantry: A resource to combat food insecurity among students.

The campus environment encourages community engagement and holistic development, integrating spiritual and social growth with academics.

Community and Social Engagement

Marywood is deeply committed to social responsibility and sustainability. It is a member of the Laudato Si' Universities network, promoting environmental stewardship aligned with Pope Francis’s encyclical on care for the Earth.

The university also focuses on inclusivity and student well-being, evidenced by initiatives like the Pacer Pantry and its designation as a Pennsylvania Hunger-Free+ Campus, ensuring no student suffers from food insecurity.

Rankings and Recognition

Marywood is ranked #44 among Regional Universities North by U.S. News & World Report, reflecting its strong regional reputation for academic quality, student services, and faculty engagement.

Location and Access

Marywood University is located at 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, Pennsylvania, a city known for its rich history and access to outdoor recreation, cultural activities, and metropolitan centers.

Approximately 2 hours from New York City and Philadelphia.

About 4 hours from Washington, D.C.

Around 5 hours from Boston.

This location provides students with opportunities to explore both urban and natural environments while benefiting from a close-knit campus community.

Marywood University’s blend of tradition, academic rigor, community focus, and commitment to sustainability makes it a distinctive choice for students seeking a well-rounded and values-based education.