Marietta College

Overview

Marietta College is a private, independent liberal arts college founded in 1835 in Marietta, Ohio, the first permanent settlement of the Northwest Territory. With approximately 1,200 students, Marietta offers an intimate educational environment at the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers. The college is one of the few liberal arts institutions in the country to offer an accredited petroleum engineering program, alongside a broad liberal arts curriculum.

Marietta's historic location, small class sizes, and emphasis on experiential learning create a distinctive educational experience. Students who are drawn to Ohio's liberal arts tradition but prefer a campus closer to central Ohio with a broader range of programs and championship athletics should also consider Wittenberg University in Springfield.

Academics & Programs

Marietta offers more than 50 undergraduate majors and minors rooted in the liberal arts, with several distinctive professional programs.

Notable Academic Programs

• Petroleum Engineering: Marietta's signature program, one of only a handful available at liberal arts colleges nationwide. Graduates are highly sought by the energy industry.
• Education: A well-established teacher preparation program serving the region's schools.
• Environmental Science: The college's river location provides a natural laboratory for environmental studies.
• Communication & Media: Practical programs with campus media opportunities and internship placements.
• Physician Assistant Studies: A master's-level PA program building on the college's strong science foundation.

Campus & Location

Marietta's 90-acre campus sits along the banks of the Ohio River in the historic city of Marietta. The tree-lined campus features a mix of historic brick buildings and modern facilities, including the Rickey Science Center and the Dyson Baudo Recreation Center. The riverfront setting provides opportunities for crew (rowing), kayaking, and outdoor recreation. Marietta, Ohio, is a charming small city of about 14,000 residents in southeastern Ohio, known for its rich history, Victorian architecture, and outdoor activities along the river valleys.

Campus Life

Student life at Marietta centers on a close-knit residential community. With more than 60 student organizations, Greek life, and community service programs, students build connections both on campus and in the surrounding community. The college's outdoor recreation program takes advantage of the riverfront location, and annual traditions like Homecoming and the Regatta celebrate Marietta's distinctive character.

Athletics

The Marietta Pioneers compete in NCAA Division III as members of the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC). Marietta fields more than 20 varsity sports, with school colors of navy and white. The crew (rowing) program is particularly notable, taking advantage of the Muskingum River for training. Football, basketball, baseball, and soccer are also popular. The OAC provides a competitive league where schools like Wittenberg and Mount Union are perennial conference rivals.

Admissions

• Acceptance Rate: Approximately 80%
• Test-Optional: Yes
• Average GPA: 3.2 - 3.6
• Application: Common Application accepted

Costs & Financial Aid

Marietta provides generous financial aid, and the vast majority of students receive merit and need-based awards. The college's net cost is typically well below the sticker price for most families.

Outcomes & Alumni

Marietta graduates enter careers in energy, education, healthcare, business, and public service. Petroleum engineering graduates enjoy strong placement rates and competitive starting salaries. The college's alumni network is especially strong in the energy sector and in southeastern Ohio communities.

Frequently Asked Questions