Marist College

There is a lack of concern for students' mental health at Marist College. Despite maintaining a 3.6 GPA, I had to leave during my senior year because my mental health had deteriorated significantly. I put in a lot of effort to feel connected to the Marist community but encountered obstacles along the way. On top of that, Meal Services are both overpriced and of poor quality. The area surrounding the college is also unsafe for pedestrians and I was even hit by a car in the area once before.

With the COVID-19 Pandemic that plagued us in 2020/2021, I really can't speak too much about the college. As a dad, the few parents I spoke with at Marist are moving their kids out and the kids seemed unhappy saying they couldn't wait to get home. Apparently, some had such a bad experience they are not coming back. With two to a room, they felt trapped in their 20x12, no A/C cellblock dorm room. It's a nice campus overlooking the Hudson River but the campus layout is built on a slope "hilly area" and there's not much to do outside school events unless you like to walk or hike. You could travel to downtown Poughkeepsie by Uber or bus, however, it's not the safest college town to be in. I guess being locked up with no activities and not really getting the chance to meet new friends can result in anxiety and negative impressions for first-year students. I'm sure all colleges faced the same struggles with COVID-19 and lockdowns on students, however, Marist is definitely stricter than most schools which is good for parents but apparently, isn't good for every kid, especially the outgoing type. The US Department of Education 2021 public data and American School Search, gives this school grade an "F" on safety and list's as dangerous for students on and off campus. But please do your own "due diligence" and research to decide whether this is concerning for you and your child.

Marist college is the definition of superficial. This school only cares about their outward appearance. If you’re rich and white, disregard this review. Professors have been outwardly racist on many occasions with no repercussions. Many meetings with Kevin Weinman and multiple empty promises later, and they still get away with it. Students are no exception with many white students making nasty comments and acts against students of color. If you love the bar and being the star of the show, you’d love Marist social life. For the more laid back types, prepare to be an outcast. “Top 5 in study abroad programs” excludes the “if you study in Florence” fine print. I’ve studied abroad twice and went in blindly for both. I was met with HUGE disappointments my second time around with nothing more than practiced apologies and many justifications for every issue. Marist only cares about its pride and joy Florence program. Don’t fall for the lies. On the other hand, many of my professors have been very good and enthusiastic on their topic. Campus is very pretty though the food is utter trash. Dorms are pretty nice starting in sophomore or junior year.

Unsafe environment and reckless dishonest management. My daughter was chased down by a car and almost kidnapped, yes kidnapped by a gang right inside Marist Campus grounds and had to hide between bushes for her safety. She called security and 911. Marist security dismissed her cry for help as a prank and told the authorities it was under control. Without help she and her friend ran for safety and barely made it. Later, when confronted their head of security, John Blaisdell, claimed their security cameras were performing system maintenance at the time and could not retrieve neither campus camera footage nor the recorded phone call to security of that incident. It appears he was drilled to lie. He did admit, however, that after conducting an investigation, she and her friend had been randomly targeted by a mob they were tracking. Needless to say, my daughter and her companion are severely traumatized and no longer students in that sham institution. Their management attitude towards the incident was unsympathetic and self-serving. Good luck finding someone who cares.

What a gorgeous campus. A marriage of historic and modern. The classrooms are just right for the size of the class. Good technology.

Drove around campus after having lunch in Poughkeepsie, beautiful little campus right next to the Hudson River, some beautiful buildings on campus.

My experience here was awful. If you are not a white rich boy or beauty queen from suburbs in the tri-state area, stay away. One other reviewer summed it...

Graduated in '73. Great education and campus activities. The school is for individuals that are looking to add value in whatever your interests. Looking...