Mary Baldwin University

MBU is both a traditional university with a campus and an online school with remote learning options. MBU offers flexible online programs for nontraditional learners, which include 14 bachelor's, 11 master's, 3 doctorates, and 10 certificates.

According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, its undergraduate student body is split almost evenly between fully online students (34%), partially online students (37%), and campus students (29%). 

Students can rest assured knowing that MBU is respected based on its accreditation status. This stamp of approval proves that a school's programs and faculty were inspected for quality that meets national standards. MBU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctorate degrees, and certificates.

MBU also prepares students for work after graduation. Professional development and career advisors help students search for roles while fine-tuning their resumes and job applications. Plus, the McCree Center for Life Success has life coaches and professional advisors who empower students to find their desired career paths. 

MBU is one of the first institutions on the East Coast to feature degree programs for nontraditional students and those returning to college in adulthood. Its flexible online programs are available every day of the week, and the curricula is designed to fit the busy schedules of working students. Students can conveniently complete courses from their laptops, tablets, and even smartphones.

Data from College Scorecard lists MBU's Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Business as its highest earning degree. Graduates of this program can expect to earn a median annual salary of ~$39,700. The next highest earning degree is the Bachelor of Social Work, with an expected salary of ~$36,700.

OnlineU's proprietary Salary Score metric, which compares alumni salaries using the same degree programs from different schools, is another helpful way to determine a student's potential earnings. On a scale of 1 to 100, MBU's bachelor's degrees earned a score of 56, while its master's degrees earned a 38 overall. 

MBU accepts the majority of its applicants, making it easier to get into than most other schools. According to College Scorecard, MBU's acceptance rate is 87%. For some context, the average acceptance rate for colleges in the U.S. is around 60%. 

In order to apply to college at MBU, students don't have to have a specific GPA. However, online applicants with a GPA of 2.6 on their high school transcripts — 2.0 for transfer applicants — are automatically accepted. Students who fall below this threshold may still be admitted on a "special student status."

Complete the following steps to apply:

• Fill out and submit MBU's online application.
• Submit high school and/or college transcripts directly from the institution where they were earned.

The application also asks students if they'd like to submit college entrance exams scores and a personal essay, but both of these are optional.