States and areas providing the largest number of students are, in order, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, and Florida. More than 35 states and 65 foreign countries are represented in the student population. Approximately 600 students live in campus residence halls. D.C. The public Metrorail system connects the University with the entire metropolitan Washington area. The University maintains its own shuttle bus service, offering free transportation between the Main Campus, Ballston Campus, and Ballston-MU Metro station.
Students have access to tourist attractions, political and cultural sites, and shopping malls.
The name Marymount has long been associated with excellence in education. The Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, founders of Marymount University, have provided thoughtful responses to societal needs in every time and place. Elementary, secondary, and collegiate institutions bearing the name Marymount are located in California, New York, Virginia, England, France, Italy, and Mexico. Each school is sponsored by the order but remains autonomous and subject to its own governing board. Founded by Father Jean Antoine Gailhac and by Mother St. Jean Pelissier-Cure, the new community dedicated itself primarily to education.