Siena Vs Marist: A Rivalry With Deeper Implications
- 01. Siena vs Marist: Understanding the Rivalry and Educational Distinctions
- 02. Historical Roots of the Siena vs Marist Rivalry
- 03. Key Historical Facts
- 04. Academic and Institutional Comparison
- 05. Program Strengths and Career Outcomes
- 06. Marist Education Authority: Connecting to Latin American Mission
- 07. Athletic Programs Beyond Basketball
- 08. Final Guidance for Prospective Students
Siena vs Marist: Understanding the Rivalry and Educational Distinctions
The Siena vs Marist comparison centers on two private Catholic colleges in New York's Hudson Valley with a historic basketball rivalry dating to November 28, 1981, where Siena leads the all-time series 63-31 across 95+ meetings. Beyond athletics, the key difference is that Siena College (Loudonville, near Albany) is Franciscan-rooted with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio and 82.8% acceptance rate, while Marist College (now Marist University, Poughkeepsie) is Marist Brothers-founded with stronger career-focused programs in communications and technology, a 16:1 ratio, 59.9% acceptance rate, and 81.7% graduation rate.
Historical Roots of the Siena vs Marist Rivalry
The I-87 rivalry between Siena Saints and Marist Red Foxes (now University) spans over four decades along New York's Route 9 corridor, with games often played at MVP Arena in Albany or Marist's campus in Poughkeepsie. The most recent matchup occurred on January 22, 2026, when Siena defeated Marist 69-50 at MVP Arena, continuing Siena's dominance in the series.
Marist's longest winning streak was 6 games (January 7, 2005 - February 24, 2007), while their longest losing streak reached 10 games (March 4, 2007 - January 27, 2012). The 95th installment of this historic rivalry aired nationally on ESPNU on January 31, 2025, highlighting its regional significance.
Key Historical Facts
- First matchup: November 28, 1981 (Siena won 72-68)
- Largest Marist margin of victory: 81-59 on December 10, 1994
- Smallest margin: Marist won 65-64 on February 14, 2025
- Last 10 matchups: 5-5 split (2021-2026)
- MAAC Championship rematches include 2023 and 2026 men's lacrosse title games
Academic and Institutional Comparison
When evaluating Siena vs Marist for educational fit, both institutions share Catholic heritage but differ significantly in admission selectivity, program focus, and student outcomes. Siena emphasizes Franciscan values with liberal arts and service, while Marist prioritizes career-oriented programs in communications, business, and computer science.
| Metric | Marist University (formerly College) | Siena College |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Poughkeepsie, NY (Suburb: Large) | Loudonville, NY (Suburb: Large) |
| Religious Affiliation | Catholic (Marist Brothers) | Catholic (Franciscan) |
| Acceptance Rate | 59.9% | 82.8% |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 16:1 | 12:1 |
| Graduation Rate | 81.7% | 77.4% |
| Retention Rate | 86.0% | 82.0% |
| In-State Tuition | $45,330 | $42,580 |
| Average Net Price | $37,868 | $32,810 |
| Financial Aid Recipients | 94% (avg $22,531) | 99% (avg $27,019) |
| Undergraduate Enrollment | 5,510 | 3,496 |
Data sourced from CollegeDroid and CollegeSimply comparative analyses.
Program Strengths and Career Outcomes
Marist University excels in communications and technology, with top alumni salary majors including Computer Science, Business Administration, and Public Relations at the master's level. The university's Hudson River Valley location provides access to New York City internships, with 56.2% out-of-state students.
Siena College dominates in business, education, and health professions, with top majors spanning Computer Science, Accounting, Finance, and Economics. Its Albany location offers proximity to state government and tech sector opportunities, with 21.1% out-of-state students.
- Marist: Communications, Fashion Merchandising, Computer Science, Business
- Siena: Business Administration, Education, Health Professions, Accounting
- Both: Middle States Commission on Higher Education accreditation
- Both: Require recommendation letters for undergraduate admission
- Marist: SAT range 1196-1360, ACT 26-29; Siena does not report test ranges
Marist Education Authority: Connecting to Latin American Mission
As a Marist Education Authority resource, this comparison reflects the global Marist educational mission rooted in Brother Marcellin Champagnat's vision to "form good Christians and virtuous citizens". The Marist Province of Brasil Centro-Sul has expanded educational offerings across São Paulo and Mato Grosso do Sul, including Colégio Marista Alexander Flemming in Campo Grande.
Marista Brasil recently opened its first unit in Acre (Colégio Marista Porto Walter) on March 4, 2026, providing free basic education to approximately 400 students in final elementary years, exemplifying the Marist commitment to social schools and inclusive learning.
This global perspective informs how Latin American school administrators evaluate Marist pedagogy-emphasizing holistic education, spiritual formation, and measurable community impact aligned with Marist values across Brazil and the region.
Athletic Programs Beyond Basketball
Both schools compete in NCAA Division I's Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC). Siena ranks third nationally in three-point defense (.266), fourth in scoring defense (62.3 PPG), and fifth in free throw percentage (.790). Marist's men's lacrosse team reached the 2026 MAAC Championship as the second seed, rematching No. 1 Siena from the 2023 title game.
Siena's basketball program is particularly renowned, while Marist has strong rowing and basketball programs, with both offering diverse varsity and intramural options.
Final Guidance for Prospective Students
Choose Siena if you value small class sizes (12:1 ratio), Franciscan service values, lower net price, and Albany-area opportunities in government/tech. Choose Marist if you prefer career-focused communications/tech programs, higher selectivity, NYC proximity, and stronger graduation outcomes.
For Latin American educators studying Marist pedagogy, both institutions exemplify Catholic educational rigor, but Marist University's global network-including expanding schools in Brazil-demonstrates the order's commitment to holistic formation across diverse cultures.
Everything you need to know about Siena Vs Marist A Rivalry With Deeper Implications
Which school is better for business?
Siena excels in accounting and finance programs with strong internship integration, while Marist offers broader business administration options with NYC connections; both have high financial aid rates (94-99%).
Is Siena or Marist more selective?
Marist is more selective with a 59.9% acceptance rate versus Siena's 82.8%, and Marist requires SAT/ACT scores while Siena does not report test ranges.
What is the cost difference between Siena and Marist?
Marist's in-state tuition is $45,330 versus Siena's $42,580, but Siena's average net price ($32,810) is lower than Marist's ($37,868) due to higher average aid ($27,019 vs $22,531).
Do both schools have Catholic affiliations?
Yes-Siena is Franciscan (emphasizing service and community), while Marist is founded by the Marist Brothers, both maintaining Catholic heritage while welcoming all faiths.
Which school has better graduation rates?
Marist has an 81.7% graduation rate versus Siena's 77.4%, with Marist also showing higher retention at 86.0% compared to Siena's 82.0%.
