MARA Student Experience

Overview

Student Experience — MARA

100% of survey respondents said they would recommend the MARA program.

We invite you to browse the statistics pulled from a recent exit survey of graduates who completed the Master of Archives and Records Administration program in spring 2026. Note percentages are rounded and may not always equal 100. (n=5 responses)

  • 100% said they would recommend our MARA program.
  • According to the survey respondents, the top strengths of the MARA program are its flexibility, curriculum, faculty, online learning environment and cost. 
  • 80% of the survey respondents completed the MARA program within four years. Did you know that you can complete the MARA program at your own pace, choosing the number of courses you want to take each semester? You have up to seven years to earn your graduate degree.
  • As an online school, we know the importance of timely technology help. 100% of users were Satisfied or felt Neutral about the technology resource center and technology support we provide to students.
  • Our school also provides robust career development resources to students, as well as offers individual consultations with a career advisor. 100% of users were Satisfied or felt Neutral about our career services.
  • Advising and student support are a top priority at our school. 100% of the survey respondents sought help from their academic advisor. 100% of respondents who sought help said the course planning support from their Academic Advisor was Very Good or Good.

“It is accessible, relevant, and growth oriented.” – MARA Graduate

Our students also took advantage of a range of informal learning opportunities and activities that helped them expand their professional network and aid them with future job seeking. For example:

  • 80% of the survey respondents joined a professional association. Did you know we give new Master of Archives and Records Administration students a free one-year membership to the Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T), National Association of Government Archivists and Records Administrators (NAGARA), or the Society of American Archivists (SAA)? Learn more.
  • Extracurricular activities abound at our school. The survey respondents expanded their learning experiences by getting involved and participating in professional conferences, volunteer opportunities, and guest lectures. The MARA online lecture series, featuring guest presenters in the fields of archives, records and information governance, is a bonus for MARA students. 

In addition, you’ll be in good company in our fully online master’s degree program. Here are some stats about our graduating MARA students as reported in the spring 2026 exit survey:

  • While earning their MARA degree, the survey respondents completed courses from California, Maryland, South Carolina, Washington, and from Canada. Our MARA program is offered exclusively online, and there are no on-campus orientations or other required in-person events.
  • Our online program allows students the flexibility to continue working while pursuing their MARA degree. 100% of the survey respondents were both students at our school and working professionals in archives, government, non-profit and business sectors.  
  • At the time of graduation, 60% of the survey respondents were between the ages of 26 and 30.
  • In this particular survey, the gender of the survey respondents was 60% female and 40% male.
  • In this particular survey, the respondents chose White for their ethnicity. 
  • 60% of the survey respondents stated they were the first person in their family to obtain a master’s degree. Learn more about the First Generation Student Group. 

“It’s the only school I know of with a MARA degree.” – MARA Graduate