Founded in 1972, Mari State University is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the medium city of Yoshkar-Ola (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Mari El Republic. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, Mari State University is a small coeducational Russian higher education institution. Mari State University offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study. Mari State University also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, as well as administrative services.