FindU
Find Your FitFor CollegesAboutBlog
Sign inGet Started
Home/Colleges/California/Saint Mary's College of California
Saint Mary's College of California campus photo 1
Saint Mary's College of California campus photo 2
Saint Mary's College of California campus photo 3
Saint Mary's College of California campus photo 4
Saint Mary's College of California campus photo 5
1 / 5
Saint Mary's College of California logo

Saint Mary's College of California

Moraga, California · Private (nonprofit)

Ranked #80 US News

FindU Grade

B+Value
N/ACampus
A-Academics
C-Admissions
C+Student Life
B+Overall

About

Saint Mary's College of California is located in Moraga, California. It is a private (nonprofit) institution. The university enrolls approximately 2,024 students.

stmarys-ca.edu
Hispanic-Serving

Cost and aid

Cost breakdown

In-state tuition$56,134
Out-of-state tuition$56,134
Room & board$16,900
Avg aid package$38,000
Students receiving aid24%
Pell grant recipients24%

Saint Mary's College of California offers financial assistance with over 90% of students receiving aid. Merit scholarships are available, ranging from $13,000 to $29,000 annually. While tuition is high, the college is recognized for raising earning potential, making it a worthwhile investment for many students.

What would you actually pay?FindU estimates your real net price for Saint Mary's College of California from your family income.
Calculate my net priceFree · 2 min

Admissions

Application info

Acceptance rate89%
Average GPA3.58
Student–faculty ratio10:1
Test optionalYes
Common AppYes
Application fee$60

Application dates

PriorityFeb 15

Saint Mary's College has an acceptance rate of 88% and is test-optional for first-year students. The college looks for service-oriented students who seek transformation in themselves and the world around them. A weighted GPA is considered, and interviews are informational.

Will you get into Saint Mary's College of California?FindU calculates your real admission odds from your stats.
Show me my oddsFree · 2 min

Academics

Graduation rate70%
Retention rate85%
Student–faculty ratio10:1
Full-time faculty62%

Saint Mary's College offers a Lasallian approach to learning, emphasizing service and the liberal arts. The core curriculum centers around the Collegiate Seminar, encouraging discussion-based learning. With small class sizes and accessible professors, students receive personalized attention and support.

Outcomes

Median earnings (10 yrs)$78,812
Avg starting salary$49,000
Job placement rate95%
Earn more than HS grad79%
Economic mobility294%
Loan default (3 yr)2%
Loan repayment (3 yr)76%

Saint Mary's College boasts strong career preparation with frequent job fairs and internship opportunities. Students feel supported in navigating competitive placements, and the alumni network is diverse and helpful for post-graduate employment. Graduates have gone on to medical school at top universities and law schools like Berkeley and Santa Clara.

Student life

Demographics

Small School
2,024Student size

Compared to 5,382 national average

More femaleGender ratio
Female 55%Male 45%
38% WhiteRacial diversity
White 38%Hispanic 31%Asian 9%Black 5%Other 16%
Campus housingYes

Campus life

There’s a small town called Moraga… #californiahiddengems #twilight #theresasmalltownnamedforks

@stmarysca

Enough said! 🔊🔊🔊 #saintmarys #college #decisionday #gaels #smc #fyp

@stmarysca

What’s your vibe of the day

@stmarysca

+7 moreWatch every campus video. FreeShow me all

Saint Mary's College offers a welcoming campus atmosphere with diverse clubs, organizations, and athletic programs. While some students note a high school-like tension, many enjoy campus traditions and athletic events, especially men's basketball. The college strives to create an inclusive environment for students from various backgrounds.

Student reviews

Professors

Current Student

I transfered to SMC in fall 2024 and have been pretty happy overall. The courses available to me have all been interesting and exciting, though seating is incredibly limiting. Most of the professors I've had are incredibly welcoming and supportive and willing to answer questions, but I've heard of professors that are the opposite.

Student

This review is about the practicum component and Diane Sus. My classmates and I all experienced horrendous working conditions at our practicum sites—broken promises, unqualified supervisors, unethical practices. Instead of addressing these issues, Diane was complacent. She knows the sites are corrupt, yet she sends students in blindly.

Campus and vibes

Current Student

My overall experience at Saint Mary’s College of California has been a good one. At first, it was a bit challenging to adjust to the balance between classes and sports, but once I found a system that worked for me, everything started to fall into place. The community here is really welcoming people are friendly, and it’s easy to feel a sense of belonging.

Current Student

I liked the diversity and community. Everyone is so kind and it is a really nice campus to take classes at.

Current Student

Saint Mary's has good educational opportunities for its students with additional superb resources provided by the SDS office. The lecture halls are 20-30 students, meaning the professors can give you more attention with ease, especially if you aquire their assistance. However, the social life at SMC is far different from the social life at other colleges, given the size.

About Saint Mary's College of California

Saint Mary's College provides a safe and supportive campus environment. Students generally report feeling secure on campus with access to helpful health and wellness resources. The campus is described as peaceful and supportive, contributing to a positive overall experience.

The Honors Program at Saint Mary's College brings together students who want to challenge themselves and transform the lives of others. Benefits include mentorship, social events, special trainings, and numerous scholarship opportunities. Honors students can also participate in a Living Learning Community in Aquinas Hall.

Saint Mary's College welcomes international students from various countries, providing support through the Center for International Programs. The college offers on-campus housing and assists students in finding off-campus options. Merit-based scholarships are available for qualified international undergraduate applicants.

Endowment$170,597,000
Avg faculty salary$133,536

Saint Mary's College of California FAQ

See if Saint Mary's College of California is right for you

Answer a few quick questions and FindU shows your match score, your admission chances, and the scholarships you qualify for.

Show me my matchesFree · takes 2 minutes · no account needed to start
FindU Match
Free

Will you get into Saint Mary's College of California?

Saint Mary's College of California admits about 89% of applicants. But your real odds are personal. They depend on your grades, scores, and story. Answer a few quick questions and FindU calculates your match.

76%Your chances
Match
Your SAT 1380Admit range 1230–1480
See your real result
Show me my chancesFree · takes 2 minutes · no account needed to start

More colleges in California

El Camino Community College District

Torrance, California

C+Overall$5k/yr net

University of San Diego

San Diego, California

B+Overall47% admit

Imperial Valley College

Imperial, California

BOverall$2k/yr net

University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, California

AOverall12% admit

Mt San Antonio College

Walnut, California

A-Overall$3k/yr net

Mount Saint Mary's University

Los Angeles, California

BOverall69% admit
All colleges in California
Is Saint Mary's College of California your match?Get my match
FindU

Find Your Fit

  • Take college quiz
  • Scholarship search
  • College Search
  • Browse all tools

Company

  • About
  • Blog
  • Careers

For Partners

  • For Colleges
  • For Counselors
  • Contact Us

Legal

  • Privacy
  • Terms

Join our newsletter