St. Mary's University

St. Mary's University is recognized as the No. 1 Best Value School in the West by U.S. News & World Report, offering a combination of academic quality and affordability. Nearly 98% of first-year students receive scholarships upon admission, and the university works with students and families to make college affordable. The university's education ranks highly on its return on investment to students, placing it among the top 15% of schools studied when evaluating the investment 40 years from today.

St. Mary's University has a moderately selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate around 88%. The university is test-optional, and those admitted have an average GPA of 3.61. St. Mary's looks for students with a proven record of leadership and a desire to be life-long, interdisciplinary learners.

St. Mary's University is committed to the Marianist ideals of academic excellence, ethical commitment, and service to the community. Teaching and learning flourish through small classes and close student-faculty relationships. The university offers a variety of academic programs in humanities, sciences, and business, with options to pursue graduate, doctoral, and law degrees.

St. Mary's University prepares graduates for meaningful vocations and exceptional careers by equipping them to lead with integrity and innovate in their fields. PayScale has repeatedly recognized St. Mary’s for alumni with top salary potential in their careers. The Brookings Institution gave St. Mary’s a high score for preparing students for careers, ahead of institutions like Harvard and UT-Austin.

St. Mary's University offers countless ways to get involved, have fun, meet lifelong friends, and make the most of the student experience. Students experience a vibrant community atmosphere that encourages community engagement, undergraduate and graduate research, faculty mentoring, and service learning. With over 68 registered organizations, students can find a variety of ways to connect with peers.

The St. Mary's Honors Program offers students the opportunity to study abroad, participate in research, and live with other Honors Scholars. Honors Scholars receive a $2,000 stackable scholarship and access to priority registration. The program provides an enriching academic experience, preparing students for successful and meaningful careers.

St. Mary's University is a nationally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution with a diverse student population of more than 3,500 of all faiths and backgrounds. The university has a global diversity of 12% and collaborates with 40 academic institutions in 25 nations. International students can apply through the online application portal.