Acceptance Rate
76%
Avg. SAT
1325
75th percentile
“Women's Catholic liberal arts college bordering Notre Dame's lakeside campus for shared classes and spirited collaboration.”
Notre Dame, IN
Location
Large Suburb
Campus Setting
Founded in 1844 by the Sisters of the Holy Cross in a log cabin near South Bend, Indiana, Saint Mary's College grew alongside the University of Notre Dame as one of the oldest Catholic institutions educating women in the U.S. Its legacy emphasizes empowering women leaders through a liberal arts education infused with Catholic values and service. Nestled in a large suburban setting by St. Mary's Lake, the campus provides peaceful views but faces Midwest tradeoffs like long, snowy winters that keep students indoors much of the year.
Women who thrive at Saint Mary's seek a close-knit community where they can build confidence and leadership in an all-female undergraduate environment. You'll form deep bonds with peers and professors in a supportive atmosphere that prioritizes personal growth over cutthroat competition. The small size, with around 1,500 undergraduates, fosters familiarity but means fewer options for niche interests and a quieter social pulse compared to larger co-ed schools.
Photo Gallery
+33
+25
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
With an 8-to-1 student-faculty ratio, you'll sit in small discussion-based classes where professors challenge you to voice ideas and connect disciplines. The college shines in nursing, education, and communication, with hands-on clinical rotations starting early in nursing and student teaching placements nearby. Cross-registration with Notre Dame opens engineering, architecture, and business courses, letting you craft a customized path.
Undergraduates dive into research through summer fellowships in labs studying lake ecology or public health. Intellectual life feels collaborative rather than pressured, with honors programs blending women's studies and leadership. Tradeoffs include occasional large lectures from shared Notre Dame classes and limited spots in high-demand programs like nursing.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
1,505 undergrad • 96 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
76%
Black / African American
2%
Hispanic / Latino
13%
Asian
1%
Other / Multi-racial
7%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Notre Dame, IN
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life centers on six residence halls where all first- and second-year students live, each cultivating traditions like hall Masses or talent shows that build instant friendships. A typical week mixes classes, club meetings, volunteer shifts at local shelters, and evenings at tri-campus events with Notre Dame and Holy Cross students—think joint dances or football watch parties. The vibe stays spirited and faith-oriented, with chapels open daily but no pressure to participate.
Social scene leans toward mixers, coffeehouse performances, and service trips rather than wild parties, suiting students who prefer substance over excess. South Bend offers revitalizing riverfront spots and a quick drive to Chicago, but the suburban feel means planning trips for urban outings. High tuition pairs with moderate living costs, though harsh winters demand cozy indoor plans.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
Yes
Air Force
Yes
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$13,498
$30K – $48K
$15,790
$48K – $75K
$18,173
$75K – $110K
$25,660
$110K+
$34,285
Apply for Financial Aid
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Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
88%
4 Years Graduation Rate
71%
6 Years Graduation Rate
76%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$59,354
88% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Saint Mary's College and return in the fall. 71% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 76% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
71%
4-6 years
5%
Non-grad
24%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$48,880
Acceptance
76%
Undergrads
1,505
4-Year Grad Rate
71%
Endowment
$201M
Notre Dame, IN 46556
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