St. Mary's College of Maryland

St. Mary's College of Maryland traces its roots to 1840, when it opened as a seminary for young women, evolving into the state's only public honors college by 1992 with a commitment to rigorous liberal arts education at public tuition rates. Students who thrive here pursue intellectual challenges independently, embrace close-knit communities, and enjoy outdoor pursuits like kayaking or sailing on the St. Mary's River. The college fosters a thoughtful, unpretentious personality that rewards curiosity over competition, set against a peaceful, rural backdrop where the nearest major city, Washington D.C., sits about 90 minutes north.

This small campus, home to around 1,600 undergraduates, suits those content with a village atmosphere rather than urban bustle, but it may frustrate students craving diverse dining, nightlife, or big-school sports. Out-of-state tuition approaches $28,000 annually, which exceeds many public peers despite the honors focus. Southern Maryland's humid climate brings hot summers and mild winters, enhancing waterfront appeal while occasionally hindering comfort.