Acceptance Rate
69%
Avg. SAT
1340
75th percentile
“Maryland's sole public honors college delivers intimate liberal arts on a serene riverside campus in historic St. Mary's City.”
St. Mary's City, MD
Location
Rural
Campus Setting
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.
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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
Classrooms emphasize discussion-based seminars over lectures, with most courses capped at 20 students, creating dynamic exchanges in disciplines like environmental science and biology, bolstered by the riverfront location for hands-on fieldwork. The centerpiece is the mandatory St. Mary's Project, a senior-year thesis or creative endeavor that demands original research under faculty guidance, setting it apart from typical capstones. Research opportunities abound early, from aquatic ecology labs to humanities archives tied to local history.
While the honors curriculum shines for motivated learners, the small size limits advanced electives and niche majors, sometimes requiring creative course planning or study abroad. Popular fields like psychology and politics draw competitive internal transfers, though the 77% acceptance rate signals accessibility for qualified applicants.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
1,616 undergrad • 14 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
70%
Black / African American
11%
Hispanic / Latino
8%
Asian
3%
Other / Multi-racial
8%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
St. Mary's City, MD
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life revolves around intellectual pursuits and nature, with a typical week blending classes, club sailing regattas, and evening study sessions in cozy dorms overlooking the river. Traditions like the spring May Ball infuse whimsy with live music and formal attire amid blooming grounds, while casual bonfires foster bonds. Over 70 clubs span a cappella groups to ultimate frisbee, though the social scene stays mellow without a dominant Greek system or varsity football frenzy.
Housing prioritizes freshmen in residence halls with suite-style options, but upperclassmen often seek off-campus rentals in a sparse local market, raising costs. The rural setting means students drive to nearby Lexington Park for groceries or entertainment, trading city energy for tranquility. Winters stay temperate, but relentless humidity tests patience during outdoor events.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
United East Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
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
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Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
86%
4 Years Graduation Rate
66%
6 Years Graduation Rate
71%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$60,110
86% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at St. Mary's College of Maryland and return in the fall. 66% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 71% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
66%
4-5 years
5%
6-8 years
1%
Non-grad
28%
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Key Statistics
Type
Public
Tuition
$12,116
Acceptance
69%
Undergrads
1,616
4-Year Grad Rate
66%
Endowment
$41M
St. Mary's City, MD 20686