About College of Saint Mary
The College of Saint Mary is one of the few remaining women's colleges in the United States, serving 455 students in Omaha. This Catholic institution has built its reputation around health sciences and nursing programs that prepare women for leadership roles in healthcare. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students by name. The college attracts students who want the focused attention that comes with small class sizes and a mission-driven education.
Students pay an average net price of $14,986 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median salary of $54,338 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $24,250 with monthly payments around $257. The 96.7% employment rate shows that employers value the college's graduates. For families earning under $75,000, the net price drops to around $10,000, making quality higher education accessible.
The student body is 100% women, with 57% white students, 23% Hispanic students, and 9% Black students. About 70% of students come from Nebraska, creating a tight-knit community feel. The 59% six-year graduation rate reflects the college's focus on supporting first-generation college students and working adults who often need extra time to complete their degrees.
Students pay an average net price of $14,986 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median salary of $54,338 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $24,250 with monthly payments around $257. The 96.7% employment rate shows that employers value the college's graduates. For families earning under $75,000, the net price drops to around $10,000, making quality higher education accessible.
The student body is 100% women, with 57% white students, 23% Hispanic students, and 9% Black students. About 70% of students come from Nebraska, creating a tight-knit community feel. The 59% six-year graduation rate reflects the college's focus on supporting first-generation college students and working adults who often need extra time to complete their degrees.
Academics & Faculty
The College of Saint Mary centers its academics around health sciences and nursing, reflecting its mission as a Catholic women's college dedicated to preparing students for healthcare careers. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know every student personally. This close mentorship shows in the 63% four-year graduation rate, above average for small colleges. The school's nursing program attracts students throughout the Midwest who want hands-on clinical experience in Omaha's major medical centers. Faculty emphasize both technical competency and the Catholic tradition of caring service. With only 455 students total, every class feels like a seminar where active participation drives learning.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 7:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 57.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 63.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 59.4%
- Retention Rate
- 68.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,338
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $65,387 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,692 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $55,512 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $52,107 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $42,061 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $36,560 |
Campus Life
Campus life centers around a tight-knit community where the 7:1 student-faculty ratio creates mentoring relationships that extend beyond academics. With only 455 students total, everyone knows each other by name within weeks of arriving. About 65% of students live on campus in the residence halls, which house up to 295 students and become the heart of weekend social activities.
Omaha's downtown sits just minutes from campus, offering internship opportunities at major medical centers like Nebraska Medicine. Students regularly volunteer at local hospitals and clinics, building real-world experience in their health science programs. Nebraska winters demand heavy coats and boots, with snow covering campus from December through February, while spring and fall bring perfect weather for outdoor activities. The Flames compete in NAIA athletics, and game days draw strong crowds despite the small enrollment. Weekend traditions include residence hall programming, service projects through campus ministry, and trips to Omaha's Old Market district. The 96.7% employment rate reflects strong alumni networks that help graduates land positions at top healthcare systems across the Midwest.
Omaha's downtown sits just minutes from campus, offering internship opportunities at major medical centers like Nebraska Medicine. Students regularly volunteer at local hospitals and clinics, building real-world experience in their health science programs. Nebraska winters demand heavy coats and boots, with snow covering campus from December through February, while spring and fall bring perfect weather for outdoor activities. The Flames compete in NAIA athletics, and game days draw strong crowds despite the small enrollment. Weekend traditions include residence hall programming, service projects through campus ministry, and trips to Omaha's Old Market district. The 96.7% employment rate reflects strong alumni networks that help graduates land positions at top healthcare systems across the Midwest.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 295 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
5 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 14°–32°F
- July Avg
- 66°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 33.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 27.1"
Student Demographics
This all-women's Catholic college draws primarily from Nebraska and the greater Midwest, with 69% of students coming from in-state. The student body reflects Omaha's diversity, with significant Hispanic representation at 23% and a mix of white, Black, and other students. Over one-third receive Pell Grants, showing the college's commitment to serving first-generation and lower-income women. The demographic makeup aligns with the school's mission to educate women for healthcare careers, particularly attracting students from working-class families seeking upward mobility through nursing and health sciences programs.
- Men
- 0.0%
- Women
- 100.0%
- White
- 56.9%
- Black
- 9.2%
- Hispanic
- 22.6%
- Asian
- 2.2%
- In-State Students
- 69.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 36.9%
Location
College of Saint Mary sits in Omaha, Nebraska's largest city with over 480,000 residents. The campus occupies 25 acres in the heart of this major Midwestern metropolitan area. Omaha serves as a regional center for healthcare, finance, and agriculture, making it ideal for students in the college's signature nursing and health sciences programs. The city offers internship opportunities at major medical centers like Nebraska Medicine and CHI Health. Students benefit from urban amenities including the historic Old Market district, professional sports teams, and cultural attractions. The Missouri River runs along the city's eastern edge. Students considering colleges in Nebraska may also compare College of Saint Mary with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Omaha, Nebraska 68106
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,338
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $62,966
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $41,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 62.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $257/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at College of Saint Mary?
College of Saint Mary accepts 64.58% of applicants with an average ACT score of 21. As a Catholic women's college focused on health sciences, the school seeks students committed to its mission of educating women leaders.
How much does College of Saint Mary cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $14,986 annually, lower than the $32,878 total cost of attendance. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,936 on average, making this private education surprisingly affordable.
What is the student-faculty ratio at College of Saint Mary?
The college maintains a 7:1 student-faculty ratio with only 455 total students enrolled. This intimate learning environment supports the school's emphasis on personalized education in nursing and health sciences programs.
What are the career outcomes for College of Saint Mary graduates?
Graduates achieve a 96.7% employment rate and earn a median salary of $54,338 ten years after graduation. The strong career outcomes reflect the college's focus on in-demand health sciences fields and nursing education.
Where do students live at College of Saint Mary?
Campus housing accommodates 295 students, covering most of the 455-person student body. The close-knit residential community strengthens the bonds among women pursuing similar academic and professional goals.
Does College of Saint Mary only admit women?
Yes, College of Saint Mary is 100% women with 0% men enrolled. As one of the few remaining Catholic women's colleges in the country, it focuses exclusively on helping women leaders in healthcare and other professions.
