About Mount Marty University
Mount Marty University builds its reputation on nursing and education programs that serve small-town America. This Catholic institution enrolls 702 students in rural Yankton, creating an intimate learning environment where personal attention drives student success. The university has spent decades preparing teachers and healthcare professionals for the Upper Midwest.
Students pay an average net price of $23,295 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly accessible. Graduates earn a median of $48,179 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $26,396. The monthly loan payment of $280 reflects manageable borrowing for careers in education and healthcare. With 98.8% of graduates finding employment, the investment typically pays off through steady professional opportunities.
Athletics dominate campus life with 487 total athletes competing across 18 varsity sports. The school awards $8.7 million in athletic scholarships, meaning nearly 70% of students participate in competitive sports. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know every player by name. While the 60.6% six-year graduation rate lags national averages, the tight-knit community and strong job placement create clear pathways for students who stay the course.
Students pay an average net price of $23,295 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly accessible. Graduates earn a median of $48,179 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $26,396. The monthly loan payment of $280 reflects manageable borrowing for careers in education and healthcare. With 98.8% of graduates finding employment, the investment typically pays off through steady professional opportunities.
Athletics dominate campus life with 487 total athletes competing across 18 varsity sports. The school awards $8.7 million in athletic scholarships, meaning nearly 70% of students participate in competitive sports. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know every player by name. While the 60.6% six-year graduation rate lags national averages, the tight-knit community and strong job placement create clear pathways for students who stay the course.
Academics & Faculty
Mount Marty built its reputation around nursing and education programs that serve rural South Dakota communities. The university's nursing program prepares students for high-demand healthcare roles in underserved areas. Education majors often return to teach in small-town schools across the region. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name and provide individualized attention. The 58.69% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many first-generation college students face, but the school's Catholic mission emphasizes support for struggling learners. Small class sizes mean students can't hide in the back row. Faculty often mentor students through both academic and personal challenges during their college years.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 32.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 58.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 60.6%
- Retention Rate
- 69.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,179
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $169,592 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,641 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $41,937 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $41,565 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $39,909 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $39,729 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $37,208 |
Campus Life
Mount Marty sits in Yankton, a town of 15,000 people along the Missouri River in southeastern South Dakota. Students need heavy winter coats for temperatures that regularly drop below freezing from November through March. The nearest major city is Sioux Falls, about 60 miles northeast. With housing capacity for 441 students and total enrollment of 702, roughly two-thirds of students live on campus in a tight-knit community.
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, and the Catholic identity shapes campus culture through service projects and spiritual activities. With 487 total athletes competing in 18 varsity sports, nearly 70% of students participate in athletics at this NJCAA school. Weekends often revolve around Lancers games, especially basketball and baseball. The Missouri River provides opportunities for fishing and boating when weather permits. Students frequently drive to Sioux Falls for shopping and entertainment, though many appreciate the small-town atmosphere where everyone knows each other. The retention rate of 69.59% reflects students who either love the close community or find the rural setting too limiting.
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, and the Catholic identity shapes campus culture through service projects and spiritual activities. With 487 total athletes competing in 18 varsity sports, nearly 70% of students participate in athletics at this NJCAA school. Weekends often revolve around Lancers games, especially basketball and baseball. The Missouri River provides opportunities for fishing and boating when weather permits. Students frequently drive to Sioux Falls for shopping and entertainment, though many appreciate the small-town atmosphere where everyone knows each other. The retention rate of 69.59% reflects students who either love the close community or find the rural setting too limiting.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 441 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1936
Campus Safety (2023)
4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 9°–30°F
- July Avg
- 62°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 54.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 34.5"
Student Demographics
Mount Marty draws students seeking a close-knit Catholic education in rural South Dakota. Two-thirds of students come from out-of-state, suggesting the university's nursing and education programs attract students from across the region who value small-class environments. The student body is predominantly white, reflecting both the local demographics and the school's Midwestern appeal. Men slightly outnumber women, which is unusual for a university with strong nursing and education programs that typically attract more female students. The Benedictine values and 12:1 student-faculty ratio create an intimate learning community.
- Men
- 54.3%
- Women
- 45.7%
- White
- 65.8%
- Black
- 7.3%
- Hispanic
- 8.8%
- Asian
- 0.9%
- In-State Students
- 33.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 19.4%
Location
Yankton sits in southeastern South Dakota along the Missouri River, about 400 miles from Denver and 150 miles from Sioux Falls. The town of 15,000 residents offers a classic small-town atmosphere where Mount Marty's 702 students make up a noticeable presence in the community. With 33.54% of students coming from in-state, many are familiar with South Dakota's rural character and wide-open spaces. The Missouri River provides recreational opportunities, while the surrounding prairie landscape defines the region's agricultural identity. The remote town setting means students experience true small-town life with close community connections. Students considering colleges in South Dakota may also compare Mount Marty University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Yankton, South Dakota 57078-3724
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,179
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $51,066
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 65.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $280/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,396
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Mount Marty University?
Mount Marty University accepts 68.39% of applicants with an average ACT score of 21. This Catholic institution in rural Yankton makes college accessible to students seeking a faith-based education in South Dakota.
How much does Mount Marty University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $23,295 annually, less than the sticker price of $43,600. The university provides institutional grants averaging $22,583 to about 25% of students, making this private Catholic education more affordable.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Mount Marty University?
Mount Marty maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with just 702 enrolled students. This small Catholic university is particularly known for its nursing and education programs that benefit from personalized attention.
What are the graduation rates at Mount Marty University?
Mount Marty graduates 58.69% of students in four years and 60.60% within six years. Alumni earn a median salary of $48,179 ten years after graduation, reflecting the university's focus on practical career preparation.
Where is Mount Marty University located?
Mount Marty sits in Yankton, South Dakota, a remote town setting that houses 441 students on campus. About 67% of students come from out-of-state, drawn to this small Catholic community in rural America.
Does Mount Marty University have strong athletics programs?
Mount Marty fields 18 varsity sports with 487 total athletes competing at the NJCAA level as the Lancers. The university awards $8.7 million in athletic scholarships, making sports a significant part of campus life for this small Catholic institution.
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