Mount Saint Mary's University: 75.8% Acceptance Rate

75.8%Acceptance

$48,132Tuition

1,746Students

53%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$72,379Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About Mount Saint Mary's University

Mount Saint Mary's University builds strong professional women in the heart of Los Angeles. This Catholic women's university enrolls 1,746 students and has shaped leaders in healthcare, business, and social justice for over a century. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate learning environments where professors know every student's name. Students benefit from internships and networking opportunities across LA's massive job market.

The financial picture tells a positive story for most families. While sticker price reaches $64,720, the average student pays just $25,009 after aid. Low-income families pay only $17,327 per year thanks to generous need-based assistance. Graduates earn a median of $72,379 within ten years, making the typical debt load of $25,949 manageable with monthly payments around $275. The 94.8% employment rate shows employers value Mount Saint Mary's graduates.

This campus reflects California's diversity, with 54.47% Hispanic students and 19.01% Asian students creating a multicultural learning environment. Women make up 92.55% of enrollment, fostering an atmosphere where female voices lead every classroom discussion and campus organization. The 74.01% retention rate suggests most students find their place in this tight-knit community, though the 56.68% four-year graduation rate indicates some take longer to complete their degrees.

Academics & Faculty

Mount Saint Mary's University operates as a Catholic women's university focused on liberal arts education with strong professional preparation. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentorship in small classes typical of women's colleges. However, the 53% six-year graduation rate suggests students face significant academic or financial challenges despite this personalized attention. The university is particularly known for its nursing program, which prepares students for Los Angeles's major healthcare systems. Business and education programs also draw students seeking careers in social justice fields. With 92% of students being women, the academic environment emphasizes collaborative learning and leadership development. The school's Catholic mission integrates service learning across disciplines.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 28.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 56.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 53.4%
Retention Rate: 74.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $72,379
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$82,440
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.	Doctoral	$82,440
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$81,662
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$67,660
Special Education and Teaching.	Master	$56,579
Education, General.	Master	$52,385
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$48,265
Public Policy Analysis.	Bachelor	$46,478
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology.	Bachelor	$41,565
Political Science and Government.	Bachelor	$32,563

View all 92 programs →

Campus Life

Mount Saint Mary's sits on a 56-acre campus in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles, where students trade winter coats for year-round sunscreen and light jackets for occasional cool evenings. With housing capacity for just 601 students out of 1,746 enrolled, about one-third of students live on campus in the tight-knit residential community. The small size creates an intimate atmosphere where the 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic goals.

Weekend life revolves around the campus's strong sense of sisterhood, with 92.55% of students being women at this Catholic institution. Students often head to nearby Santa Monica beaches, Westwood shopping, or downtown LA cultural events, all within a 30-minute drive. The semester calendar allows for deep relationships to form in classes and residence halls. Many students participate in service projects that reflect the university's mission, while others take advantage of internship opportunities throughout the sprawling Los Angeles metro area. Campus traditions center around the close bonds formed in this predominantly Hispanic-serving institution, where 54.47% of students are Hispanic.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 601 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

20 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Stalking	4	2
Aggravated Assault	3	1
Domestic Violence	2	2
Burglary	2	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	2	0
Robbery	2	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 52°–66°F
July Avg: 59°–80°F
Annual Precipitation: 18.2"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Mount Saint Mary's draws women who want a Catholic education close to home, with 98% coming from California. The student body reflects Los Angeles's diversity, with Hispanic students making up more than half the campus and significant Asian representation. More than half receive Pell Grants, showing the university's commitment to serving working-class families. As one of the few remaining women's colleges on the West Coast, it attracts students seeking an helping, faith-based environment in their own backyard rather than pursuing prestige elsewhere.

Men: 7.5%
Women: 92.6%
White: 9.1%
Black: 5.4%
Hispanic: 54.5%
Asian: 19.0%
In-State Students: 97.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 55.2%

Location

Mount Saint Mary's University sits in Los Angeles, the nation's second-largest city with nearly 4 million residents. The campus operates in the heart of a major metropolitan area known for its entertainment industry, diverse cultural scene, and year-round Mediterranean climate. Students have access to beaches just 20 miles west and mountain ranges within driving distance. The university draws 97.57% of its students from California, reflecting strong local ties to the sprawling urban region. Los Angeles offers extensive internship opportunities across industries from film and television to technology and healthcare. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Mount Saint Mary's University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Los Angeles, California 90049-1599

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $72,379
Median Earnings (5 years): $74,255
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $57,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 58.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $275/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $25,949

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Mount Saint Mary's University?

Mount Saint Mary's University admits 75.76% of applicants, making it a moderately selective Catholic women's institution. The school prioritizes building a supportive community of female leaders, which influences their well-rounded admissions approach.

How much does Mount Saint Mary's University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $25,009 annually, less than the sticker price of $48,132. Over half of students qualify for Pell Grants (55.15%), reflecting the university's commitment to making education accessible for first-generation and low-income women.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Mount Saint Mary's University?

Mount Saint Mary's maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio across its 1,746 students. This Catholic women's university emphasizes personalized attention and mentorship, allowing professors to closely guide students through their academic and professional development.

What are the graduation rates at Mount Saint Mary's University?

The university achieves a 56.68% four-year graduation rate and 53.40% six-year rate with a 74.01% retention rate. These outcomes reflect the challenges many first-generation college students face, though graduates earn a median of $72,379 ten years post-graduation.

Where do students live at Mount Saint Mary's University?

The campus houses 601 students in residence halls, serving a small community of 1,746 total students in Los Angeles. Nearly all students (97.57%) come from California, creating a tight-knit community of local women pursuing higher education.

What makes Mount Saint Mary's University unique as a women's college?

Women comprise 92.55% of the student body, with only 7.45% men in graduate programs, making it one of the few remaining Catholic women's universities. The diverse student population is 54.47% Hispanic and 19.01% Asian, reflecting Los Angeles' multicultural landscape.