About Mount St. Mary's University
Students pay an average net price of $24,987 after financial aid, making this private education more accessible than the $47,240 sticker price suggests. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $64,072, providing solid returns on their investment. Graduates leave with a median debt of $25,391 and monthly loan payments of $269. The 94.1% employment rate shows the Mount prepares students for career success.
The Mountaineers compete in NCAA Division I athletics across 20 varsity sports, with 540 student-athletes receiving nearly $9.6 million in athletic scholarships. The diverse student body is 53.77% women and includes significant Black (21.54%) and Hispanic (14.73%) populations. However, the 58% six-year graduation rate suggests academic challenges for some students.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 61.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 58.0%
- Retention Rate
- 70.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $64,072
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $90,412 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $68,331 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $56,157 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Master | $53,697 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $48,432 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $45,249 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $40,896 |
| Research and Experimental Psychology. | Bachelor | $37,748 |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $37,363 |
Campus Life
The Grotto, a replica of France's Lourdes shrine, anchors campus life as both a spiritual retreat and popular study spot. Students gather there for reflection between classes or late-night conversations. Weekend social life revolves around Division I athletics, particularly basketball games that pack the Knott Arena. The 540 student-athletes create a spirited campus atmosphere. Many students volunteer in nearby Emmitsburg or take advantage of outdoor activities in the Catoctin Mountains. With 53.77% women and strong Catholic traditions, the campus maintains a welcoming but values-centered environment where service projects and campus ministry events draw regular participation.
- Setting
- Rural-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 1,460 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1808
Campus Safety (2023)
51 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 7 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 21°–38°F
- July Avg
- 64°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 43.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 29.7"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 46.2%
- Women
- 53.8%
- White
- 49.8%
- Black
- 21.5%
- Hispanic
- 14.7%
- Asian
- 3.1%
- In-State Students
- 55.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 26.9%
Location
- Address
- Emmitsburg, Maryland 21727-7799
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $64,072
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $66,027
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $42,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 74.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $269/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,391
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Mount St. Mary's University?
Mount St. Mary's University accepts 79.57% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who meet basic requirements. The average SAT score is 1145, reflecting the school's focus on well-rounded admissions rather than just test scores. This Catholic liberal arts university values character and potential alongside academic achievement.
How much does Mount St. Mary's University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $24,987 after financial aid, less than the full tuition of $47,240. About 29% of students receive institutional grants averaging $36,155. Graduates leave with a median debt of $25,391 and monthly loan payments of $269.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Mount St. Mary's University?
The student-faculty ratio is 12:1, ensuring small class sizes and personal attention from professors. With just 1,806 students enrolled, the Mount offers an intimate academic environment. The retention rate of 70.83% reflects the close-knit community that develops between students and faculty.
What are the career outcomes for Mount St. Mary's University graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $64,072 ten years after graduation, with a strong employment rate of 94.1%. The 58% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges some students face, but those who complete their degrees find solid career prospects. Alumni benefit from the school's strong Catholic network and regional connections in Maryland and beyond.
Where is Mount St. Mary's University located and what is campus life like?
The university sits in rural Emmitsburg, Maryland, creating a secluded mountain campus experience. With housing capacity for 1,460 students, most of the 1,806 enrolled live on campus. The Mountaineers compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 20 varsity sports and 540 student-athletes.
How diverse is Mount St. Mary's University's student body?
The student body is 49.78% White, 21.54% Black, and 14.73% Hispanic, making it more diverse than many small Catholic colleges. About 55% of students come from Maryland, while others travel from across the region. Women make up 53.77% of enrollment, creating a balanced gender ratio on the mountain campus.
