About Saint Martin's University
Saint Martin's University brings Benedictine values to its 1,254 students in the small city of Lacey, just outside Washington's capital. This Catholic institution emphasizes personal attention and community service. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the school's commitment to individualized education. Founded by Benedictine monks in 1895, Saint Martin's maintains its tradition of well-rounded education that develops both intellect and character.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for middle-class families. While tuition lists at $44,210, the average student pays just $22,618 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $62,092 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $22,500 manageable. Monthly loan payments average $239, reasonable given the earning potential. About 40% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves economically diverse families.
The Saints compete in NCAA Division II with 224 student-athletes across 11 sports. Nearly three-quarters of students are from Washington state, creating a tight-knit community feel. The 58% four-year graduation rate suggests students need extra time to complete degrees, but the 92.8% employment rate shows strong career outcomes. Women outnumber men 59% to 41%, and the student body is diverse with 42% students of color.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for middle-class families. While tuition lists at $44,210, the average student pays just $22,618 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $62,092 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $22,500 manageable. Monthly loan payments average $239, reasonable given the earning potential. About 40% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves economically diverse families.
The Saints compete in NCAA Division II with 224 student-athletes across 11 sports. Nearly three-quarters of students are from Washington state, creating a tight-knit community feel. The 58% four-year graduation rate suggests students need extra time to complete degrees, but the 92.8% employment rate shows strong career outcomes. Women outnumber men 59% to 41%, and the student body is diverse with 42% students of color.
Academics & Faculty
Saint Martin's University operates as a Catholic liberal arts institution that emphasizes close mentorship and personal attention. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students by name and can provide individualized guidance throughout their academic journey. The university is particularly recognized for its strong nursing program, which prepares students for healthcare careers in the Pacific Northwest. Engineering and business programs also draw students seeking practical, career-focused education. However, the 58% four-year graduation rate suggests some students need extra time to complete their degrees. The small class sizes and supportive environment help explain why 73% of students return for their sophomore year, despite academic challenges that extend graduation timelines for nearly half the student body.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 49.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 58.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 57.1%
- Retention Rate
- 73.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $62,092
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $66,045 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $60,623 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $58,221 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $57,995 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $55,964 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $47,118 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $46,087 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $44,077 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $40,896 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,048 |
Campus Life
Saint Martin's sits on a forested 380-acre campus just 10 minutes from Olympia, Washington's capital city. Students need rain jackets more than winter coats in this Pacific Northwest climate that stays green year-round. About 50% of the 1,254 students live on campus in residence halls that house up to 630 people. The small enrollment creates a tight-knit community where the 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name.
Weekend life centers around the Abbey Church, where many students attend Mass, and outdoor activities like hiking in nearby state parks. Seattle sits just an hour north, offering big-city entertainment when campus feels too small. The Saints compete in 11 NCAA Division II sports, with 224 student-athletes representing nearly 18% of the student body. Campus traditions revolve around the Benedictine monastery that founded the school in 1895. Students often gather in the commons areas or head to Lacey's restaurants and coffee shops. The 73% retention rate suggests most freshmen adapt well to the blend of Catholic values and Pacific Northwest outdoor culture.
Weekend life centers around the Abbey Church, where many students attend Mass, and outdoor activities like hiking in nearby state parks. Seattle sits just an hour north, offering big-city entertainment when campus feels too small. The Saints compete in 11 NCAA Division II sports, with 224 student-athletes representing nearly 18% of the student body. Campus traditions revolve around the Benedictine monastery that founded the school in 1895. Students often gather in the commons areas or head to Lacey's restaurants and coffee shops. The 73% retention rate suggests most freshmen adapt well to the blend of Catholic values and Pacific Northwest outdoor culture.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 630 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1895
Campus Safety (2023)
19 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 33°–46°F
- July Avg
- 50°–77°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 50.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 3.9"
Student Demographics
Saint Martin's draws heavily from Washington state, with three-quarters of students choosing to stay close to home for their Catholic education. The student body reflects the Pacific Northwest's diversity, with significant Hispanic and Asian populations alongside white students. Women outnumber men by a notable margin, likely drawn to the university's strong programs in nursing, education, and social work. Nearly 40% of students receive Pell Grants, showing Saint Martin's commitment to making Catholic higher education accessible to working-class families in the region.
- Men
- 41.3%
- Women
- 58.7%
- White
- 37.7%
- Black
- 7.5%
- Hispanic
- 24.4%
- Asian
- 10.2%
- In-State Students
- 76.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 39.8%
Location
Saint Martin's University sits in Lacey, Washington, just 60 miles south of Seattle. The campus occupies a wooded 380-acre setting in the South Puget Sound region. Lacey borders Olympia, the state capital, creating a government and education center that attracts politically engaged students. The Pacific Northwest location offers access to both mountain trails and Puget Sound waterways within a 30-minute drive. With 76% of students coming from in-state, the university draws heavily from Washington's urban corridors. The small city setting provides a quieter alternative to Seattle's urban intensity while maintaining connectivity to major population centers. Students considering colleges in Washington may also compare Saint Martin's University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Lacey, Washington 98503-7500
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $62,092
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $65,190
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $41,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 66.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $239/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Saint Martin's University?
Saint Martin's University admits 95% of applicants, making it highly accessible for students seeking a Catholic education. The average SAT score is 1053, with most admitted students scoring between 925 and 1180.
How much does Saint Martin's University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $22,618, lower than the full tuition of $44,210. Nearly 40% of students receive Pell Grants, and the university provides substantial institutional aid averaging $32,697 for recipients.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Saint Martin's University?
The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures small class sizes and personalized attention. With just 1,254 students enrolled, this Benedictine university emphasizes close mentorship and community learning.
What do graduates of Saint Martin's University earn after college?
Alumni earn a median of $62,092 ten years after graduation with manageable debt levels. The 92.8% employment rate reflects strong career outcomes, while typical monthly loan payments are just $239.
Where is Saint Martin's University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Lacey, Washington, housing 630 students in a close-knit community. With 73% of students returning each year and 224 student-athletes competing in NCAA Division II, campus engagement runs high.
How diverse is Saint Martin's University's student body?
The student population is 38% White, 24% Hispanic, 10% Asian, and 8% Black, creating meaningful diversity. Women comprise 59% of enrollment, and three-quarters of students come from Washington state.
