Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College: 78.2% Acceptance Rate

78.2%Acceptance

$33,490Tuition

896Students

52%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$43,845Earnings

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

About Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College traces its roots to 1840 as one of America's oldest Catholic women's colleges, founded by the Sisters of Providence. The school now enrolls 896 students on a rural campus in Indiana, though it became coeducational in recent decades. Women still make up 70% of the student body, reflecting its historical mission. The college maintains strong ties to its Catholic heritage while offering a liberal arts education in a close-knit environment. With a 78% acceptance rate and average SAT scores around 960, the school welcomes students seeking personalized attention at a 9:1 student-faculty ratio.

The financial picture tells a complex story. Students pay an average net price of $43,465 after aid, which is substantial for a school where graduates earn a median of $43,845 ten years later. However, typical debt loads remain manageable at $19,512, with monthly payments around $207. Half of all students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves many first-generation and lower-income families despite the high sticker price.

Athletic opportunities abound with 17 varsity sports competing at the NAIA level, where teams are known as the Pomeroys. Nearly 40% of the student body participates in athletics, creating a campus culture where sports play a central role in student life.

Academics & Faculty

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods operates as a Catholic liberal arts college where small classes define the academic experience. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students personally and can provide individualized attention. However, the 52% graduation rate suggests students face challenges completing their degrees within six years. The college built its reputation on educating women through programs in education, business, and the arts. As one of America's oldest Catholic women's colleges, it maintains strong traditions in teacher preparation and social work. The liberal arts foundation means students explore diverse subjects before specializing. With 896 total students, everyone participates actively in class discussions rather than sitting anonymously in lecture halls.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Full-Time Faculty: 28.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 52.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 52.3%
Retention Rate: 67.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $43,845
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Small)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$52,107
Theological and Ministerial Studies.	Bachelor	$38,829
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.	Master	$38,018
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$33,993
Special Education and Teaching.	Bachelor	$32,925
Psychology, General.	Bachelor	$30,771

View all 52 programs →

Campus Life

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods sits on 67 wooded acres about 75 miles west of Indianapolis, where students experience all four seasons and definitely need winter coats for Indiana's cold months. With only 449 beds for 896 students, roughly half live on campus in residence halls that foster the close-knit community this college is known for. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic struggles.

The rural setting creates a quiet, contemplative atmosphere that reflects the college's Catholic heritage and connection to the Sisters of Providence. Students often gather in the historic campus buildings or explore the nearby Wabash River for outdoor activities. With 83% of students from Indiana, weekends revolve around campus events, athletic competitions for the 17 varsity sports teams, and trips to Terre Haute for shopping or entertainment. The Pomeroys compete in NAIA athletics, with 354 student-athletes making sports a visible part of campus life. The small size means everyone knows each other, creating a family-like environment where traditions run deep.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Housing Capacity: 449 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1840

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 19°–39°F
July Avg: 66°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 44.7"
Annual Snowfall: 15.4"

Student Demographics

Students at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods reflect the college's deep Indiana roots and Catholic mission of serving women from all backgrounds. Over 80% come from in-state, drawn by the school's strong regional reputation and affordable tuition. Half receive Pell Grants, showing the college's commitment to making education accessible to working-class families. Women make up 70% of the student body, reflecting the school's history as a women's college founded by the Sisters of Providence. The predominantly white student population mirrors rural Indiana demographics, though the college continues expanding diversity through targeted outreach programs.

Men: 29.7%
Women: 70.3%
White: 73.1%
Black: 9.6%
Hispanic: 6.7%
Asian: 1.0%
In-State Students: 83.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 50.6%

Location

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College sits in the small town of Saint Mary of the Woods, Indiana, about 75 miles west of Indianapolis. The 896 students experience a truly rural campus environment on the historic grounds established by the Sisters of Providence in 1840. With 83.54% of students coming from in-state, most are familiar with Indiana's rolling farmland and small-town atmosphere. The college's rural-fringe setting means students enjoy peaceful woods and open spaces while still having access to nearby Terre Haute for shopping and dining. The intimate campus houses 449 students in residence halls. Students considering colleges in Indiana may also compare Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Saint Mary of the Woods, Indiana 47876-1099

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $43,845
Median Earnings (5 years): $44,599
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 50.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $207/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $19,512

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College?

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College accepts 78.17% of applicants, making it accessible to most qualified students. The incoming student body has an average SAT score of 960, reflecting the college's focus on supporting students across a range of academic backgrounds.

How much does Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $43,465, though 50.55% of students receive Pell Grants indicating significant financial need support. Students typically graduate with $19,512 in debt, which is below the national average for private colleges.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College?

The student-faculty ratio is 9:1, ensuring small class sizes and personalized attention from professors. This Catholic liberal arts college maintains its intimate learning environment with just 896 total students, continuing the tradition established by the Sisters of Providence in 1840.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College?

Graduates have a 92.6% employment rate and earn a median salary of $43,845 ten years after graduation. However, the 52.30% six-year graduation rate suggests some students need extra time to complete their degrees at this supportive institution.

Where do most students at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College come from?

About 83.54% of students are from Indiana, creating a strong regional community feel. The student body is 70.31% women, reflecting the college's heritage as one of the oldest Catholic women's colleges in the United States.

Does Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College offer athletics?

The college fields 17 varsity sports teams competing in NAIA with 354 total student-athletes. The Pomeroys receive $2,085,367 in athletic scholarships, demonstrating the school's commitment to both academics and athletics in its rural Indiana setting.