Saint Mary's College: 83.9% Acceptance Rate

83.9%Acceptance

$51,430Tuition

1,399Students

77%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$59,354Earnings

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

About Saint Mary's College

Saint Mary's College sits directly across from the University of Notre Dame, creating a unique partnership that defines campus life for its 1,399 students. This all-women's Catholic liberal arts college has built a reputation for rigorous academics in nursing, education, and business since 1844. Students benefit from an 8:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentoring relationships. The suburban Notre Dame setting provides both the intimacy of a small college and access to Big Ten athletics and social life through the cross-registration program with Notre Dame.

The sticker price of $65,530 looks steep, but most students pay far less. Average net price drops to $28,552 after aid, with lower-income families paying as little as $17,918. Graduates earn a median of $59,354 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $27,000 manageable with monthly payments around $286. The 95.7% employment rate suggests strong career outcomes that justify the investment.

Three-quarters of students graduate within four years, reflecting the supportive environment of this close-knit community. With 83% of students returning each year, the Belles create lasting bonds that extend well beyond graduation. The housing capacity of 1,395 means nearly every student can live on campus, fostering the tight community Saint Mary's is known for.

Academics & Faculty

Saint Mary's operates as a Catholic liberal arts college that emphasizes close faculty mentorship across all disciplines. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention that helps explain why 76% of students graduate within six years. The college has built particularly strong reputations in nursing, education, and business programs. Students benefit from small seminar-style classes where professors know their names and academic goals. The liberal arts foundation means students explore diverse subjects before focusing on their major. Many students also cross-register for courses at neighboring Notre Dame, expanding their academic options. The combination of intimate class sizes and rigorous Catholic intellectual tradition creates an environment where academic growth happens through relationship-building rather than competition.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Full-Time Faculty: 68.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 75.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 76.5%
Retention Rate: 83.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $59,354
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$59,599
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$53,537
Political Science and Government.	Bachelor	$45,715
Communication and Media Studies.	Bachelor	$41,342
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$40,737
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.	Bachelor	$32,925
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services.	Bachelor	$32,382
Psychology, General.	Bachelor	$26,896
Biology, General.	Bachelor	$24,421

View all 43 programs →

Campus Life

Saint Mary's sits directly across the street from the University of Notre Dame, creating a unique campus environment where women's college life intersects with a major research university. With housing capacity for 1,395 students and total enrollment of 1,399, nearly every student lives on campus in the suburban Notre Dame area. South Bend lies about 90 minutes east of Chicago, bringing Midwest winters that definitely require heavy coats and boots for navigating between classes.

The close Notre Dame relationship shapes weekend social life . Students attend Fighting Irish football games and access Notre Dame's dining, libraries, and events through cross-registration agreements. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name in small seminar-style classes. Campus traditions center around the Catholic identity and sisterhood culture. Students often study abroad or intern in Chicago during summers. The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association provides competitive sports opportunities for the Belles. With 83.6% of students returning each year, most find the tight-knit community and Notre Dame access create a distinctive college experience.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 1,395 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1844

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Rape	1	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 17°–31°F
July Avg: 63°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 40.9"
Annual Snowfall: 64.5"

Student Demographics

Saint Mary's draws women from across the Midwest who want a Catholic liberal arts education with Notre Dame proximity. The student body is 77% white with growing Hispanic representation at 14%. Most students come from outside Indiana, reflecting the college's national reputation among Catholic families. Nearly one in four receives Pell Grants, showing the school serves middle-class students alongside wealthier families. The all-women environment attracts students seeking leadership development and close mentorship. Strong ties to Notre Dame create a unique social active rare among women's colleges.

Men: 0.0%
Women: 100.0%
White: 76.9%
Black: 2.3%
Hispanic: 14.1%
Asian: 1.1%
In-State Students: 34.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 23.9%

Location

Saint Mary's College sits across the street from the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Indiana. The campus is 90 miles east of Chicago and 150 miles north of Indianapolis. This classic college town atmosphere means students have access to Notre Dame's resources while maintaining their own distinct identity. The area offers a mix of suburban amenities and academic culture, with rolling Indiana farmland surrounding the twin campuses. Students benefit from the intellectual energy of two strong institutions sharing the same community. The proximity to Chicago provides internship and cultural opportunities within driving distance. Students considering colleges in Indiana may also compare Saint Mary's College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Notre Dame, Indiana 46556

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $59,354
Median Earnings (5 years): $65,300
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $44,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 84.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Saint Mary's College?

Saint Mary's College accepts 83.89% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1100-1328 on the SAT. As an all-women's Catholic institution, the college draws students seeking a supportive, faith-based liberal arts education.

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

The average net price at Saint Mary's College is $28,552 after aid, though this varies by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $17,918, while those from higher-income families pay around $33,026. About 27% of students receive institutional grants averaging $36,112.

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

Saint Mary's College maintains an 8:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,399 total students. This intimate setting allows for close mentoring relationships and small class sizes. The college is known for strong programs in nursing, education, and business within its liberal arts framework.

What are the job prospects for Saint Mary's College graduates?

Saint Mary's College graduates have a 95.7% employment rate and earn a median salary of $59,354 ten years after graduation. About 76.5% of students graduate within six years. Graduates typically leave with $27,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $286.

Where is Saint Mary's College located and what is campus life like?

Saint Mary's College sits in Notre Dame, Indiana, in a large suburban setting with housing for 1,395 students. The campus maintains a close relationship with the nearby University of Notre Dame. About 35% of students come from Indiana, while the rest travel from across the country to join the Belles athletic teams.

Is Saint Mary's College really an all-women's school?

Yes, Saint Mary's College enrolls 100% women, making it one of the few remaining women's colleges in the United States. Founded in 1844 by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, it maintains its Catholic identity and all-female tradition. The student body is 76.91% white, 14.08% Hispanic, and includes students from diverse economic backgrounds with 23.90% receiving Pell Grants.