About Saint Mary's College of California
Saint Mary's College builds its reputation on rigorous liberal arts education and Division I basketball excellence in the West Coast Conference. The college enrolls 2,024 students in the hills of Moraga, creating an intimate academic environment where NBA players like Patty Mills and Matthew Dellavedova once honed their skills. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the personalized attention that defines the Lasallian Catholic tradition here.
Students pay an average net price of $31,198 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $56,134. Graduates earn a median of $78,812 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $23,691 manageable with monthly payments around $251. The 94.6% employment rate suggests strong career outcomes for alumni.
The Gaels compete in 18 varsity sports with $7.8 million in athletic scholarships available across 342 student-athletes. The student body is 55% female and diverse, with Hispanic students comprising 31% of enrollment. The 85% retention rate indicates most students find what they're looking for in this tight-knit community, though the 69% six-year graduation rate suggests some struggle to finish.
Students pay an average net price of $31,198 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $56,134. Graduates earn a median of $78,812 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $23,691 manageable with monthly payments around $251. The 94.6% employment rate suggests strong career outcomes for alumni.
The Gaels compete in 18 varsity sports with $7.8 million in athletic scholarships available across 342 student-athletes. The student body is 55% female and diverse, with Hispanic students comprising 31% of enrollment. The 85% retention rate indicates most students find what they're looking for in this tight-knit community, though the 69% six-year graduation rate suggests some struggle to finish.
Academics & Faculty
Saint Mary's operates as a Catholic liberal arts college where students explore broad disciplines while developing critical thinking skills. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students personally. With 70% of students graduating in four years, the college demonstrates solid academic support, though some students need extra time to complete their degrees. The school emphasizes undergraduate teaching over research, meaning faculty focus entirely on classroom instruction. Business and education programs attract many students, while the liberal arts foundation requires coursework across humanities, sciences, and social sciences. The Catholic identity influences campus culture but doesn't restrict academic inquiry in the classroom.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 61.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 70.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 69.0%
- Retention Rate
- 85.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $78,812
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $108,331 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Master | $94,408 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $69,338 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $68,219 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $61,814 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $57,705 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $54,996 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $52,562 |
| Education, General. | Master | $52,107 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $45,696 |
Campus Life
Saint Mary's sits in the rolling hills of Moraga, about 20 miles east of San Francisco and Oakland. With housing capacity for 1,511 students and total enrollment of 2,024, roughly three-quarters of undergraduates live on campus in this tight-knit community. The Mediterranean climate means you'll need layers for cool mornings but can shed them by afternoon - pack a light jacket, not a parka.
The 420-acre campus centers around the iconic chapel, reflecting the college's Catholic Lasallian values that shape daily life. With 85% of students coming from California, the Gaels create a distinctly West Coast vibe. Basketball games against rivals like Gonzaga pack McKeon Pavilion, where the student section gets loud despite the school's 2,024 enrollment. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, and the Four-One-Four calendar system includes a unique January term for intensive study or internships. Weekends often involve trips to San Francisco or Berkeley, hiking in nearby Mount Diablo State Park, or campus traditions like the annual Lasallian Legacy celebration that brings together the close-knit Gael community.
The 420-acre campus centers around the iconic chapel, reflecting the college's Catholic Lasallian values that shape daily life. With 85% of students coming from California, the Gaels create a distinctly West Coast vibe. Basketball games against rivals like Gonzaga pack McKeon Pavilion, where the student section gets loud despite the school's 2,024 enrollment. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, and the Four-One-Four calendar system includes a unique January term for intensive study or internships. Weekends often involve trips to San Francisco or Berkeley, hiking in nearby Mount Diablo State Park, or campus traditions like the annual Lasallian Legacy celebration that brings together the close-knit Gael community.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,511 beds
- Calendar System
- Four-One-Four
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1863
Campus Safety (2023)
10 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 43°–58°F
- July Avg
- 53°–74°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 26.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Saint Mary's draws mostly California natives, with 86% coming from in-state, reflecting its strong regional reputation in the Bay Area. The student body is diverse, with Hispanic students making up nearly a third of enrollment and white students comprising just over a third. Women slightly outnumber men at this Catholic liberal arts college. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, indicating the school serves a mix of economic backgrounds. This demographic blend aligns with Saint Mary's mission of providing accessible Catholic education to California's increasingly diverse population.
- Men
- 44.7%
- Women
- 55.3%
- White
- 38.2%
- Black
- 5.2%
- Hispanic
- 31.4%
- Asian
- 9.5%
- In-State Students
- 85.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 23.8%
Location
Saint Mary's sits in Moraga, California, about 20 miles east of San Francisco. The campus occupies 420 acres in the rolling hills of Contra Costa County. Moraga functions as an affluent suburban community rather than a traditional college town. Students live within the East Bay region, known for its proximity to both Silicon Valley tech companies and San Francisco's cultural offerings. The Mediterranean climate and hillside setting create an environment distinct from urban campuses. With 85.68% of students coming from in-state, most are already familiar with California's geography. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Saint Mary's College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Moraga, California 94575
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $78,812
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $74,189
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $48,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 75.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $251/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,691
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Saint Mary's College of California?
Saint Mary's accepts 87.89% of applicants, making it accessible to most qualified students. The school attracts students seeking a Catholic liberal arts education in the Bay Area hills. With 2,024 enrolled students, Saint Mary's maintains an intimate campus community.
How much does Saint Mary's College of California cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $31,198, lower than the $73,972 sticker price. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $17,981 on average. The median debt at graduation is $23,691 with monthly payments of $251.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Saint Mary's College of California?
Saint Mary's maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in classes. The school is known for its strong liberal arts education rooted in Catholic intellectual tradition. Students benefit from small class sizes and close mentorship relationships.
What are graduates earning after Saint Mary's College of California?
Alumni earn a median of $78,812 ten years after graduation with a 94.6% employment rate. The school's location in Moraga provides access to Bay Area job markets. Recent graduates start at $46,323 in their first year post-graduation.
Where is Saint Mary's College of California located?
The campus sits in Moraga, a large suburban community in the East Bay hills. Housing capacity reaches 1,511 students on the scenic hillside campus. The school draws 85.68% of its students from California, creating a strong regional presence.
Does Saint Mary's College of California have a strong basketball program?
The Gaels compete in NCAA Division I as part of the West Coast Conference with 18 varsity sports. The basketball program has produced NBA players like Patty Mills and Matthew Dellavedova. Athletic scholarships total $7,790,846 across 342 student-athletes.
