About Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota builds its reputation around personalized Catholic education and career preparation. The university enrolls 1,061 students in Winona, a river town that feels removed from urban distractions. Education, business, and health sciences programs attract students who want practical skills alongside liberal arts learning. The 96.83% acceptance rate means most qualified applicants get in, though the 25 ACT average shows students arrive prepared for college work.
The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $21,034 after aid, well below the $43,160 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $58,170 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $21,500 reasonable to handle. Monthly loan payments average $228, which most graduates can manage given the strong employment outcomes.
The student body splits 56% female and 43% male, reflecting the education and health science programs that draw many women. About 57% of students come from Minnesota, creating a regional feel. NCAA Division III athletics field 13 sports with 300 total athletes competing without athletic scholarships. The 78.60% retention rate suggests most students find their fit, though the 67.70% six-year graduation rate shows some struggle to finish.
The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $21,034 after aid, well below the $43,160 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $58,170 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $21,500 reasonable to handle. Monthly loan payments average $228, which most graduates can manage given the strong employment outcomes.
The student body splits 56% female and 43% male, reflecting the education and health science programs that draw many women. About 57% of students come from Minnesota, creating a regional feel. NCAA Division III athletics field 13 sports with 300 total athletes competing without athletic scholarships. The 78.60% retention rate suggests most students find their fit, though the 67.70% six-year graduation rate shows some struggle to finish.
Academics & Faculty
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota operates as a Catholic liberal arts institution with particularly strong programs in education, business, and health sciences. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid personal attention in small classroom settings. Students benefit from the university's practical approach to learning, especially in teacher preparation and nursing programs that connect directly to regional job markets. The 67% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges some students face completing their degrees, though most who graduate find employment quickly. Business and education majors often praise the hands-on internship opportunities available through local partnerships. The Catholic Lasallian tradition emphasizes service learning integrated into coursework across disciplines.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 23.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 66.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 67.7%
- Retention Rate
- 78.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,170
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $188,108 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $97,071 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $83,325 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $82,440 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $72,469 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $62,012 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $59,350 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $59,124 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $58,221 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $55,964 |
Campus Life
Campus sits along the Mississippi River bluffs in Winona, about 110 miles southeast of Minneapolis. With housing capacity for 1,049 students and total enrollment of 1,061, nearly every student lives on campus. Minnesota winters demand serious gear - think heavy coats and snow boots from November through March. Spring and fall offer beautiful river valley views when students aren't bundled up.
The 18:1 student-faculty ratio creates a tight-knit community where professors know your name. With 56% women and strong Catholic traditions, campus culture blends academic focus with service opportunities. Students gather for Cardinal athletics events, though the 300 total athletes across 13 Division III sports means most games feel intimate rather than stadium-packed. Weekends often revolve around outdoor activities along the river or trips to nearby La Crosse, Wisconsin. The 78.60% retention rate suggests students find their groove here, even if the small-town setting isn't for everyone. Campus ministry and volunteer work through Catholic programming shape much of the social calendar.
The 18:1 student-faculty ratio creates a tight-knit community where professors know your name. With 56% women and strong Catholic traditions, campus culture blends academic focus with service opportunities. Students gather for Cardinal athletics events, though the 300 total athletes across 13 Division III sports means most games feel intimate rather than stadium-packed. Weekends often revolve around outdoor activities along the river or trips to nearby La Crosse, Wisconsin. The 78.60% retention rate suggests students find their groove here, even if the small-town setting isn't for everyone. Campus ministry and volunteer work through Catholic programming shape much of the social calendar.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 1,049 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1912
Campus Safety (2023)
8 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 8°–26°F
- July Avg
- 62°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 76.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 67.4"
Student Demographics
Saint Mary's draws students who value Catholic liberal arts education in a close-knit setting. With 57% from Minnesota, the university has built a solid regional reputation while attracting students from across the Midwest. The student body leans female at 56%, reflecting strong programs in education and health sciences that traditionally draw more women. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, showing the school serves middle-class families seeking affordable Catholic education. The diverse mix includes 19% students of color, creating a welcoming community grounded in Lasallian values of inclusive education.
- Men
- 43.6%
- Women
- 56.4%
- White
- 58.3%
- Black
- 7.6%
- Hispanic
- 11.5%
- Asian
- 2.6%
- In-State Students
- 57.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 22.1%
Location
Saint Mary's sits in Winona, a river town of 25,000 people along the Mississippi River in southeastern Minnesota. The campus is 110 miles southeast of Minneapolis-St. Paul, placing it in a classic college town setting where the 1,061 students make up about 4% of the local population. Winona's bluff-lined river valley creates a scenic backdrop that draws outdoor enthusiasts for hiking and water sports. The town centers around higher education, with Saint Mary's sharing the community with Winona State University. This creates a active college atmosphere despite the smaller size and rural Minnesota location. Students considering colleges in Minnesota may also compare Saint Mary's University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Winona, Minnesota 55987-1399
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,170
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $67,821
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $42,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 69.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $228/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota?
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota accepts 96.83% of applicants with an average ACT score of 25. This Catholic liberal arts university maintains an open admission philosophy while still attracting students who are serious about their education.
How much does Saint Mary's University of Minnesota cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $21,034 despite a sticker price of $55,480. The school provides institutional grants averaging $30,091 to 22% of students, making this private Catholic education more accessible than the published tuition suggests.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota?
The student-faculty ratio is 18:1 among the 1,061 enrolled students. Saint Mary's is known for strong programs in education, business, and health sciences within its Catholic liberal arts framework.
What are the graduation outcomes at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota?
The six-year graduation rate reaches 67.70% with graduates earning a median salary of $58,170 ten years after enrollment. With 97.8% of graduates finding employment and median debt of just $21,500, students see solid returns on their investment.
Where is Saint Mary's University of Minnesota located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Winona, Minnesota, a distant town setting that houses 1,049 students in on-campus facilities. With 300 student-athletes competing in 13 NCAA Division III sports as the Cardinals, the campus maintains an active Catholic community atmosphere.
Does Saint Mary's University of Minnesota offer athletic scholarships?
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota offers $0 in athletic scholarships as a NCAA Division III institution. The Cardinals compete in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, emphasizing academic achievement over athletic recruitment in their Catholic educational mission.
