About St. Mary's University
St. Mary's University builds on 170 years of Catholic tradition while serving a predominantly Hispanic student body in San Antonio. The university enrolls 1,911 students and operates with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio that emphasizes personal attention. The school has developed a strong reputation for its law and business programs, producing graduates like former San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger and Texas State Senator Pete Flores. Students find themselves in the heart of one of America's largest cities, where the campus culture blends academic rigor with Catholic values.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for Texas families. While tuition lists at $36,242, students typically pay around $21,352 after aid thanks to generous institutional grants averaging $24,194. Graduates earn a median of $56,955 ten years after graduation, carrying typical debt loads of $25,563 with monthly payments around $271. The investment appears sound given that 91.6% of graduates find employment.
St. Mary's draws heavily from Texas, with 92% of students coming from in-state. Women outnumber men 59% to 41%, and Hispanic students comprise 55% of enrollment, reflecting San Antonio's demographics. The university competes in NCAA Division II athletics with 12 varsity sports, awarding over $3.5 million in athletic scholarships to 267 student-athletes.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for Texas families. While tuition lists at $36,242, students typically pay around $21,352 after aid thanks to generous institutional grants averaging $24,194. Graduates earn a median of $56,955 ten years after graduation, carrying typical debt loads of $25,563 with monthly payments around $271. The investment appears sound given that 91.6% of graduates find employment.
St. Mary's draws heavily from Texas, with 92% of students coming from in-state. Women outnumber men 59% to 41%, and Hispanic students comprise 55% of enrollment, reflecting San Antonio's demographics. The university competes in NCAA Division II athletics with 12 varsity sports, awarding over $3.5 million in athletic scholarships to 267 student-athletes.
Academics & Faculty
St. Mary's University builds its academic reputation on strong law and business programs that serve San Antonio's professional community. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in small classes, though the 58% six-year graduation rate suggests students face real academic challenges. As a Catholic university, St. Mary's emphasizes values-based education alongside rigorous coursework. The law school draws students seeking careers in Texas legal markets, while business programs connect students to San Antonio's growing economy. With 92% of students coming from Texas, the university maintains strong ties to local employers. Faculty know students by name, but success requires dedication and hard work to navigate demanding academic standards.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 64.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 57.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 58.8%
- Retention Rate
- 67.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $56,955
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $59,124 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $56,931 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $55,512 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Master | $53,358 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $51,458 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,435 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $41,007 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $37,208 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $34,526 |
| Security Science and Technology. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
Campus Life
St. Mary's sits in the heart of San Antonio, where students trade winter coats for year-round sunscreen in the humid subtropical climate. The university houses 1,611 students on its tree-lined campus, accommodating most of its 1,911 total enrollment. With 92% of students coming from Texas, the community feels distinctly Texan and tight-knit.
The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates a classroom environment where professors know your name and academic struggles. Hispanic students make up 55% of the population, reflecting San Antonio's cultural identity. Weekend life centers around the River Walk just minutes away, where students explore downtown's restaurants and festivals. The Rattler athletic teams compete in NCAA Division II, with 267 student-athletes representing the school's 12 varsity sports.
Campus traditions include the annual Fiesta Oyster Bake, one of San Antonio's biggest spring celebrations. Students often gather in the campus quad or venture to nearby Brackenridge Park. The strong Catholic identity shapes daily life through campus ministry and service opportunities, though the 86% acceptance rate welcomes students from diverse backgrounds seeking personal attention in their college experience.
The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates a classroom environment where professors know your name and academic struggles. Hispanic students make up 55% of the population, reflecting San Antonio's cultural identity. Weekend life centers around the River Walk just minutes away, where students explore downtown's restaurants and festivals. The Rattler athletic teams compete in NCAA Division II, with 267 student-athletes representing the school's 12 varsity sports.
Campus traditions include the annual Fiesta Oyster Bake, one of San Antonio's biggest spring celebrations. Students often gather in the campus quad or venture to nearby Brackenridge Park. The strong Catholic identity shapes daily life through campus ministry and service opportunities, though the 86% acceptance rate welcomes students from diverse backgrounds seeking personal attention in their college experience.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,611 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1852
Campus Safety (2023)
60 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 7 | 5 | 1 | 4 |
| Rape | 6 | 6 | 0 | 4 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Murder | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Statutory Rape | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 41°–64°F
- July Avg
- 73°–95°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 33.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.1"
Student Demographics
St. Mary's draws heavily from Texas, with 92% of students staying close to home for this Catholic education. The student body is majority Hispanic at 55%, reflecting San Antonio's demographics and the university's commitment to serving the local community. Women outnumber men 59% to 41%, typical for liberal arts-focused Catholic institutions. With 42% of students receiving Pell Grants, St. Mary's fulfills its mission of providing accessible Catholic higher education to working-class families in South Texas who value the university's personal attention and strong regional connections.
- Men
- 40.7%
- Women
- 59.3%
- White
- 11.8%
- Black
- 2.4%
- Hispanic
- 54.8%
- Asian
- 1.7%
- In-State Students
- 92.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 42.0%
Location
St. Mary's University sits in San Antonio, Texas, a sprawling metropolitan area of 2.6 million people. The Catholic institution serves a student body that is 92.02% in-state, reflecting strong local ties to this historic city. San Antonio blends Mexican heritage with modern urban amenities, from the famous River Walk to the Alamo just miles from campus. The city's diverse economy spans military, healthcare, and technology sectors. Students experience true urban college life in America's seventh-largest city, with internships and job opportunities abundant in the metro area. The campus houses 1,611 students in a setting that balances Catholic tradition with big-city energy. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare St. Mary's University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- San Antonio, Texas 78228
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $56,955
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $57,112
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $38,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 53.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $271/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,563
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at St. Mary's University?
St. Mary's accepts 86.22% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. This Catholic university in San Antonio focuses on personal attention and developing the whole person rather than being highly selective.
How much does St. Mary's University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $21,352, lower than the full tuition of $36,242. Students from families earning under $75,000 pay around $19,500-$20,000, making this private Catholic education surprisingly affordable.
What is the student-faculty ratio at St. Mary's University?
The student-faculty ratio is 10:1 with just 1,911 total students enrolled. St. Mary's built its reputation on small classes and mentoring relationships between professors and students.
What are the graduation rates at St. Mary's University?
The six-year graduation rate is 58.80% and graduates earn a median of $56,955 ten years after starting college. The school's Catholic mission emphasizes supporting students through completion, though retention could be stronger at 67.49%.
Where do students live at St. Mary's University?
Campus housing accommodates 1,611 students, nearly matching the total enrollment of 1,911. The close-knit residential community reflects St. Mary's emphasis on forming lifelong relationships and Catholic values.
Is St. Mary's University diverse?
Hispanic students make up 54.84% of enrollment while women represent 59.29% of the student body. This reflects San Antonio's demographics, with 92.02% of students coming from Texas and most staying local after graduation.
