University of Saint Katherine: 65.6% Acceptance Rate

65.6%Acceptance

$28,800Tuition

230Students

44%Grad Rate (6-yr)

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindData: 2023-24Code 110

About University of Saint Katherine

University of Saint Katherine serves as a small Catholic institution drawing 230 students to its suburban San Marcos campus. Founded in 2010, this young university focuses on integrating faith with academic study in a tight-knit environment. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention that larger universities cannot match. However, only 58% of students return for their second year, suggesting the school's approach may not suit everyone.

The financial picture presents challenges for most families. Students pay an average net price of $33,072, regardless of family income level. Graduates earn a median of $29,982 one year after completing their degree. This creates a difficult math problem where students borrow heavily for relatively modest post-graduation earnings. Monthly loan payments average $228, which represents a significant portion of typical starting salaries.

The student body reflects California's diversity, with 47% Hispanic students and nearly 25% white students creating a multicultural learning environment. Almost 70% of students come from within California. The 44% six-year graduation rate trails national averages . However, 98% of graduates find employment, suggesting those who complete their degrees successfully enter the workforce. The school's Catholic identity shapes campus culture and academic programs for students seeking faith-based higher education.

Academics & Faculty

University of Saint Katherine operates as a small Christian liberal arts college with just 230 students, creating an intimate academic environment where personal attention is the norm. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and can provide individualized mentoring. However, the 43.5% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees, which is common among smaller institutions serving diverse populations. Nearly half the student body is Hispanic, reflecting the school's commitment to serving underrepresented communities in Southern California. The college emphasizes character development alongside academics, integrating faith-based learning into its curriculum. Students receive close faculty guidance but should be prepared for the challenges that come with a developing institution.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 24.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 43.5%
Retention Rate: 57.6%
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Campus Life

University of Saint Katherine sits just 30 miles north of San Diego in the rolling hills of San Marcos, where year-round temperatures rarely drop below 50 degrees. Students pack sunscreen rather than heavy coats, spending much of their time outdoors on the compact campus. With only 230 students total, this feels more like an extended family than a traditional college experience.

The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student by name within weeks. Nearly 47% of students identify as Hispanic, creating a active multicultural atmosphere that reflects Southern California's diversity. Most students commute from the surrounding area, as this young institution founded in 2010 is still building its residential life infrastructure. Weekends often involve trips to nearby beaches or hiking in the San Marcos hills. The small size means every student matters in campus activities and organizations. Social life revolves around study groups, informal gatherings, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the Mediterranean climate. Students describe the atmosphere as intimate and supportive, though some crave the energy of a larger campus.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 2010

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 44°–68°F
July Avg: 64°–87°F
Annual Precipitation: 14.5"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

This young university draws primarily California students who reflect the region's diverse demographics. Nearly half the student body is Hispanic, making it one of the more Latino-serving institutions in the area. The school attracts working-class families, with over one-third qualifying for Pell Grants. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for smaller liberal arts colleges. The intimate campus of just 230 students creates a close-knit community where students from different backgrounds interact daily. Most choose to stay local after graduation, suggesting strong ties to the San Diego metropolitan region.

Men: 47.0%
Women: 53.0%
White: 24.8%
Black: 7.0%
Hispanic: 47.0%
Asian: 4.8%
In-State Students: 68.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 34.9%

Location

The University of Saint Katherine sits in San Marcos, California, about 30 miles north of San Diego. This North County location puts students in a rapidly growing suburban area known for its proximity to both beaches and inland hills. San Marcos has transformed from a small farming community into a tech and biotech center, with companies like Hunter Industries headquartered nearby. The campus benefits from Southern California's year-round mild climate and easy access to major metropolitan areas. With 68.75% of students coming from in-state, many are drawn to the combination of small-town feel and big-city accessibility. Students considering colleges in California may also compare University of Saint Katherine with similar schools in the region.

Address: San Marcos, California 92069

Snapdragon Stadium interior-Night panorama view 1

After College

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

Monthly Loan Payment: $228/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $21,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Saint Katherine?

University of Saint Katherine accepts 65.56% of applicants. This California university was founded in 2010, making it one of the newest four-year institutions in the state.

How much does University of Saint Katherine cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $33,072 per year, with tuition set at $28,800 regardless of residency. Only 34.91% of students receive financial aid, which is unusually low for a private college.

What is the student experience like at University of Saint Katherine?

With just 230 enrolled students, this is one of the smallest universities in California. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures intimate class sizes, though the 57.58% retention rate suggests many students transfer elsewhere.

Does University of Saint Katherine have good graduation outcomes?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 43.50%, which is below the national average for private colleges. However, 97.9% of graduates find employment, and median debt is a manageable $21,500.

Where is University of Saint Katherine located?

The campus sits in San Marcos, California, a large suburban city in North County San Diego. About 69% of the 230 students come from within California.

What makes University of Saint Katherine unique among colleges?

Nearly 47% of students are Hispanic, making this one of the most diverse small colleges in California. The religious affiliation and recent founding in 2010 give it a distinctive mission-driven culture that appeals to students seeking a faith-based education.