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81.9%Acceptance
$33,890Tuition
889Students
44%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$59,483Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About University of Saint Mary

The University of Saint Mary builds healthcare and education professionals through hands-on learning in a close-knit Catholic community. This small university enrolls 889 students in Leavenworth, Kansas, where nursing, education, and business programs dominate the academic landscape. The school's clinical partnerships provide real-world training that employers value. Students work closely with faculty in a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio that enables personalized attention.

Students pay an average net price of $23,335 after financial aid, less than the $33,890 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $59,483 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $22,018 manageable with monthly payments of $233. The investment pays off reasonably well for a small private school. About 37% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to serving working-class families.

Saint Mary fields 22 varsity sports teams with 701 total athletes, meaning nearly 80% of students compete at the collegiate level. The Spires compete in NJCAA athletics with $2.9 million in athletic scholarships available. This creates an unusually athletic campus culture for a school this size. The 64% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the transition to college life.

Academics & Faculty

Saint Mary builds its academic reputation around nursing, education, and business programs that connect students directly to clinical and professional settings. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates small classes where professors know students by name, but the 44% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish. As a Catholic university, Saint Mary integrates faith-based learning across disciplines while maintaining strong partnerships with local hospitals and school districts for hands-on experience. The nursing program particularly stands out for its clinical rotations and NCLEX pass rates. Students choosing Saint Mary typically want personalized attention and practical training over research opportunities.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
12:1
Full-Time Faculty
51.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
41.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
44.1%
Retention Rate
64.3%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$59,483
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Medium)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $69,338
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. Doctoral $68,101
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $61,764
Special Education and Teaching. Master $53,984
Marketing. Master $50,439
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Bachelor $40,896
Criminology. Bachelor $40,281
Psychology, General. Bachelor $33,138

View all 52 programs →

Campus Life

Students at this Catholic university of 889 experience small-town campus life just 25 miles northwest of Kansas City. Only 395 students can live in campus housing, creating tight-knit residential communities where you'll know your neighbors. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors remember your name and track your progress personally.

Leavenworth sits along the Missouri River with historic brick buildings and tree-lined streets. You'll need winter coats for Kansas cold snaps and layers for unpredictable spring weather. The 53% male, 47% female split reflects the school's strong athletic programs, with 701 student-athletes competing across 22 varsity sports. Weekend activities center around Spires athletics and Catholic campus ministry events. Students often drive to Kansas City for internships, shopping, and entertainment options the small town lacks. The diverse student body includes 47% white students alongside significant Hispanic and Black populations. Many students bond over shared career goals in nursing, education, and business programs that emphasize hands-on clinical experience.
Setting
Town-Fringe
Housing Capacity
395 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1859

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Stalking 2 2 0 0
Aggravated Assault 1 0 0 0
Robbery 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
19°–38°F
July Avg
68°–89°F
Annual Precipitation
42.9"
Annual Snowfall
16.6"

Student Demographics

University of Saint Mary draws students from across the region, with two-thirds coming from outside Kansas. The student body reflects the school's mission-driven programs, particularly in nursing and education fields that traditionally attract more women, though men slightly outnumber women at 53%. More than one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the Catholic institution's commitment to serving working-class families. The diverse student population includes significant Hispanic and Black representation, creating a community that mirrors the demographics of Kansas City's greater metropolitan area.
Men
53.3%
Women
46.7%
White
47.8%
Black
13.8%
Hispanic
20.4%
Asian
1.0%
In-State Students
34.2%
Pell Grant Recipients
36.9%

Location

The University of Saint Mary sits in Leavenworth, Kansas, about 25 miles northwest of Kansas City. This historic town of roughly 36,000 residents sits along the Missouri River bluffs. Leavenworth carries deep military history as home to Fort Leavenworth, the oldest active U.S. Army post west of Washington D.C. The campus draws students from across the Midwest, with 34.18% coming from Kansas and the remainder traveling from other states. The town-fringe setting provides a quieter college experience while maintaining easy access to Kansas City's internships and job market. Students considering colleges in Kansas may also compare University of Saint Mary with similar schools in the region.
Address
Leavenworth, Kansas 66048-5082
St. Mary's University
St. Mary's University

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$59,483
Median Earnings (5 years)
$64,217
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$41,900
Loan Repayment Rate
59.3%
Monthly Loan Payment
$233/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,018

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Saint Mary?

University of Saint Mary accepts 81.93% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The average SAT score is 1001, which reflects the school's commitment to serving students across a range of academic backgrounds.

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

The average net price at University of Saint Mary is $23,335, lower than the full tuition of $33,890. Students graduate with a median debt of $22,018, which is manageable given the school's focus on career-oriented programs like nursing and education.

What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Saint Mary?

University of Saint Mary maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with just 889 total students enrolled. This small Catholic university emphasizes personalized attention and strong clinical partnerships that prepare students for careers in healthcare and education.

What are the graduation outcomes at University of Saint Mary?

The six-year graduation rate is 44.10%, and graduates earn a median salary of $59,483 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 97.3%, reflecting the school's practical focus on nursing, business, and education programs with strong job market connections.

Where is University of Saint Mary located and what is campus life like?

University of Saint Mary sits in Leavenworth, Kansas, a town-fringe setting that offers both community atmosphere and access to Kansas City. With housing capacity for 395 students and 22 varsity sports teams, the campus provides opportunities for both academic and athletic involvement.

Does University of Saint Mary offer substantial athletic opportunities?

University of Saint Mary fields 22 varsity sports teams with 701 total athletes, making it unusually athletics-focused for a school of 889 students. The school provides $2,880,505 in athletic scholarships, demonstrating significant investment in sports programs alongside its academic mission.