Mount Saint Mary's University
The Vibe Check
Mount Saint Mary's University offers a close-knit, empowering environment rooted in its Lasallian Catholic heritage, fostering a strong sense of community and social responsibility among students. The atmosphere is supportive and collaborative, with a focus on personal growth and leadership development within the vibrant backdrop of Los Angeles.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Optional
This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
Estimate your admission chances
⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
MSMU excels in health professions, psychology, and social sciences, offering a strong liberal arts core combined with professional programs. Classes are taught by accessible faculty who emphasize mentorship and hands-on learning, with research opportunities often available through partnerships with local LA organizations.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Los Angeles
Students enjoy easy access to LA's diverse culture, from hiking in Runyon Canyon and exploring Santa Monica beaches to attending concerts and art exhibits downtown. Campus life includes clubs, athletics, and events like the annual Lasallian Youth Assembly, blending on-campus community with the city's endless entertainment options.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).
Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($72,379):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The main Chalon campus in Bel-Air is located in a safe, residential neighborhood with 24/7 campus security and emergency alert systems. While Los Angeles is a major city, the university provides shuttle services and safety escorts, though students should remain aware of urban surroundings.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Strong focus on women's leadership and social justice, particularly on the all-women undergraduate Chalon campus
- ✓ Prime LA location offering internships and networking in entertainment, healthcare, and tech industries
- ✓ Personalized attention with small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio
- ✓ High Pell Grant rate (55.1%) indicating diverse socioeconomic access and supportive aid programs
Cons
- ✗ Graduation rate of 56.7% is below national average, suggesting retention challenges for some students
- ✗ Tuition at $48,132 is high, and urban LA living costs can add financial strain despite net price
- ✗ Smaller enrollment of 1,746 may limit large-scale campus events or variety compared to bigger universities
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Mount Saint Mary's University is renowned for its strong programs in health professions, psychology, and social sciences, along with a commitment to women's leadership and social justice through its Lasallian Catholic mission. The university emphasizes experiential learning, community service, and diversity, preparing students for impactful careers in fields like nursing, public administration, and biology.
With an acceptance rate of 68.72%, Mount Saint Mary's University is moderately selective, making it accessible for many applicants but still competitive. Successful applicants typically have a GPA around 3.5 and standardized test scores in the 1100-1250 SAT or 23-28 ACT range, with strong emphasis on personal essays and extracurricular involvement reflecting service-oriented values.
Campus life is intimate and community-driven, with a total enrollment of just 1,746 students across two campuses in Los Angeles, fostering close relationships and personalized support. Students engage in over 50 clubs, NCAA Division II athletics, and events like cultural festivals and retreats, while the urban setting allows for easy exploration of LA's beaches, museums, and nightlife.
At a net price of $25,009 and median 10-year earnings of $72,379, the degree offers solid ROI, especially in high-demand fields like health professions and business. However, with tuition at $48,132 and a 56.7% graduation rate, it's worth it for students who leverage aid and persist to graduation, but may not be ideal without scholarships.
Similar Universities
Top Employers
Next Steps & Tools
Make the best decision with our free planning tools.
Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Private Non-profit
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 2,068
- In-State Tuition $48,132
- Zip Code 90049
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a net price of around $25,000 after aid, MSMU is more affordable than many private LA institutions, but the $48,132 tuition is still steep without scholarships. The 10-year median earnings of $72,379 suggest solid ROI for high-demand fields like health professions, though the 56.7% graduation rate means students should plan for persistence to maximize value.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.