St. Mary's University logo

St. Mary's University

Accept Rate
88.94999999999999%
Grad Rate
57.4%
Enrollment
1,911
Avg SAT
989
Tuition
$36,242
Median Salary
$56,955
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

St. Mary's University offers a close-knit, supportive campus atmosphere rooted in its Marianist traditions. You'll feel a strong sense of community and personal connection, with faculty and staff who are genuinely invested in your growth. The urban setting blends a traditional collegiate feel with the energy of San Antonio right outside its gates.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

88.94999999999999%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 98975th Pctl
9801150
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2075th Pctl
1623
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your involvement in service and leadership in your application, as St. Mary's values community engagement and character. Connect your personal story to the university's mission of holistic education and service to others. While the acceptance rate is high, a thoughtful application that demonstrates your fit with the campus culture will strengthen your candidacy.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
989
40080012001600
School range: 980โ€“1150

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

St. Mary's is recognized for strong programs in business, engineering, and the sciences, emphasizing hands-on learning and undergraduate research. The university is committed to excellent teaching, with small class sizes that foster direct interaction with professors. Students have opportunities to collaborate with faculty on meaningful research projects starting early in their academic careers.

By The Numbers

57.4%
Graduation Rate
67.5%
Retention Rate
1,911
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$36,242
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$21,352
After financial aid
Total Cost
$46,368
Cost of attendance/year

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in San Antonio

Students enjoy easy access to San Antonio's vibrant cultural scene, including the River Walk, the Alamo, and the Pearl District. The city offers diverse dining, live music, and year-round festivals, providing endless options for entertainment. Outdoor activities at nearby parks and the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park are also popular.

Local Rent Check

$1,197 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in San Antonio
Explore San Antonio

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$144,968
$0Est. 4 Years: $144,968

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($56,955):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

St. Mary's University has its own campus police department and maintains a safe, well-lit environment for students. The university is located in a generally safe part of San Antonio, but students are encouraged to practice standard urban safety precautions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong sense of community and personalized attention
  • โœ“ Prime location in a culturally rich and affordable city
  • โœ“ Solid academic programs with opportunities for undergraduate research
  • โœ“ High acceptance rate makes it accessible for many students

Cons

  • โœ— Tuition is higher than public university options
  • โœ— Smaller enrollment means fewer course sections and extracurriculars than larger schools
  • โœ— Urban setting may not appeal to those seeking a traditional college town

Notable Alumni

Henry Cisneros
Former Mayor of San Antonio and U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
Jesse L. Jackson
Retired United States Air Force Major General and former Superintendent of North East Independent School District.
Tommy Calhoun
Former professional baseball player and longtime educator in the San Antonio area.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Mary's University is known for its strong sense of community, rooted in its Catholic and Marianist identity. It has notable strengths in business, engineering, and the sciences, with an emphasis on experiential learning and undergraduate research. The university is also recognized for its commitment to service and leadership development.

No, St. Mary's University has a high acceptance rate of approximately 89%, making it an accessible option for many applicants. The university uses a holistic review process, considering your GPA, extracurriculars, and personal essays. While admission is not highly selective, a complete and thoughtful application is still important.

Campus life is characterized by a close-knit, residential community where students know each other and their professors. With a small enrollment of around 1,900 students, you can expect small classes and a supportive environment. Students participate in a variety of clubs, NCAA Division II athletics, and service-oriented activities, all within the dynamic backdrop of San Antonio.

The value of a St. Mary's degree depends on your major and career goals, but the financial outlook is promising. With a 10-year median earnings of $56,955, graduates see a solid return on investment, especially considering the personalized education and strong network. For students who take advantage of scholarships and career resources, the degree can be a worthwhile investment.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

USAA H-E-B Valero Energy San Antonio Independent School District Methodist Healthcare System
Smart Start Score
60

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • In-State Tuition $36,242
  • Zip Code 78228

The Money Talk

With tuition at $36,242 for all students, St. Mary's is positioned as a private university investment. The 10-year median earnings of $56,955 suggest a solid return, particularly when paired with the university's strong alumni network and career services. Prospective students should actively seek institutional scholarships and financial aid to make the cost more manageable.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with La Salle University

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $36,242
Housing (12 mo) $14,364
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $57,806
With avg financial aid:
$21,352/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.