Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is a private Catholic university located in Winona, Minnesota, known for its strong emphasis on liberal arts education and a commitment to fostering a holistic approach to learning. Founded in 1912 by the Society of Mary (Marianists), the university's mission is deeply rooted in the values of faith, service, and personal growth. The university promotes inclusivity and encourages students to develop both academically and personally in a supportive environment. The school motto, "Learn, Lead, and Serve," encapsulates its dedication to creating well-rounded individuals ready to make positive contributions to society.

The university boasts a vibrant campus culture enriched with a variety of student activities and organizations that cater to diverse interests, from academic and cultural pursuits to sports and leadership initiatives. With modern facilities, such as the beautiful Toner Student Center and state-of-the-art athletic facilities, Saint Mary's provides its students with ample resources to enhance their educational experience. In terms of academic offerings, the university features a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing business, education, and health sciences, among others. The faculty members are highly qualified and dedicated to mentoring students, ensuring that they receive not only theoretical knowledge but also practical insights that prepare them for successful careers after graduation. Overall, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota fosters a nurturing and engaging academic environment that empowers students to grow and excel.

Trends in Tuition, Enrollment, and Graduation Rates

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, a private institution, has experienced a notable trend in its tuition costs over the years. Starting from 2014, the tuition for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students has risen from approximately $29,315 to an anticipated $43,160 in 2024, reflecting a growth trajectory of about 47% over a decade. This increase in tuition is a pressing concern, as it may affect the university's enrollment rates and accessibility for students.

Indeed, enrollment figures reveal a downward trend, with undergraduate student numbers decreasing from 1,932 in 2014 to a projected 1,075 in 2024. This decline raises questions about the institution's appeal in an increasingly competitive educational landscape, where tuition hikes might deter potential applicants. Such a reduction in student population could also lead to challenges in maintaining financial health and campus vitality.

Additionally, the graduation rates have shown a mixed performance. The timely graduation rate fluctuated around 50% - 60%, showcasing some instability but a host of students ultimately graduating within 150% of their expected time frame. In 2024, the projected timely graduation rate slightly dips to 50%. The retention rates have remained relatively stable, hovering around 78% to 82%. However, combined with decreasing enrollment, it may signal a need for improved support services or enhanced educational offerings to retain and graduate students effectively.

These interconnected trends reveal the complex landscape that Saint Mary's University of Minnesota must navigate, highlighting the imperative for innovative strategies to attract and retain students while managing the implications of rising tuition on affordability and accessibility.

Analysis of Graduation Data from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

The graduation data from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota in 2023 presents a striking trend, particularly within the realm of advanced degrees. Notably, all bachelor's degree programs report zero graduates, indicating a potential shift in the university's focus or perhaps challenges in enrollment at the undergraduate level. Conversely, master's programs show a significant output, with educational technology leading with 146 graduates, highlighting the institution's strength in graduate education.

Additionally, the absence of international students in the bachelor’s programs raises concerns; this could suggest barriers to entry or a lack of appeal for non-domestic students. In contrast, the data reveal at least one international graduate in the master's category, showcasing a slight but noteworthy interest among foreign students for advanced studies. The absence of doctoral degree graduates reflects a potential area for development, indicating that Saint Mary's might need to reevaluate its offerings or support systems for this demographic.

Overall, the data suggests a robust commitment to graduate education at the university, while simultaneously signaling a need for strategic enhancements in attracting undergraduate students and building a more diverse international student body. In an era where higher education institutions are increasingly competing for enrollees, Saint Mary's has an opportunity to innovate its programs and bolster its recruitment efforts, particularly at the undergraduate level.

Overview of Admission Trends at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota has demonstrated a notable trajectory in its admissions process over the years, particularly as reflected in its recent rankings and acceptance rates. The university's ranking improved slightly, maintaining a position of 296 in the US News college rankings in 2025. This stability indicates a consistent reputation in the academic community, which can have implications for prospective students and their choices. When analyzing the acceptance rates, there has been a significant trend of increasing selectivity within the last several years. For instance, the acceptance rate for males peaked at approximately 96.6% in 2022, followed by a decrease to about 87.6% in 2024. The female acceptance rate showed a similar pattern, going from nearly 98.4% in 2022 to a slightly lower 90% in the following year. These changing dynamics reflect a competitive environment that continues to evolve with the growing demand for higher education. Moreover, the enrollment numbers have been fluctuating, indicating possible shifts in student interest or institutional strategies in attracting diverse student populations. For example, enrollment peaked in 2011 with 369 new students and has recently stabilized around 272 in 2024. This balance of effort to maintain both quality and quantity of enrollment signals an adaptive approach by the university amidst changing educational landscapes. In a broader context, with the increasing importance placed on outcomes and reputations by prospective students and parents alike, sustained or improving rankings, combined with manageable admission rates, are essential for Saint Mary's University to maintain and enhance its appeal in the ever-competitive field of higher education.

Analysis of Admission Test Scores at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Over the years, the admission statistics of Saint Mary's University of Minnesota reveal significant trends in standardized test scores and submission rates. Looking at the data from 2007 to 2024, we can observe a fluctuating yet generally stable range of scores in both SAT and ACT tests among admitted students. Notably, the SAT reading scores have shown a gradual improvement, peaking around 520 for the 2020 to 2024 periods, while the mathematical section also reflects a consistent performance with similar score ranges.

The submission rates for these standardized tests, however, vary considerably. Starting in 2007, only 7% of applicants submitted SAT scores, which slightly decreased in subsequent years, hitting a low of just 1% in recent years, indicative of a broader trend in college admissions that has seen many universities adopting test-optional policies. This trend aligns with the growing movement towards holistic admissions processes, where numbers are not the sole factor in evaluating potential students.

The data suggests a shift in focus towards other attributes like high school GPA, personal essays, and extracurricular activities, aiming to foster a more inclusive environment. As the landscape of university admissions continues to evolve, it is crucial for institutions to balance academic rigor with accessibility, ensuring that they attract diverse candidates who can enrich their campus communities. Overall, while standardized test scores remain an important measure, the decreasing reliance on them in recent years reflects a significant transformation in college admissions philosophy.

Analysis of Student Demographics at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota for 2024

The student demographics at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota for the year 2024 reveal a diverse and interesting composition across various categories of students. Notably, among undergraduate freshmen, there are 277 students, with a gender ratio of 40.8% male and 59.2% female, indicating a strong presence of female students in the incoming class. For undergraduate continuing students, there are 708 enrolled, again exhibiting a slight majority of females at 55.2%.

The data further break down into undergraduate transfer students, with 76 individuals. This group, while smaller, follows the trend of more female representation, showcasing 56.6% female to 43.4% male. In contrast, the graduate student population is considerably larger, comprising 2,756 individuals, marked by a stark gender imbalance where only 28.3% are male compared to a significant 71.7% female student body. This disparity could potentially reflect the broader trends seen in graduate education, where more women are enrolling and succeeding in advanced studies.

The university also has international students represented in its total enrollment, although specific numbers were not provided in this summary. The overall demographic distribution indicates a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, as evidenced by the percentages of students across different ethnic backgrounds among the freshmen. It will be interesting to observe how these dynamics evolve in future academic years, especially amid ongoing discussions about equity and diversity in higher education.

Analysis of Student Age Distribution at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

The age distribution data of students at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota reflects a diverse student body that encompasses a wide range of ages. Examining the age categories, it is evident that the majority of undergraduate students fall within the 18-24 bracket, which is typical for most universities. However, what stands out is the significant number of graduate students, particularly in the 25-34 age range, suggesting that many individuals are returning to education later in life to seek advanced degrees.

Notably, the largest population among undergraduates is in the 18-19 age group, with 149 males and 251 females. As students transition into their twenties, a slight decline in the male population is observed, but the female population remains relatively stable. The data for graduate students indicates a strong female presence, particularly in the 25-29 and 30-34 age categories, where women significantly outnumber men, highlighting a growing trend of women pursuing higher education.

Furthermore, the age groups of 35-39 and 40-49 show a balanced gender representation among graduate students, indicating a shift in societal norms where older individuals, regardless of gender, seek further education. This trend aligns with national conversations about lifelong learning and the increasing need for upskilling in today's job market.

Overall, the data illustrates a vibrant academic environment that not only caters to traditional students but also embraces non-traditional learners, contributing to a rich educational experience characterized by diversity in age and gender.

Observations on International Student Enrollment at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

The data on international student enrollment at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota over nearly two decades paints a complex picture of trends in higher education. Starting from 2005, the percentage of international undergraduates has exhibited a gradual increase from 1.22% to a peak of 4.55% in 2009, followed by fluctuations in subsequent years. Specifically, the share of international undergraduates hovered around 3% in the latter half of the 2010s but has since stabilized at approximately 2-3% following a decline in overall undergraduate numbers in recent years.

In contrast, the representation of international graduate students, though consistently lower than that of undergraduates, also reflects some notable trends. It peaked in 2007 with 2.37% and demonstrated variability, declining gradually to an all-time low of 1.33% in 2022, and noticing a slight recovery to 1.45% in 2023. It is clear that both undergraduate and graduate segments are influenced by broader trends in global higher education, including geopolitical factors and shifts in international student mobility since the COVID-19 pandemic.

This context places Saint Mary's University within a national landscape where institutions are feeling the impact of reduced visa access and a more competitive environment for attracting international talent. Only time will tell how these dynamics will continue to evolve, but embracing diversity and global perspectives remains crucial for the educational ethos of Saint Mary’s and similar institutions aiming to enhance their international footprint.

Here are some notable institutions near Saint Mary's University of Minnesota:

1. Carleton College - Ranked 8th among liberal arts colleges in the 2025 US News rankings, Carleton College is renowned for its rigorous academics and vibrant campus life.

2. St. Olaf College - Holding the 50th position, St. Olaf College is known for its strong emphasis on the liberal arts and has a rich tradition of music and community engagement.

3. Macalester College - With a ranking of 26, Macalester College offers a globally focused education, attracting students from around the world with its unique programs and diverse community.

4. University of St. Thomas - This comprehensive university ranks 148th, known for its commitment to student development and values-based education in a wide array of fields.

5. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - Ranked 54th, this public research university offers a broad selection of programs and is recognized for its academic excellence and state-of-the-art facilities.

6. Gustavus Adolphus College - This college ranks 66th and is celebrated for its close-knit community, excellent academic programs, and commitment to public service.

7. Lawrence University - With a ranking of 69, Lawrence University is known for its strong liberal arts curriculum and innovative musical programs.

8. Grinnell College - Ranked 19th, Grinnell College is notable for its rigorous academic environment and commitment to social justice.

These schools contribute to a rich educational landscape in the region, providing diverse opportunities for students.

Analysis of Crime Trends at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

The crime rates at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota have shown a significant decline over the past decade. In 2013, the crime rate was notably high at 8.07 per 1,000 students, with a significant spike in 2014, reaching 11.69 per 1,000 students. This period marked the highest crime levels in the past ten years, drawing attention to safety concerns on campus. However, from 2015 onward, a steady decrease in crime rates became evident, culminating in an impressive drop to just 1.83 per 1,000 students in 2022.

The reduction in crime is particularly noteworthy when considering the types of offenses reported. Violent crimes such as assault, robbery, and domestic violence have decreased significantly, reflecting improvements in campus safety measures. In 2021, the data highlights a mere 12.8 overall crimes reported, illustrating a proactive approach to crime prevention and reporting. Although the numbers fluctuated within the years, the overall trend depicts a positive direction toward enhanced campus security.

This decline in crime rates can be attributed to several factors, including increased campus security, awareness programs, and community engagement initiatives. Such efforts contribute positively to creating a safer academic environment. Indeed, as universities across the nation grapple with increasing crime rates, the success seen at Saint Mary’s University serves as an encouraging model for other institutions aiming to foster a secure campus atmosphere.

For further details on calculating crime rates, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.