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Private nonprofit, 4-year

Mount Saint Mary’s University

Los Angeles, California · www.msmu.edu

中文

Acceptance rate

73.1%

2025

Peer median 77.9%

Tuition per year

$49,564

$65,082 with room and board

Peer median $34,392

Undergraduates

1,731

Student-faculty ratio 8:1

Peer median 13 : 1

Graduation rate

47.9%

4-year; 6-year rate 60.7%

Peer median 44.6%

“Peers” are all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Mount Saint Mary's University, located in Los Angeles, California, is a private Catholic university known for its commitment to academic excellence and the empowerment of women. The university was founded in 1852 and has a rich history of providing quality education while fostering a strong sense of community. The campus is nestled in the picturesque hills of Brentwood, offering students a serene environment conducive to learning and personal growth. The university emphasizes a liberal arts education, allowing students to explore various disciplines while developing critical thinking and leadership skills.

One of the standout features of Mount Saint Mary's University is its dedication to service and social justice, which is deeply rooted in its Catholic heritage. The university's mission focuses on educating women to make a difference in the world, and this is reflected in its diverse array of programs and initiatives aimed at promoting equity and inclusion. Mount Saint Mary's offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, including nursing, business, and liberal arts, all designed to prepare students for successful careers. The university is also known for its strong emphasis on student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and extracurricular activities that enhance the overall student experience. With a vibrant campus culture that encourages engagement and collaboration, Mount Saint Mary's University continues to empower its students to achieve their full potential and become leaders in their respective fields.

Analysis of Key Metrics at Mount Saint Mary's University

Mount Saint Mary's University has shown significant trends in several key metrics over the years. One notable aspect is the steady increase in tuition costs, which has escalated from $33,852 in 2014 to $48,132 in 2024 for in-state undergraduates. This represents a substantial rise of approximately 42% over a decade, reflecting the broader trend of rising higher education costs in the United States. Such increases can place a financial strain on students and families, making affordability a pressing concern in today's educational landscape.

Another critical metric is the graduation rate, which has seen fluctuations. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates dropped from 54.1% in 2013 to 42.7% in 2023. This decline could indicate various underlying factors such as academic challenges, financial pressures, or insufficient support services for students. The 150% graduation rate, however, has remained relatively stable, suggesting that while fewer students are graduating on time, many are still completing their degrees, albeit later than expected.

Additionally, the student retention rate has shown some variability, starting at approximately 81.4% in 2013 and slightly decreasing to 77.2% in 2023. This slight decrease could be indicative of changing student satisfaction or engagement levels, which are crucial for maintaining a thriving academic community.

Lastly, the student-to-faculty ratio has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 9 to 13 students per faculty member. A lower student-to-faculty ratio is generally favorable as it can enhance individualized attention and support for students, which may positively impact both retention and graduation rates.

Overall, the data from Mount Saint Mary's University highlights critical areas for potential improvement, especially in addressing financial burdens, enhancing student support systems, and fostering an environment conducive to timely graduation.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Large city
Nearest major city
Los Angeles, about 6 mi
Nearest international airport
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), about 10 mi
Los Angeles, California
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Roman Catholic
President
Dr. Ann McElaney-Johnson (President)
Phone
3109544000
City
Los Angeles, California
Address
12001 Chalon Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90049-1599

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 77.9% · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
48.3%
Women
74.1%

In 2020: men 68.3%, women 90.3%.

Data insights

Analysis of Admission Trends at Mount Saint Mary's University

The admission data for Mount Saint Mary's University reveals significant trends in both acceptance rates and enrollment figures over the years. Starting in 2009, the acceptance rates for male applicants were notably high, at 80%, while female applicants faced slightly higher competition with an acceptance rate of 84.5%. However, as the years progressed, a marked decline in acceptance rates can be observed, particularly for male applicants, which dropped to approximately 60.5% by 2023.
This downward trend in acceptance rates, coupled with a fluctuating enrollment figure, highlights the university's adaptive strategies in response to changing applicant pools and possibly increasing competition among institutions. For instance, in 2011, the university recorded its highest enrollment figure of 528 students, but this number was accompanied by a high denial rate of nearly 93%. This indicates a challenging admission landscape where many qualified applicants were unable to secure spots.
The university's female acceptance rate also saw fluctuations, peaking at 91% in 2020 before declining to 76.5% in 2023. This variance suggests that while the university has made strides towards inclusivity, the broader context of higher education admissions, including factors like test-optional policies and demographic changes, play a significant role in shaping these rates.
Overall, the admission trends at Mount Saint Mary's University reflect broader dynamics in higher education, where competition is intensifying, and institutions are continually adjusting their strategies to attract and retain students. As the university navigates these challenges, it will be crucial to consider how these changes impact not only enrollment numbers but also the diversity and quality of the academic community.

School and Program Rankings

U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking

Undergraduate Rankings · 2027 edition

Nursing School#394▼208
Social Sciences and Humanities1 programs—

Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition

Health Specialty1 programs—

Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition

Test Scores

SAT/ACT not considered, even if submitted IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no recent SAT/ACT data for admitted students here. GPA, course rigor, essays and activities matter more.

Data insights

Analysis of SAT and ACT Scores at Mount Saint Mary's University

The data from Mount Saint Mary's University spanning from 2007 to 2023 highlights the evolving landscape of standardized test submissions and scores among admitted students. A noticeable trend is the consistent submission rates of SAT scores, with percentages hovering around 90% or more in most years, indicating a strong reliance on this metric for admissions decisions.

Over the years, the interquartile ranges for SAT reading and math scores have shown a gradual improvement, particularly noticeable from 2011 onward. The 25th percentile scores have increased, reflecting a rising standard among applicants. For instance, the 25th percentile for reading scores moved from 410 in 2007 to 470 in 2023, showcasing a significant upward trend in applicant quality.

However, there are fluctuations in the number of applicants submitting scores, which may correlate with broader trends in college admissions. For instance, a dip in the number of students submitting scores in 2012 (82%) could suggest a shift towards test-optional policies, reflecting a national trend where many universities began to reconsider the weight of standardized tests in admissions.

Moreover, with the rise of test-optional policies across higher education, the university's admissions strategy may need to adapt further. Keeping track of these trends will be essential as they reflect both applicant preparedness and changing attitudes toward standardized testing. Overall, the data presents a picture of a university that is not only maintaining high standards but also navigating the complexities of modern admissions processes.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 7 in 10

4,882 applicants in 2025, 73.1% admitted

3,570 admitted 1,312 not admitted Yield 12.0%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate30 international (0.0%)
Bachelor's4132 international (0.5%)
Master's1716 international (3.5%)
Doctoral310 international (0.0%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
212
Psychology, General
46
Business Administration and Management, General
23
Social Work
13
Sociology, General
13
Child Development
12
Education, General
10
Applied Psychology
10
Cinematography and Film/Video Production
9
Health Policy Analysis
8

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Counseling Psychology · Master's74 (1% international)
  • Physical Therapy/Therapist · Doctoral24 (0% international)
  • Creative Writing · Master's15 (7% international)
  • Education, General · Master's11 (9% international)
  • Project Management · Master's10 (0% international)
  • Cinematography and Film/Video Production · Master's10 (30% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduate Data from Mount Saint Mary's University

The graduation data from Mount Saint Mary's University reveals intriguing insights into the educational trends and demographics within various fields. Notably, the Registered Nursing program stands out with 172 bachelor's degrees awarded, alongside 38 associate degrees. This substantial number reflects the growing demand for healthcare professionals, especially in light of the ongoing global health challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which has underscored the critical need for skilled nursing staff.

In contrast, the Counseling Psychology program awarded 96 master's degrees but did not produce any bachelor's or associate degrees. This trend may indicate a shift towards advanced education in psychology, as professionals increasingly seek master's qualifications to enhance their practice in mental health. The absence of international students in this program further suggests a potential area for growth in attracting diverse talent.

Interestingly, other fields such as Physical Therapy and Sociology show limited graduation numbers, particularly at the bachelor and associate levels. This could be reflective of niche programs or a lack of enrollment interest in these areas. The absence of international students in many programs also points to an opportunity for the university to expand its outreach and appeal to a broader audience, especially in popular fields like healthcare and psychology.

Overall, the data indicates that Mount Saint Mary's University is making significant contributions in specific areas like nursing while also facing challenges in diversifying its graduate programs and attracting international students.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Health professionshas 247 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Health/Health Care Administration/Management.-
Music Therapy/Therapist.$93,044
Physical Therapy/Therapist.$93,044
Nursing Education.-
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$94,772-$186,308
Nursing Administration.$94,772-$186,308
Psychology has 146 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Psychology, General.$29,777
Clinical Psychology.$64,830
Counseling Psychology.$64,830
Applied Psychology.$64,830
Businesshas 59 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Business Administration and Management, General.$57,214-$90,012
Project Management.$57,214-$90,012
Accounting.-
Accounting and Finance.-
Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies.-
International Business/Trade/Commerce.-
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.-
Educationhas 36 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Education, General.$63,660
Educational, Instructional, and Curriculum Supervision.-
Special Education and Teaching, General.-
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Hearing Impairments Including Deafness.-
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.-
Visual and Performing artshas 25 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Commercial Photography.-
Acting.-
Cinematography and Film/Video Production.$41,871
Documentary Production.$41,871
Art/Art Studies, General.-
Public administrationhas 21 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Health Policy Analysis.-
Social Work.-
Social sciencehas 21 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Criminology.$49,904
Political Science and Government, General.-
Sociology, General.$42,175
English has 20 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
English Language and Literature, General.-
Creative Writing.-
Human science has 12 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Child Development.$31,943
Liberal arts has 12 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.-
Humanities/Humanistic Studies.-
Biologyhas 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.-
Biochemistry.-
Environmental Biology.-
Communication has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Journalism.-
Foreign languages has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Spanish Language and Literature.-
History has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
History, General.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Mathematics, General.-

Students

2,312 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 8:92 · Freshman retention 71.1%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,731)

Hispanic
988 · 57.1%
Asian
310 · 17.9%
White
145 · 8.4%
Unknown
130 · 7.5%
Black
111 · 6.4%
Two or more races
21 · 1.2%
International
9 · 0.5%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Mount Saint Mary's University

The 2023 student demographic data from Mount Saint Mary's University reveals significant insights into the composition of its student body. The total number of undergraduate freshmen is 380, predominantly female, with an astounding 92.9% identifying as women. This trend continues among the undergraduate juniors, where 94.5% are also female, reflecting the university's appeal to women.

In contrast, the graduate student population of 643 shows a more balanced gender representation, with 23% being male and 77% female. This indicates a shift in gender dynamics as students progress to advanced studies, suggesting that graduate programs may, in some cases, attract a more diverse demographic.

The data also indicates the presence of underrepresented racial groups among the undergraduate and graduate populations. For instance, within the freshmen class, only 22 students are identified as white. This suggests a shift towards a more diverse student body, although the overall numbers for other ethnic groups are not fully detailed.

The low percentages of male students across all categories, particularly among undergraduates, raise important questions about the university's recruitment strategies and the cultural factors influencing these trends. It is essential for the institution to assess how it can create an inclusive environment that attracts a more balanced representation of genders and cultures. This analysis not only highlights current demographics but also emphasizes the need for ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within the university community.

Analysis of Age Distribution at Mount Saint Mary's University

The age distribution at Mount Saint Mary's University presents a fascinating insight into the student demographics for the year 2023. Notably, the majority of the student body falls within the 18-24 age range, with a significant concentration of undergraduates. For instance, students aged 18-19 comprise about 41% of the total female population, while those aged 20-21 follow closely, reflecting the university's appeal to traditional college-age individuals.

Interestingly, the data reveals an upward trend in the age distribution among graduate students. The 25-29 age bracket contains the highest number of male graduate students, indicating that many individuals are pursuing advanced degrees later in their careers. This could point to a growing trend where students are taking time to gain work experience before returning for further education, a shift seen across many educational institutions.

Moreover, the representation of older students, particularly in the 30-34 and 40-49 age brackets, demonstrates the university’s inclusivity and its ability to cater to non-traditional students. With a total of 41 female students aged 30-34, it becomes evident that higher education is increasingly becoming a viable option for those returning to school later in life.

Overall, the data suggests that Mount Saint Mary's University is attracting a diverse age range of students, which enriches the academic environment and promotes a blend of perspectives and experiences. This trend aligns with the broader movement within higher education, emphasizing lifelong learning and the importance of education at all stages of life.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.5%

9 in 2025 · 0.8% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.8%2017: 0.7%2018: 0.1%2019: 0.1%2020: 0.0%2021: 0.1%2022: 0.2%2023: 0.5%2024: 0.5%2025: 0.5%
2016Peer median 2.6%2025
Graduate students2.6%

15 in 2025 · 0.6% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.6%2017: 1.4%2018: 1.1%2019: 0.5%2020: 0.2%2021: 0.7%2022: 0.7%2023: 2.6%2024: 2.4%2025: 2.6%
2016Peer median 2.2%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Trends at Mount Saint Mary's University

The data regarding international students at Mount Saint Mary's University reveals significant fluctuations over the years, particularly in the undergraduate demographic. In 2004, the university had only 2 international undergraduate students, which constituted a mere 0.12% of the total undergraduate population. There was a gradual increase in the number of international students, peaking in 2011 with 15 students representing 0.66%. However, this trend was not consistent; by 2019, the proportion had dropped to just 0.08% with only 2 international undergraduates.

The graduate student statistics present a more intriguing narrative. While data for some years is missing, the figures show a remarkable rise in international graduate students by 2023, reaching a total of 17 students, which accounted for 2.64% of the graduate population. This suggests that Mount Saint Mary's University has been more successful in attracting international graduate students compared to undergraduates in recent years.

These trends could be influenced by a variety of external factors, including changes in immigration policies, global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and the university's marketing efforts to attract a diverse student body. The increase in international graduate students could also reflect a growing recognition of the university's programs among global candidates. Overall, while the university has struggled with undergraduate international enrollment, the graduate program seems to be a growing area of interest for students from abroad.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$65,082

Undergraduate tuition
$49,564
Room and board
$15,518
Graduate tuition
$14,520
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $47,329 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Tuition rose 38% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 40%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$118M

Tuition and fees
$53.5M45.3%
Auxiliary enterprises
$9.2M7.8%
Investment return
$6.0M5.1%
Government grants and contracts
$4.7M4.0%
Gifts and private grants
$4.6M3.9%
Other
$40.0M33.9%

Expenses$97.8M

Instruction
$34.1M34.9%
Institutional support
$20.8M21.3%
Student services
$16.4M16.7%
Auxiliary enterprises
$16.1M16.4%
Academic support
$10.5M10.7%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

All faculty
$86,207peers $68,006
Professor
$97,813peers $78,041
Associate professor
$87,481peers $70,202
Assistant professor
$79,394peers $63,827
Instructor
$72,127peers $55,171

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools surrounding Mount Saint Mary's University:

  1. University of California-Los Angeles (加州大学洛杉矶分校) - Ranked 15th in the 2024 US News rankings, UCLA is a prestigious research university known for its diverse academic programs and vibrant campus life.

  2. University of Southern California (南加州大学) - With a rank of 28, USC is renowned for its strong emphasis on research, arts, and business, attracting students from around the globe.

  3. California Institute of Technology (加州理工学院) - Ranked 7th, Caltech is a world-class institution focused on science and engineering, known for its rigorous curriculum and cutting-edge research.

  4. Pomona College (波莫纳学院) - This liberal arts college is ranked 4th and is famous for its small class sizes and close-knit community, offering a broad range of academic disciplines.

  5. Claremont McKenna College (克莱尔蒙特麦克纳学院) - Ranked 11th, this college emphasizes economics and government, providing a strong liberal arts education with a focus on leadership.

  6. Harvey Mudd College (哈维穆德学院) - With a rank of 16, Harvey Mudd is known for its engineering and science programs, fostering a collaborative and innovative learning environment.

These institutions provide a wealth of educational opportunities and are highly regarded in their respective fields.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 4.0 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Stalking
16
Drug referrals
11
Burglary
10
Domestic violence
6
Aggravated assault
2
Weapons referrals
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Rates at Mount Saint Mary's University

The crime data from Mount Saint Mary's University over the past decade presents a fluctuating picture of campus safety. From 2013 to 2023, the average number of incidents per 1,000 students has shown significant variation, with a noticeable peak in 2014 at 2.08 incidents. This period also saw a total of 6.8 recorded incidents, which raised concerns about safety on campus. However, the numbers began to decline in subsequent years, reaching a low of 0.07 incidents per 1,000 students in 2021, suggesting that efforts to improve safety may have been effective.

Interestingly, 2022 recorded no incidents at all, a figure that could either indicate a significant success in crime prevention measures or a potential reporting inconsistency. However, in 2023, the rate climbed again to 2.30, with a total of 5.6 incidents, which raises questions about the factors contributing to this resurgence.

Types of offenses such as drug-related arrests and domestic violence incidents are critical for understanding the campus environment. These statistics highlight the importance of ongoing vigilance and proactive measures to maintain a safe learning atmosphere. As universities across the country grapple with the complexities of campus safety, it is crucial to analyze these patterns and learn from them to foster a secure educational environment for all students.

For those interested in understanding how crime rates are calculated, more information can be found at: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Mount Saint Mary’s University include Christabelle Borg (Maltese singer who represented Malta at Eurovision 2018), Renee Olstead (Actress and singer) and John Lawrence LeConte (Entomologist and pioneer of beetle classification).

More alumni (2, by field)

Politics and law

  • Barbara S. Jones 1947–

    Former federal judge and Trump Organization monitor

    Also attended: Temple University

Other fields

From Wikidata “educated at” records (including people who attended without graduating), ordered by the number of Wikipedia language editions. Degrees and years follow Wikidata and are left out where it has none.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.