Skip to content
Private nonprofit, 4-year

Saint Mary’s College of California

Moraga, California · www.stmarys-ca.edu

中文

Acceptance rate

86.5%

2025

Peer median 77.9%

Tuition per year

$57,803

$75,403 with room and board

Peer median $34,392

Undergraduates

1,954

Student-faculty ratio 10:1

Peer median 13 : 1

Graduation rate

66.9%

4-year; 6-year rate 72.1%

Peer median 44.6%

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

About

Saint Mary's College of California, located in Moraga, California, is a private Catholic liberal arts college known for its strong emphasis on education rooted in the Catholic tradition. Established in 1863 by the Christian Brothers, the college has a rich history and a commitment to providing a holistic education to its students. The college's motto, "Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve," reflects its dedication to developing not only knowledgeable graduates but also compassionate leaders who actively contribute to their communities. This guiding principle fosters a culture of service and social justice among students.

The campus features beautiful landscapes and state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, laboratories, and recreational spaces that promote a vibrant student life. Saint Mary's offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on liberal arts education, providing students with a well-rounded academic experience. The college is renowned for its strong programs in business, education, and the humanities, and it encourages students to engage in research and hands-on learning opportunities. Additionally, the college has a supportive faculty who prioritize mentorship and personal development, which significantly enhances the academic experience and prepares students for successful careers. With a diverse student body and a strong sense of community, Saint Mary's College provides an enriching environment for students to thrive academically, socially, and spiritually.

Tuition Trends and Student Dynamics at Saint Mary's College

Saint Mary's College of California, a private institution, has exhibited significant trends in tuition fees and student demographics over the years. From 2014 to 2024, the tuition for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students has consistently risen, from approximately $39,890 to $56,134, indicating a steep increase of about 41% over a decade. This trend reflects a broader national concern regarding the rising costs of higher education, which can deter prospective students and create financial burdens for current students.

In parallel to rising tuition, the student population has seen a decline. The number of undergraduate students decreased from 3,055 in 2014 to just 2,003 in 2023, marking a substantial decline of around 34%. This decline raises questions about the college's attractiveness amidst rising costs and possibly shifting demographics or student preferences. The decrease in enrollment may also impact the college's revenue and could lead to a reevaluation of tuition pricing strategies.

Additionally, examining graduation rates reveals a mixed picture. The on-time graduation rate showed an upward trend from around 53.6% in 2013 to approximately 63.1% in 2023, indicating improvements in student success. However, the retention rate exhibited fluctuations, with a notable dip to 81% in 2021 before recovering to 86% in 2023. This inconsistency may suggest challenges in maintaining student engagement and satisfaction, critical factors for retention and overall institutional reputation.

Overall, while Saint Mary's College has made strides in graduation rates, the combination of rising tuition and declining enrollment raises significant concerns about future sustainability and accessibility for prospective students. These trends warrant careful consideration from the college administration to ensure it remains competitive and supportive of student needs in a challenging educational landscape.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Suburb of a large city
Nearest major city
San Jose, about 40 mi
Nearest international airport
Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK), about 10 mi
Moraga, California
Also known as
St. Marys College of California, St Marys College of California
Academic calendar
4-1-4
Religious affiliation
Roman Catholic
President
Roger J. Thompson (President)
Phone
9256314000
City
Moraga, California
Address
1928 Saint Marys Road, Moraga, CA 94575

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
87.0%
Women
86.2%

In 2020: men 79.9%, women 81.7%.

Data insights

Analysis of Admission Trends at Saint Mary's College of California

The admission data for Saint Mary's College of California over the years reveals significant fluctuations in acceptance rates and enrollment numbers. Notably, the acceptance rate for males has shown a downward trend from 84.1% in 2009 to 68.5% in 2022, while the female acceptance rate has also decreased from 79.7% to 71.3% during the same period. This decline in acceptance rates suggests an increasingly competitive admission landscape, which could be attributed to rising applications and a more selective process.
The enrollment figures also reflect this trend, with a peak of 695 students in 2011 and a notable drop to 421 in 2022. This reduction in enrollment could be indicative of the college's strategic shift toward maintaining a smaller, more engaged student body, or it could reflect broader trends in higher education where students are increasingly selective about their institutional choices.
Interestingly, the most recent data from 2023 shows a slight rebound in enrollment to 445 students, alongside an increase in acceptance rates for both genders. This may suggest that Saint Mary's College is attempting to balance selectivity with the need to attract a diverse student population, particularly in light of the ongoing challenges faced by many colleges in the post-pandemic era.
Overall, the data paints a picture of a college adapting to changing educational demands, striving to maintain its relevance and appeal in an increasingly competitive market. As colleges across the nation reassess their admission strategies, Saint Mary's College's efforts to refine its approach could serve as a model for other institutions facing similar challenges.

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

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

Trends in Admission Test Scores at Saint Mary's College of California

The admission data from Saint Mary's College of California highlights notable trends in standardized test scores over the years, particularly with the SAT. Between 2007 and 2023, there has been a significant fluctuation in the number of students submitting SAT scores and their corresponding performance levels. For instance, the percentage of students submitting SAT scores peaked at 90% in 2009, while it dipped to 59% in 2017, indicating a potential shift in student preferences towards alternative assessment methods or a decline in overall test engagement.

Additionally, the score ranges demonstrate a gradual increase in the 75th percentile for reading and math sections over the years, reaching a high of 630 by 2023. This upward trend showcases a growing competitiveness among applicants, aligning with national patterns where institutions are experiencing heightened applicant quality. The consistent score ranges also reflect the college's evolving academic standards and selectivity.

Furthermore, the data reveals a critical observation regarding the drop in the number of students submitting scores in recent years, particularly during the pandemic era. This trend aligns with a broader movement across U.S. colleges and universities, where many institutions have adopted test-optional policies, leading to a re-evaluation of how potential students are assessed.

Overall, while Saint Mary's College continues to see a competitive applicant pool, the changing landscape of admissions testing poses both challenges and opportunities for the institution to adapt its evaluation criteria in aligning with contemporary educational trends.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 9 in 10

5,175 applicants in 2025, 86.5% admitted

4,478 admitted 697 not admitted Yield 9.5%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's49914 international (2.8%)
Master's23315 international (6.4%)
Doctoral241 international (4.2%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Business/Commerce, General
70
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
31
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
28
Organizational Behavior Studies
23
Psychology, General
22
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia
22
Visual and Performing Arts, General
21
Exercise Science and Kinesiology
20
Political Science and Government, General
19
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
17

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Counseling Psychology · Master's40 (0% international)
  • Business Administration and Management, General · Master's38 (13% international)
  • Education, General · Master's19 (0% international)
  • Creative Writing · Master's19 (5% international)
  • Educational Leadership and Administration, General · Doctoral16 (6% international)
  • Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General · Master's16 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at Saint Mary's College of California

The graduation data from Saint Mary's College of California reveals insightful trends, particularly in graduate programs. Notably, the fields of Business Administration and Education show a strong focus on master's degrees, with 49 graduates in Counselor Education and 48 in Elementary Education. This indicates a significant interest in higher education within these professional fields, likely driven by the growing demand for qualified educators and counselors in today's job market.

Conversely, the absence of bachelor's degrees in these areas suggests a shift towards more advanced qualifications for those entering the workforce. This aligns with national trends where a higher percentage of jobs require advanced degrees, especially in education and management sectors. Additionally, the lack of international students graduating in these programs points to a potential area for growth; attracting global talent could enhance the college’s diversity and academic offerings.

Interestingly, the health professions also display a prominent figure, with 28 graduates at the bachelor's level. This reflects the ongoing emphasis on healthcare education, a sector that has seen increased relevance in light of recent global health challenges. The absence of master's or doctorate degrees in this field may indicate a focused curriculum primarily aimed at undergraduate preparation, potentially a strategic choice in response to workforce needs.

Overall, the data showcases Saint Mary's College's commitment to providing quality education in high-demand areas while also pointing to opportunities for broader international engagement and advanced degree offerings. This strategic alignment with labor market trends and educational demands will be crucial for the institution's future growth and reputation.

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

Businesshas 222 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Business/Commerce, General.$58,734
Business Administration and Management, General.$114,008
Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other.$114,008
Accounting.$75,648
Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies.-
Organizational Behavior Studies.-
Business Statistics.-
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Other.-
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.-
Psychology has 92 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Psychology, General.$34,939
Developmental and Child Psychology.-
Behavioral Neuroscience.-
Social Psychology.-
Counseling Psychology.$86,092
Forensic Psychology.$86,092
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology, Other.$86,092
Psychology, Other.-
Social sciencehas 54 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Anthropology, General.-
Economics, General.-
Econometrics and Quantitative Economics.-
Political Science and Government, General.$43,771
Sociology, General.-
Parks, recreation, leisure has 53 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General.$41,796
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management.$41,796
Exercise Science and Kinesiology.$41,796
Educationhas 51 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Education, General.-
Educational Leadership and Administration, General.$72,389
Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services.$62,668
Elementary Education and Teaching.$62,859
Communication has 48 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Communication, General.$47,355
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.$47,355
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia.-
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other.-
Visual and Performing artshas 46 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Visual and Performing Arts, General.-
Dance, General.-
Dance, Other.-
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.$37,195
Cinematography and Film/Video Production.-
Fine/Studio Arts, General.-
Art History, Criticism and Conservation.-
Music, General.-
Biologyhas 43 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.$41,841
Biochemistry.-
Biotechnology.-
English has 34 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
English Language and Literature, General.$42,863
Creative Writing.$31,133
English Language and Literature/Letters, Other.-
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 29 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General.-
International/Globalization Studies.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 23 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Mathematics, General.-
Computational and Applied Mathematics.-
Financial Mathematics.-
Mathematics and Statistics, Other.-
Health professionshas 17 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other.$45,816
Computer and information sciencehas 10 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Computer Science.-
History has 8 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
History, General.-
Liberal arts has 7 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$49,960
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other.$49,960
Natural resources has 7 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Environmental Studies.-
Environmental Science.-
Cultural has 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Area Studies, Other.-
Ethnic Studies.-
Engineeringhas 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Engineering, General.-
Physical scienceshas 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Chemistry, General.-
Physics, General.-
Philosophy has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Philosophy.-
Religion/Religious Studies.-
Foreign languages has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Spanish Language and Literature.-

Students

2,734 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 46:54 · Freshman retention 85.4%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,954)

White
727 · 37.2%
Hispanic
648 · 33.2%
Two or more races
168 · 8.6%
Asian
161 · 8.2%
Black
95 · 4.9%
Unknown
59 · 3.0%
International
50 · 2.6%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
2.5%
18–19
43.4%
20–21
39.2%
22–24
9.1%
25 and over
5.5%

Graduate students

Under 22
1.5%
22–24
24.2%
25–29
17.8%
30–34
10.4%
35 and over
33.6%

Data insights

2023 Student Demographics at Saint Mary's College of California

The student composition at Saint Mary's College of California in 2023 reveals a diverse population with distinct gender ratios across different categories. The undergraduate freshmen make up a significant portion of the student body, with 445 students enrolled. This group has a slightly higher percentage of female students at 54.4%, indicating a trend towards greater female representation among new entrants.

In the undergraduate upperclassmen category, which includes a larger number of students at 1,412, the gender distribution remains skewed towards females, with 57.4% identifying as women. This consistent pattern across both undergraduate levels suggests that the institution may be providing a supportive environment for female students, which could be a factor in their higher enrollment rates.

The transfer students category, with 137 individuals, also shows a balanced gender ratio, with 52.6% females. This indicates that the college is attracting a diverse range of students looking to continue their education, regardless of their previous experiences.

At the graduate level, the student body consists of 762 individuals, with a notable 64.3% being female. This highlights an increasingly common trend in higher education, where women are pursuing advanced degrees in larger numbers compared to their male counterparts.

Overall, the demographic data underscores the importance of inclusivity and diversity in higher education, as institutions like Saint Mary's College continue to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of student enrollment. The significant representation of women across all categories reflects broader societal shifts towards gender equality in education.

Demographic Insights on Student Age Composition at Saint Mary's College

The age distribution of students at Saint Mary's College of California presents intriguing insights into the demographic makeup of the institution. Most notably, a significant portion of the undergraduate population falls within the 18-19 and 20-21 age brackets, comprising over 60% of the total enrollment. This indicates that the college effectively attracts young students, likely recent high school graduates, which aligns with national trends in higher education, where institutions are seeing an influx of traditional-age students.

Interestingly, the data reveals a distinct gender disparity, particularly among undergraduates. The number of female undergraduates significantly surpasses that of their male counterparts in the younger age groups, with females aged 18-19 outnumbering males by a factor of nearly 1.5 to 1. This trend continues into the 20-21 age group, where the ratio is even more pronounced. This gender imbalance may reflect broader societal shifts toward increased female participation in higher education, a phenomenon observed across the United States.

As we move to older age groups, the demographic shifts dramatically. The population of graduate students shows a more balanced gender representation, especially among those aged 25-29, where female graduates constitute a majority. This trend suggests that as students advance in their academic careers, the gender gap narrows, possibly due to various factors such as career advancement or returning to education after initial years in the workforce.

Overall, the age and gender composition at Saint Mary's College not only reflects the institution's appeal to younger students but also highlights significant trends in higher education that merit further exploration, particularly regarding the evolving roles of gender in academic pursuits.

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.

Undergraduates2.6%

50 in 2025 · 2.2% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 2.2%2017: 2.4%2018: 2.7%2019: 3.0%2020: 2.9%2021: 2.7%2022: 2.8%2023: 2.2%2024: 2.7%2025: 2.6%
2016Peer median 2.6%2025
Graduate students5.6%

44 in 2025 · 1.7% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 1.7%2017: 3.6%2018: 2.8%2019: 4.1%2020: 4.7%2021: 2.9%2022: 3.3%2023: 4.2%2024: 4.2%2025: 5.6%
2016Peer median 2.2%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Saint Mary's College of California

The enrollment of international students at Saint Mary's College of California reflects significant fluctuations over the years, highlighting both challenges and opportunities in attracting a diverse student body. From 2004 to 2023, the percentage of international undergraduates has seen a gradual increase, peaking at 3.01% in 2019, before slightly decreasing to 2.20% in 2023. This variation might be attributed to global factors such as geopolitical tensions, visa regulations, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which have affected international mobility.

At the graduate level, there has been a notable rise in the percentage of international students, particularly in recent years. In 2019, the percentage reached 4.05%, and although it dipped to 4.20% in 2023, the overall trend suggests a growing acceptance and integration of international students within graduate programs. Such growth is essential for enhancing the academic environment, fostering cultural exchange, and preparing all students for a globalized workforce.

The variations in enrollment figures also reflect the ongoing competitiveness among U.S. institutions to attract international talent. As colleges and universities navigate these changing dynamics, they must consider strategic initiatives that promote inclusivity, improve recruitment efforts abroad, and support international students' needs. The data from Saint Mary's College serves as a microcosm of the broader trends in higher education, where institutions must adapt to an evolving landscape to remain relevant and appealing to a diverse student population.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$75,403

Undergraduate tuition
$57,803
Room and board
$17,600
Graduate tuition
$38,500
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 35% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 21%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$104M

Tuition and fees
$56.0M54.1%
Auxiliary enterprises
$22.3M21.6%
Gifts and private grants
$20.2M19.5%
Government grants and contracts
$5.0M4.8%

Expenses$146M

Instruction
$43.6M29.8%
Institutional support
$33.5M22.9%
Student services
$30.9M21.2%
Auxiliary enterprises
$12.8M8.7%
Academic support
$12.1M8.3%
Other
$13.4M9.2%

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
$102,865peers $68,006
Professor
$119,816peers $78,041
Associate professor
$96,118peers $70,202
Assistant professor
$87,914peers $63,827
Lecturer
$94,180peers $59,832

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · West Coast Conference

West Coast Conference: basketball, baseball, cross country

2025
NCAA Division I without footballMENWOMEN
Soccer3539
Cross Country3435
Track and Field (Outdoor)3132
Track and Field (Indoor)3230
Rowing-41
Baseball40-
Basketball1515
Softball-27
Beach Volleyball-19
Tennis108
Volleyball-16
Golf11-
2024
NCAA Division I without footballMENWOMEN
Soccer3535
Track and Field (Outdoor)3334
Cross Country3433
Track and Field (Indoor)2334
Baseball41-
Basketball1521
Rowing-35
Softball-26
Tennis129
Beach Volleyball-21
Volleyball-15
Golf12-
2023
NCAA Division I without footballMENWOMEN
Soccer3530
Track and Field (Outdoor)2831
Cross Country2731
Track and Field (Indoor)2630
Baseball38-
Rowing-35
Basketball1417
Softball-26
Tennis118
Beach Volleyball-18
Volleyball-15
Golf11-

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable universities near Saint Mary's College of California:

  1. Stanford University - Ranked 3rd in the 2024 US News rankings, Stanford is a prestigious research university located in Stanford, California. It is renowned for its academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and vibrant campus life.

  2. University of California-Berkeley - With a rank of 15, UC Berkeley is a leading public university known for its rigorous academic programs and distinguished faculty. It is located in Berkeley, California, and has a strong emphasis on research and public service.

  3. University of California-Los Angeles - Also ranked 15th, UCLA is a major public research university in Los Angeles, California. It is known for its diverse student body, strong academic programs, and vibrant campus culture.

  4. University of San Francisco - Ranked 115th, USF is a private Jesuit university located in San Francisco. It offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs and emphasizes social justice and community service.

  5. California State University-East Bay - With a rank of 280, CSU East Bay offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs and is committed to providing a quality education that meets the needs of its diverse student population.

  6. Santa Clara University - Ranked 60th, this private Jesuit university in Santa Clara, California, is known for its strong emphasis on ethics, social justice, and community engagement.

These institutions offer a range of programs and opportunities for students in the Bay Area, making it a vibrant educational hub.

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

Liquor referrals
9
Stalking
8
Rape
7
Burglary
4
Motor vehicle theft
4
Domestic violence
4

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

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Rates at Saint Mary's College of California

The crime data from Saint Mary's College of California over the past decade reveals intriguing trends concerning campus safety. In 2013, the average number of offenses per 1,000 students was notably high at 10.64. However, this figure has significantly decreased in subsequent years, reaching a low of 2.91 in 2021. This decline suggests improvements in campus security and student behavior or possibly increased awareness and reporting mechanisms that encourage students to avoid risky situations.

Despite the overall decrease, some fluctuations in crime rates are observed. For instance, in 2017, there was a spike in the average rate to 8.96, which might indicate specific incidents that year that required attention. Interestingly, the numbers indicate that incidents involving firearms, drug-related arrests, and alcohol offenses have occurred at various levels throughout the years, with the majority of offenses reported being non-violent in nature.

The data also shows a promising trend in 2023, where the average crime rate per 1,000 students stands at 4.41, suggesting ongoing efforts to maintain a safer campus environment. The decline in reported incidents of serious crimes, such as assault and robbery, is particularly noteworthy as it reflects positively on the campus culture and the effectiveness of safety measures in place.

Overall, while the college has seen a reduction in crime rates, ongoing vigilance and community engagement are essential to sustain and improve campus safety. More comprehensive educational programs about personal safety and resources for reporting crimes can further support this positive trend. For a detailed understanding of crime rate calculation methods, you can refer to this link.

Notable Alumni

All 60

Notable alumni of Saint Mary’s College of California include Mahershala Ali (Actor, two-time Academy Award winner), Ryan Coogler (Filmmaker and Academy Award winner) and Patty Mills (Australian professional basketball player).

See all 60 notable alumni of Saint Mary’s College of California →

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.