Skip to content
Private nonprofit, 4-year

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

Saint Mary of the Woods, Indiana · www.smwc.edu

中文

Acceptance rate

72.4%

2025

Peer median 77.9%

Tuition per year

$34,240

$48,414 with room and board

Peer median $34,392

Undergraduates

858

Student-faculty ratio 9:1

Peer median 13 : 1

Graduation rate

38.0%

4-year; 6-year rate 51.9%

Peer median 44.6%

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

About

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) is a private liberal arts college located in Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana. Established in 1840, it is renowned for its commitment to providing a holistic education rooted in the Catholic tradition. The college's mission emphasizes the importance of developing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—through a rigorous academic curriculum and a strong community engagement. SMWC is particularly recognized for its strong emphasis on women's education, being one of the oldest institutions in the United States dedicated to empowering women through higher education.

The campus is situated in a picturesque rural setting, which provides a serene environment conducive to learning and personal growth. The college boasts a variety of modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, a fitness center, and well-maintained outdoor spaces that encourage student activities and athletics. SMWC offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a focus on liberal arts, education, health sciences, and business. The college is also notable for its vibrant campus culture, which encourages students to engage in extracurricular activities, including clubs, sports, and community service. With a dedicated faculty who are committed to student success, SMWC prepares its graduates to excel in their respective fields while instilling values of leadership and social responsibility.

Analysis of Key Metrics at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College has experienced notable changes in several key metrics over the years, particularly in tuition costs, student retention rates, and gender ratios among students.

Firstly, tuition has consistently increased, with the undergraduate tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students rising from $27,672 in 2014 to $32,640 in 2024. This represents a significant increase of approximately 17.4% over a decade. Such a trend in tuition can create financial barriers for prospective students, especially in an era where student debt is a growing concern nationwide.

In terms of student retention, there has been a fluctuation over the years. The retention rate for undergraduate students peaked at around 81.97% in 2015 but has since seen a decline, reaching approximately 67.03% in 2023. This decline raises concerns about student satisfaction and support services at the college, highlighting the importance of addressing the factors that contribute to student attrition.

Moreover, the gender ratio among undergraduate students has shown a significant shift. In 2013, the percentage of male students was a mere 4.75%, while by 2023, this figure had risen to approximately 23.19%. This increase in male enrollment may indicate a broader appeal of the college to diverse demographics, potentially enriching the campus culture.

Lastly, graduation rates also warrant attention. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates fluctuated from 41.86% in 2013 to 40.74% in 2023, indicating a need for the college to enhance its support systems to ensure students can complete their programs in a timely manner.

In conclusion, while Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College has made strides in diversifying its student body, the rising costs of tuition and declining retention rates reflect challenges that must be addressed to foster a supportive and affordable educational environment.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Rural, near a city
Nearest major city
Indianapolis, about 70 mi
Nearest international airport
Indianapolis International Airport (IND), about 60 mi
Saint Mary of the Woods, Indiana
Also known as
St. Mary-of-the-Woods College, St Mary-of-the-Woods College
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Roman Catholic
President
Mr. Brennan Randolph (President)
Phone
8125355151
City
Saint Mary of the Woods, Indiana
Address
1 St Mary of Woods Coll, Saint Mary of the Woods, IN 47876-1099

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
70.6%
Women
73.1%

In 2020: men 59.2%, women 69.5%.

Data insights

Trends in Admissions at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

The admissions data from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College reveals several noteworthy trends over the years, particularly in the acceptance rates for male and female applicants.
From 2009 to 2023, the male acceptance rate fluctuated significantly, showing a remarkable decrease from 42.86% in 2009 to just 55.85% in 2022, before rising to 68.42% in 2023. This trend indicates a potential shift in the college’s strategy to become more selective, aligning with broader national trends where institutions are increasingly competitive in their admissions processes.
In contrast, the female acceptance rate has remained relatively stable, although it peaked at 87.74% in 2023, indicating that the college may be focusing on attracting more female students, possibly in line with an overall trend in higher education to promote gender diversity. The consistent enrollment figures, despite these rate fluctuations, suggest that the college is maintaining interest among prospective students, even as acceptance rates vary widely.
Moreover, the number of denied applicants seems to reflect this selectivity, with a peak of 278 denials in 2012. The number of deferred admissions, particularly in 2014, highlights the institution's approach of allowing students to consider their options, which could be a strategic move to maintain a positive relationship with applicants.
Overall, the data indicates that Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is adapting to changing demographics and market conditions in higher education, focusing on inclusivity for female students while navigating the complexities of a competitive admissions landscape.

Test Scores

SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no SAT/ACT data for students admitted in 2025.

Data insights

Trends in Standardized Test Scores and Submission Rates at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

The data from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College reveals interesting trends in standardized test scores and submission rates over the years. From 2007 to 2023, the college has witnessed fluctuations in both SAT and ACT submissions, as well as in the scores achieved by admitted students.

One notable observation is the overall decline in the percentage of students submitting SAT scores. In 2007, a significant 84% of admitted students submitted their SAT scores, but this figure has dramatically decreased to just 16% by 2023. This trend may reflect a growing acceptance of test-optional policies among colleges, allowing students to apply without submitting standardized test scores. As many institutions move towards a more holistic admission process, it is essential for students to highlight their strengths beyond test scores, such as extracurricular activities, personal statements, and letters of recommendation.

In terms of scores, there has been variability in the 25th and 75th percentile scores for both SAT and ACT. For example, the 25th percentile SAT reading scores hovered around 420 to 490, while the 75th percentile ranged from 512 to 580 over the years. This indicates a diverse student body with varying levels of preparedness for college-level work. The increase in SAT scores over the years, particularly in the higher percentiles, suggests that while fewer students are submitting scores, those who do are increasingly capable.

Overall, these trends at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College reflect broader changes in college admissions, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and the evolving landscape of higher education. Institutions and prospective students alike must navigate these shifts, focusing on a range of factors that contribute to academic success and institutional fit.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 7 in 10

1,228 applicants in 2025, 72.4% admitted

889 admitted 339 not admitted Yield 20.8%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate60 international (0.0%)
Bachelor's2291 international (0.4%)
Master's630 international (0.0%)
Doctoral20 international (0.0%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
49
Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed
25
Business Administration and Management, General
20
Criminology
14
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
11
Special Education and Teaching, Other
10
Exercise Science and Kinesiology
10
Psychology, General
7
English Language and Literature, General
7
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management
6

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Art Therapy/Therapist · Master's21 (0% international)
  • Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management · Master's17 (0% international)
  • Music Therapy/Therapist · Master's9 (0% international)
  • Health/Health Care Administration/Management · Master's8 (0% international)
  • Nursing Science · Master's4 (0% international)
  • Business Administration and Management, General · Master's4 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

The graduation data from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College for 2023 reveals some interesting trends across various fields of study. A notable observation is the strong focus on health and education disciplines, which aligns with current labor market demands. For instance, the fields of Art Therapy and Registered Nursing have significant master's degree completions, with 25 and 8 graduates, respectively. This reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental health and healthcare professions, particularly in a post-pandemic context where there is an increased emphasis on well-being and support services.

Furthermore, bachelor's degrees in Education and Business Administration also show a healthy number of graduates, suggesting that these areas continue to attract students looking for stable career paths. Interestingly, while there are no international students graduating in these categories, the presence of master's level graduates indicates local student involvement, which may hint at potential future international interest as the college enhances its global outreach.

On the other hand, the data for associate degrees shows limited activity, with only a few graduates in fields such as Human Resources Management and Legal Assistance. This could indicate a potential gap in associate degree offerings or a shift in student preference towards bachelor's or master's programs, which are often perceived as more valuable in the job market.

Overall, the graduation statistics from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College highlight a proactive approach to meeting the needs of contemporary society, particularly in health and education. As the college continues to develop its programs, it will be essential to assess and respond to these trends to attract a diverse student body and prepare graduates for the evolving workforce.

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 104 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Health/Health Care Administration/Management.-
Pre-Art Therapy.-
Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling.-
Art Therapy/Therapist.$38,580-$43,443
Music Therapy/Therapist.$38,580-$43,443
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$77,974
Nursing Science.$77,974
Businesshas 56 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Business/Commerce, General.-
Business Administration and Management, General.$53,596
Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management.$53,596
Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management.$53,596
Organizational Leadership.$53,596
Accounting.-
Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General.-
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.-
Marketing, Other.-
Educationhas 39 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Special Education and Teaching, General.$41,305-$41,397
Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed.$41,305-$41,397
Special Education and Teaching, Other.$41,305-$41,397
Parks, recreation, leisure has 22 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General.-
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management.-
Exercise Science and Kinesiology.-
Social sciencehas 14 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Criminology.-
Biologyhas 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.-
Agricultural has 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Equestrian/Equine Studies.-
Pre-Veterinary Studies.-
Visual and Performing artshas 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Design and Visual Communications, General.-
Graphic Design.-
Art/Art Studies, General.-
Music, General.-
Psychology has 7 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Psychology, General.$38,105
English has 7 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
English Language and Literature, General.-
Public administrationhas 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Human Services, General.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Mathematics, General.-
Liberal arts has 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.-
General Studies.-
Legal professionshas 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Legal Assistant/Paralegal.-
Theology has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Theological and Ministerial Studies, Other.-
Natural resources has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Environmental Science.-

Students

1,159 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 31:69 · Freshman retention 61.8%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (858)

White
682 · 79.5%
Black
100 · 11.7%
Hispanic
30 · 3.5%
Unknown
21 · 2.4%
Asian
10 · 1.2%
Two or more races
8 · 0.9%
International
1 · 0.1%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
0.2%
18–19
29.1%
20–21
31.0%
22–24
13.4%
25 and over
26.2%

Graduate students

Under 22
1.0%
22–24
13.3%
25–29
20.9%
30–34
14.3%
35 and over
50.5%

Data insights

Student Demographics at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in 2023

The student composition at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in 2023 reveals notable trends in both diversity and gender representation. The total number of undergraduate freshmen stands at 200, with females making up 60% of this group, indicating a strong female presence among new entrants. This trend continues with upperclassmen, where only 16.1% of students are male. Such statistics suggest that the college is becoming increasingly popular among female students, aligning with broader trends in higher education where women are enrolling in greater numbers than men.

The transfer students also reflect a significant female majority, with 73.6% being female. In contrast, the graduate student body shows an even more pronounced disparity, with only 13.6% of graduate students being male. These figures highlight not only the gender dynamics at play but also raise questions about the reasons behind this female predominance in various academic levels.

In terms of racial and ethnic diversity, the data reflects a predominantly white student body across all categories. However, the detailed breakdown of the various subgroups provides insight into the college's efforts to cultivate a more inclusive environment, especially among underrepresented groups. With 119 white freshmen, the college appears to be taking steps toward enhancing diversity, although there is still significant progress to be made.

Overall, the demographic landscape at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College showcases a strong female representation across different student classifications and a need for ongoing efforts to improve diversity and inclusion within the institution.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

The age composition data from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College reveals interesting trends in the demographics of its student body. A significant majority of undergraduates fall within the 18-19 age group, comprising approximately 28.5% of total students, which is indicative of the traditional college-age demographic being well represented. Conversely, the 20-21 age group also holds a substantial portion, with around 27.5% of the total student population.

As we move to older age brackets, there is a noticeable decrease in the number of undergraduate students. For instance, only 5.6% of students are between 22-24 years old, and just 7.2% belong to the 25-29 age range. This trend suggests that the college is primarily catering to younger students, which could be reflective of broader societal trends where more individuals are pursuing higher education immediately after high school.

Graduate students, particularly those aged 30-34, represent a smaller segment, making up about 4.4% of the total student body. This could indicate that while the college attracts younger undergraduates, it may not be as appealing for older individuals seeking advanced degrees. In fact, only a small fraction of students over the age of 35, with the 35-39 group representing around 3.3%, reflects the challenges that adult learners face in balancing education with other life responsibilities.

Overall, the data underscores the youthful demographic that Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College attracts, while also highlighting the need for strategies to engage older students, which could enrich the campus experience and foster a more diverse learning environment.

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.

Undergraduates0.1%

1 in 2025 · 1.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 1.0%2017: 2.9%2018: 1.2%2019: 1.1%2020: 0.7%2021: 0.4%2022: 0.9%2023: 1.0%2024: 2.7%2025: 0.1%
2016Peer median 2.6%2025
Graduate students0.0%

0 in 2025 · 1.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 1.0%2017: 1.0%2018: 1.3%2019: 1.3%2020: 0.3%2021: 1.8%2022: 0.9%2023: 1.5%2024: 1.2%2025: 0.0%
2016Peer median 2.2%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Enrollment Trends at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

The data reflecting international student enrollment at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College reveals several noteworthy trends over the years. From 2004 to 2023, the proportion of international undergraduates has shown fluctuations, peaking in 2008 with 1.51%, before experiencing a decline in subsequent years. This decline could be attributed to various factors, including changes in immigration policies, global economic conditions, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly affected international travel and student mobility.

Interestingly, while the number of international undergraduates reached a low of 3 in 2021, it rebounded slightly to 8 by 2023. This modest recovery indicates a potential resurgence in interest among international students, possibly driven by a renewed focus on the importance of global education. However, the overall percentage remains relatively low, suggesting that Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College may need to enhance its recruitment strategies to attract a more diverse student body.

On the graduate side, the enrollment of international students has shown a more stable pattern, although the figures reveal that the overall numbers are still quite low. The graduate percentage peaked at 4.43% in 2008 but has since fluctuated, with a notable dip in 2020 and 2021. The slight increase in 2023 to 1.51% suggests that there may be opportunities for growth in this area as well.

In conclusion, while Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College has seen some variability in its international student enrollment over the years, there remains an opportunity to bolster these numbers. Increasing international student representation can enhance the educational experience for all students and contribute to a richer campus culture.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$48,414

Undergraduate tuition
$34,240
Room and board
$14,174
Graduate tuition
$14,100
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 21% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 35%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$27.9M

Tuition and fees
$14.3M51.1%
Gifts and private grants
$7.9M28.4%
Auxiliary enterprises
$5.2M18.7%
Investment return
$162K0.6%
Government grants and contracts
$130K0.5%
Other
$209K0.7%

Expenses$28.2M

Institutional support
$13.8M49.1%
Instruction
$5.9M20.8%
Student services
$3.9M13.8%
Auxiliary enterprises
$3.7M13.1%
Academic support
$871K3.1%
Research
$37K0.1%

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
$50,709peers $68,006
Professor
$54,160peers $78,041
Associate professor
$53,785peers $70,202
Assistant professor
$54,999peers $63,827
Lecturer
$44,578peers $59,832

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NAIA · River States

River States: basketball, cross country

2025
NAIA Division I MENWOMEN
Football71-
Volleyball2535
Soccer2525
Basketball2920
Track and Field (Indoor)2122
Track and Field (Outdoor)2122
Softball-36
Golf1915
Equestrian-29
Cross Country21
2024
NAIA Division IMENWOMEN
Football71-
Volleyball2533
Basketball2820
Soccer2023
Track and Field (Indoor)2419
Track and Field (Outdoor)2419
Equestrian-35
Softball-30
Golf1313
Cross Country107
2023
NAIA Division IMENWOMEN
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)3352
Football52-
Volleyball1931
Soccer2223
Basketball2218
Softball-37
Equestrian-26
Golf1011

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable institutions surrounding Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College:

  1. DePauw University - Ranked 46th in the 2024 US News rankings, DePauw University is a distinguished liberal arts college known for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant campus life.

  2. Wabash College - With a ranking of 59, Wabash College is an all-male liberal arts college that emphasizes a strong liberal arts education and personal development.

  3. Indiana University-Bloomington - Ranked 73rd, this large public research university is renowned for its diverse range of programs and vibrant campus culture.

  4. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - A prestigious institution, ranked 35th, this university is known for its robust research initiatives and comprehensive educational offerings.

  5. Purdue University-Main Campus - Ranked 43rd, Purdue is a leading public research university recognized for its engineering and technology programs.

  6. Earlham College - With a ranking of 100, this liberal arts college is known for its commitment to social justice and community service.

  7. University of Chicago - A top-tier research university ranked 12th, known for its rigorous academics and notable alumni.

These institutions offer a variety of academic programs and unique campus environments, making them excellent options for prospective students.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

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

Data insights

Crime Trends at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

The crime statistics at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College over the years reveal interesting trends. The data shows fluctuations in the crime rate per 1000 students from 2013 to 2023, with notable peaks and troughs. In 2015, the average crime rate reached a high of 5.59, which indicates a concerning level of incidents at that time. This was followed by a slight decrease in the following years, with 2016 and 2017 still exhibiting a high rate of crime, specifically related to drug and alcohol arrests.

Interestingly, 2020 and 2021 recorded a complete absence of reported crimes, suggesting either an effective intervention strategy or possibly the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly altered campus life and student presence. However, the return of minor incidents in 2022, with a rate of 1.06, indicates that while the campus environment may have improved, vigilance is still necessary.

The data reflects a shift towards a safer campus environment in recent years, which is a positive sign for current and prospective students. Nonetheless, continued monitoring and community engagement are essential to maintain and further improve campus safety. The college administration should focus on preventive measures and resources to ensure that this downward trend in crime is sustained.

For more details on calculating crime rates, you can visit this link: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College include Rose Gana Fomban Leke (Cameroonian malariologist and emeritus immunology professor), Marie Louise Andrews (Author and editor, Western Association of Writers founder) and Kathy Sinnott (Disability rights activist and former MEP).

More alumni (4, by field)

Politics and law

  • Alice Moore McComas 1850–1919

    Author, editor and California suffragist pioneer

  • Barbara A. Curran 1940–2022

    New Jersey assemblywoman and judge

  • Marta Linares de Martinelli 1956–

    Former First Lady of Panama

    Spouse: Ricardo Martinelli (University of Arkansas)

Arts and media

  • Mary Theodosia Mug 1860–1943

    Nun, author and historian

    Attended until 1877

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.