College of Saint Mary
Acceptance rate
44.7%
2025
Peer median 77.9%
Tuition per year
$24,510
$33,594 with room and board
Peer median $34,392
Undergraduates
552
Student-faculty ratio 8:1
Peer median 13 : 1
Graduation rate
52.9%
4-year; 6-year rate 66.7%
Peer median 44.6%
“Peers” are all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
The College of Saint Mary, located in Omaha, Nebraska, is a distinguished institution known for its commitment to empowering women through education. Established in 1923, the college is a Catholic liberal arts institution that emphasizes academic excellence, leadership development, and community service. The college's mission is to provide a transformative education that prepares women for fulfilling careers and meaningful lives. With a strong emphasis on values-based education, the College of Saint Mary fosters a nurturing environment that encourages students to engage in critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and social responsibility.
The campus features modern facilities equipped with advanced technology to support a variety of learning experiences. Notable facilities include the Erskine A. Peters Chemistry Laboratory, the McMahon Commons for dining and student gatherings, and the William J. O’Connor Library, which offers extensive resources for research and study. The college also boasts a vibrant campus culture, with numerous student organizations, leadership programs, and community service initiatives that enrich student life. Additionally, the College of Saint Mary has a strong focus on athletics, promoting physical wellness and teamwork through various sports programs. With a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, the College of Saint Mary prepares its graduates to become leaders in their fields and advocates for positive change in society.
Analysis of Key Data Points from College of Saint Mary
The College of Saint Mary, a private institution, showcases several significant trends in its data over recent years. One of the most striking aspects is the tuition rates for undergraduate students, which have generally increased from $26,934 in 2014 to $23,340 in 2024 for in-state students. However, there was a notable dip in 2018, where the tuition plummeted to $19,950. This fluctuation might suggest financial adjustments made by the institution, possibly in response to enrollment trends or changes in funding.
Another critical area for discussion is the graduation rates. The timely graduation rate for undergraduates saw improvements from 21.5% in 2014 to 49.3% in 2023. This nearly doubled percentage reflects positively on the institution's academic support systems and possibly improved retention strategies, as the retention rate was also robust, remaining above 70% in recent years. The retention rate was 79.1% in 2014, which has slightly decreased to 71.3% in 2023, indicating that while many students return for their second year, some challenges remain.
Furthermore, the gender ratio among undergraduates remains overwhelmingly skewed towards female students, with females constituting approximately 97% of the student body in recent years. This gender disparity is significant and aligns with general trends seen in many higher education institutions where female enrollment has outpaced that of males.
Lastly, the student-to-faculty ratio shows a decrease from 13:1 in 2013 to 8:1 in 2023, suggesting a more favorable learning environment for students, potentially enhancing their educational experience and outcomes.
In conclusion, while the College of Saint Mary faces challenges, particularly regarding retention rates, the improvements in graduation rates and the favorable student-to-faculty ratio are promising indicators of the institution's commitment to student success.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Large city
- Nearest major city
- In Omaha
- Nearest international airport
- Des Moines International Airport (DSM), about 120 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Roman Catholic
- President
- Heather A. Smith, MBA (President)
- Phone
- 4023992400
- Address
- 7000 Mercy Rd., Omaha, NE 68106
Rankings & Admission
Peer median 77.9% · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Data insights
Analysis of Admission Trends at College of Saint Mary
The admission statistics for the College of Saint Mary reveal interesting trends over the years, particularly in the context of female enrollment and acceptance rates. The acceptance rate for women has experienced fluctuations, peaking at approximately 64.58% in 2023, following a notable low of around 38.19% in 2022. This dramatic shift indicates a significant change in the admissions approach or perhaps a response to external factors such as the ongoing adjustments in higher education policies or demographic shifts.
The enrollment numbers also tell a compelling story, with a peak of 119 students in 2019, followed by a drop in 2022, potentially reflecting broader trends in college enrollment during the pandemic. The decline in enrollments during 2020 and 2021 likely aligns with national patterns as many institutions faced challenges due to COVID-19, impacting both the applicants and the overall college experience.
Additionally, the number of denied applications has varied significantly, with a notable peak of 602 denials in 2022. This may suggest a more selective admissions process, which could be a strategic decision to maintain or enhance the institution's academic standards and reputation.
Overall, the data points to a dynamic and evolving admissions landscape at the College of Saint Mary, influenced by both internal policies and external societal factors. The institution's ability to adapt to these changes will be critical in shaping its future enrollment trends.
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
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
2025 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 9% submitted SAT, 79% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted
Data insights
Analysis of College of Saint Mary Admissions Data
The admissions data for College of Saint Mary reveals some interesting trends over the years, particularly regarding standardized test submissions. Notably, the percentage of admitted students submitting ACT scores has remained consistently high, with figures reaching 99% in 2012. This trend indicates a strong reliance on the ACT for admissions decisions, suggesting that the college may prioritize this assessment over others.
However, the SAT submission data appears to be minimal, with only 5% of applicants submitting SAT scores in 2023. This sharp contrast highlights a significant shift in student preferences or institutional requirements over the years. The absence of SAT score ranges in many years may indicate a strategic choice by the college to focus on ACT performance, or a decline in SAT test-taking due to broader trends in standardized testing.
The number of students submitting ACT scores fluctuated, peaking at 91 in 2010 and subsequently stabilizing around 84 from 2015 onwards. This indicates a steady applicant pool that aligns with the college's admissions strategy. The consistent performance in ACT submission underscores the importance of this test in the college’s admissions process.
In broader context, many colleges across the U.S. are reevaluating their testing requirements, with some moving towards test-optional policies. As the landscape of college admissions evolves, it will be crucial for institutions like College of Saint Mary to adapt to these changes in both applicant behavior and educational policy trends. The data suggests a potential need for the college to assess its admissions criteria in light of these broader shifts, ensuring they attract a diverse and capable student body.
How Hard Is It to Get In
about 4 in 10
533 applicants in 2025, 44.7% admitted
238 admitted 295 not admitted Yield 35.3%
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Physical Therapy/Therapist · Doctoral18 (0% international)
- Occupational Therapy/Therapist · Doctoral16 (0% international)
- Physician Assistant · Master's12 (0% international)
- Teacher Education, Multiple Levels · Master's9 (0% international)
- Educational Leadership and Administration, General · Doctoral6 (0% international)
- Organizational Leadership · Master's5 (0% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at College of Saint Mary
The graduation data from the College of Saint Mary for 2023 reveals significant trends and insights into the institution's academic offerings. Notably, the Registered Nursing program stands out with 61 graduates, highlighting the college's robust commitment to healthcare education amidst a national shortage of nursing professionals. This aligns with the growing demand for qualified healthcare workers, particularly in light of recent global health crises.
In contrast, other medical-related programs, such as Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy, show a stark difference in graduation numbers, with zero graduates reported in the bachelor's category. This could indicate a need for increased recruitment or program development to attract students to these essential fields.
The education sector remains a focal point as well, with multiple programs yielding graduates in various teaching disciplines. However, the lack of reported bachelor's degree graduates in fields like Special Education and Early Childhood Education may reflect broader challenges in teacher recruitment and retention faced by educational institutions across the country. The recent emphasis on educational reform and funding could potentially address this gap.
Moreover, the data indicates an absence of international students graduating in most categories, with only one international graduate in Registered Nursing. This suggests that the college's outreach and support for international students may require enhancement to diversify its student body and foster global perspectives within its programs.
Overall, the graduation data presents a mixed landscape of strengths and areas for growth at the College of Saint Mary, particularly in healthcare and education, which could benefit from strategic initiatives to boost enrollment and graduation rates in critical programs.
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
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physician Assistant. | $120,277 | |||
| Occupational Therapy/Therapist. | $67,264-$68,368 | |||
| Physical Therapy/Therapist. | $67,264-$68,368 | |||
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $79,832 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Leadership and Administration, General. | - | |||
| Elementary Education and Teaching. | $50,290 | |||
| Teacher Education, Multiple Levels. | $50,290 | |||
| Early Childhood Education and Teaching. | $50,290 | |||
| English/Language Arts Teacher Education. | - | |||
| Mathematics Teacher Education. | - | |||
| Spanish Language Teacher Education. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | - | |||
| Organizational Leadership. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies. | - | |||
| Humanities/Humanistic Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Assistant/Paralegal. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | - | |||
| Applied Psychology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biotechnology Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art/Art Studies, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theology/Theological Studies. | - |
Students
786 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 9:91 · Freshman retention 79.8%
- Continuing undergraduates 286
- First-year undergraduates 82
- Graduate students 234
- Transfers and others 184
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (552)
Data insights
Gender Distribution and Diversity at College of Saint Mary in 2023
The data from the College of Saint Mary for the year 2023 reveals some interesting insights into the student demographics. Notably, the undergraduate population, comprising new, continuing, and transfer students, is entirely female, with 100% of new, continuing, and transfer undergraduates identifying as women. This stark gender imbalance highlights the institution’s commitment to serving a predominantly female student body, which resonates with the college’s mission to empower women through education.
In contrast, the graduate student population shows a more balanced gender distribution, with approximately 14.2% of graduate students identifying as male and 85.8% as female. This indicates a gradual increase in male representation at the graduate level, which could be reflective of broader trends in higher education where more men are pursuing advanced degrees.
Furthermore, examining the ethnic composition of the student body, there is a significant presence of white students across various categories, particularly among undergraduates. The data also indicates a smaller representation of other ethnic groups, suggesting a need for initiatives aimed at enhancing diversity and inclusion within the college environment.
Overall, while the College of Saint Mary maintains its focus on women's education, the data highlights areas for potential growth in gender and ethnic diversity, particularly at the undergraduate level. As institutions increasingly prioritize inclusivity, the College of Saint Mary may benefit from strategies that attract a more diverse student population while continuing to uphold its commitment to empowering women.
Age Composition of Students at College of Saint Mary
The age demographic data of students at the College of Saint Mary reveals a diverse student body, particularly among the undergraduate female population. The largest group of students is from the 18-19 age range, where there are 147 female undergraduates compared to just one male undergraduate. This significant gender disparity highlights the institution's appeal to younger women, likely reflecting broader trends in higher education where female enrollment has been increasing.
In the 22-24 age bracket, there is a notable presence of graduate males, with 11 men pursuing advanced degrees, alongside a robust number of female undergraduates (80) and graduates (120). This suggests that the college is not only attracting younger females but also offering pathways for them to pursue higher education later on.
Interestingly, the data also shows a gradual decline in younger male representation as age increases, with no male students reported in the 25-29 age group and beyond. This trend could indicate a shift in male students' educational pursuits or career paths that lead them away from traditional college experiences.
The presence of students aged 50 and above, although minimal, reflects the evolving nature of higher education where lifelong learning is becoming more popular. The overall composition indicates that while younger students dominate the undergraduate scene, there is a healthy mix of graduate students, particularly females, which paints a picture of an inclusive and supportive academic environment. This aligns with national trends where more women are enrolling in and completing higher education degrees, further emphasizing the importance of supportive educational institutions.
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.
12 in 2025 · 0.7% in 2016
0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at College of Saint Mary
The data from the College of Saint Mary reveals a fluctuating trend in international student enrollment over the years. From 2004 to 2023, the percentage of international undergraduate students has seen significant variations, peaking at 1.86% in 2023. This indicates a growing interest in the institution among international students, especially in the recent years.
However, the overall number of undergraduate students has declined from 889 in 2004 to 539 in 2023, suggesting that while the proportion of international students is increasing, the total undergraduate enrollment is on a downward trajectory. This could be reflective of broader trends in higher education, where many institutions are grappling with enrollment challenges due to demographic shifts and changing perceptions about studying abroad, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Interestingly, the graduate student data is less consistent, with international representation not consistently reported. In the few years where data is available, the percentage of international graduate students remains low, with a notable peak at only 4.00% in 2005. The lack of consistent reporting on graduate student enrollment may point to challenges in attracting international candidates at this level or a need for better data collection practices.
Overall, while the College of Saint Mary is making strides in attracting international undergraduates, it faces significant challenges in maintaining overall enrollment levels and enhancing its appeal to graduate students. Addressing these issues will be crucial for the institution's future growth and diversity.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$33,594
- Undergraduate tuition
- $24,510
- Room and board
- $9,084
- Graduate tuition
- $22,155
Peer median tuition + room and board $47,329 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Tuition rose -15% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 23%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$26.7M
Expenses$30.2M
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.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NAIA · Great Plains Athletic Conference
Great Plains Athletic Conference: basketball, cross country
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
University of Nebraska--OmahaOmaha · 1.5 mi
U.S. News #299
-
Creighton UniversityOmaha · 4.2 mi
U.S. News #100
-
University of Nebraska-LincolnLincoln · 45.9 mi
U.S. News #169
-
University of South DakotaVermillion · 116.5 mi
U.S. News #262
-
Drake UniversityDes Moines · 125.3 mi
U.S. News #191
-
Iowa State UniversityAmes · 134.0 mi
U.S. News #116
-
Kansas State UniversityManhattan · 144.8 mi
U.S. News #156
-
University of KansasLawrence · 162.9 mi
U.S. News #148
-
University of Missouri--Kansas CityKansas City · 170.3 mi
U.S. News #250
Data insights
Here are some notable universities near the College of Saint Mary:
-
Creighton University - Ranked 124th in the 2024 US News rankings, Creighton University is a comprehensive university known for its strong programs in health sciences, business, and law.
-
University of Nebraska-Lincoln - With a rank of 159, this comprehensive university is recognized for its research initiatives and diverse academic offerings.
-
Drake University - Ranked 178th, Drake University is a private institution known for its excellent law school and strong emphasis on liberal arts education.
-
Iowa State University - This comprehensive university, ranked 115th, is well-regarded for its engineering, agricultural, and veterinary programs.
-
University of Iowa - At rank 93, the University of Iowa is known for its writing program and research in health and the arts.
-
University of Kansas - Ranked 151st, this comprehensive university offers a range of programs and is known for its research contributions.
-
Grinnell College - A highly regarded liberal arts college, Grinnell is ranked 11th and is known for its rigorous academics and commitment to social justice.
-
Carleton College - With a rank of 9, Carleton College is an elite liberal arts college celebrated for its strong academic environment and vibrant campus life.
These institutions offer a variety of programs and are known for their commitment to academic excellence.
Peer median 4.0 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Data at College of Saint Mary
The crime statistics for the College of Saint Mary over the past decade reveal significant fluctuations in the crime rates per 1,000 students. The most notable spike occurred in 2015, with a rate of 11.39, which sharply contrasts with the preceding and following years. This anomaly may warrant further investigation to understand the underlying causes, as it represents an unusually high level of incidents, particularly in a college setting.
In subsequent years, crime rates exhibited a general decline, reaching a low of 0.21 in 2014 and 0.79 in 2022. Such decreases are encouraging and suggest that the college may have implemented effective safety measures or crime prevention programs during this period. However, the sudden increase in 2023 to 8.87 per 1,000 students raises concerns that could indicate a resurgence of issues previously mitigated.
The data also highlights the variety of crime types, including instances of gun-related arrests, drug offenses, and alcohol-related incidents. It is crucial for the college administration to continuously monitor these trends and promote awareness among students regarding safety protocols and resources available for reporting crimes.
Overall, while the overall trend appears to be moving towards a safer campus environment, the volatility in crime rates underscores the importance of sustained vigilance and proactive strategies to ensure the well-being of all students. For more information on calculating crime rates, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.
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.