Saint Mary's College of California is distinctive for all the right reasons. With nationally renowned faculty, a tight-knit community, and rigorous academics, Saint Mary's stands out from the pack. We see things differently. Enter to Learn. Leave to Serve. For 150 years, we've transformed education into a platform for the common good. We stand up for the silenced and speak out against injustice. It's been our mission since the start–and the motivation that moves us forward.
Our graduates are leaders in both public and private sectors. They find their niche and make a difference. State and national government positions, courtroom benches, and corner offices in companies like Microsoft all belong to our alumni. Gaels make an impact. No doubt you'll do the same.
It's no wonder Saint Mary's College has been named one of the Top 5 Western Regional Universities and in the Top 10 Percent Nationwide for Return on Investment. Bottom line: Value is important, and Saint Mary's provides it.
So, leave behind the expectations of who you ought to be. Let go of what the world says you're supposed to be. Your voice is uniquely your own: Claim it boldly. Saint Mary's tightly knit community, focus on student research and real-world experience, and highly ranked academic programs help you find your true self.
About
From the School
Contact & Visit
Campus Visits Contact
Contact
Ardi Samonte
Sr. Admissions Counselor Visit Experience Coordinator
Sr. Admissions Counselor Visit Experience Coordinator
Address
Office of Admissions
PO Box 4800
Moraga, CA 94575-4800
PO Box 4800
Moraga, CA 94575-4800
Phone
925-631-4876
Email
fct2@stmarys-ca.edu
Experience College Life
Most Popular Places On Campus
Br. Alfred Brousseau Hall
Student Recreational Center
College Chapel
Saint Mary's College Museum
Oliver Dining Hall
Student Recreational Center
College Chapel
Saint Mary's College Museum
Oliver Dining Hall
Most Popular Places Off Campus
Downtown San Francisco (Metreon, Shoppin
Lafayette Reservoir, Mt. Diablo State Pa
Broadway Plaza (Shopping, Dining, Theater)
Golden Gate Park - San Francisco
Downtown Berkeley (Shattuck and Telegraph
Lafayette Reservoir, Mt. Diablo State Pa
Broadway Plaza (Shopping, Dining, Theater)
Golden Gate Park - San Francisco
Downtown Berkeley (Shattuck and Telegraph
Campus Tours
Campus Visiting Center
M-F, Saturday during Academic year
8:30 - 4:30pm, Sat. 10:00 - 12:30
925-631-4876
8:30 - 4:30pm, Sat. 10:00 - 12:30
925-631-4876
Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: M-F 9:15 am and 1:15 p.m, Saturday 10:00 am
Average Length: 2 hours
Dates: Year-round
Times: M-F 9:15 am and 1:15 p.m, Saturday 10:00 am
Average Length: 2 hours
On Campus Interview
Campus Interviews
Yes
Information Sessions
Available
Times
M-F 9:15am and 1:15 pm, Saturday 9:00 am
Faculty and Coach Visits
Dates/Times Available
Academic Year
Arrangements
Faculty through Admissions, Coaches through Athletics
Advance Notice
3 weeks
Contact Email Address for Visit
smcadmit@stmarys-ca.edu
Class Visits
Dates/Times Available
Academic Year
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Overnight Dorm Stays
Overnight Dorm Stays
Available
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Limitations
Provided for admitted students only
Transportation
Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Several private shuttle services are available from both San Francisco and Oakland International Airports. Please be sure to book your ground transportation prior to arriving at the airport. Listed are several companies that provide this direct service. Prices may vary and round-trip arrangements may be more economical than 2 one-way passages.
Airport Connection 650-401-8300, Bayporter Express 510-864-4000, East Bay Connection 800-675-3278, and Leisure Living Transportation 925-943-1512.
Public transportation is availble on BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit Rail System), which operates rail service in San Francisco and the East Bay (www.transitinfo.org/BART. or www.bart.gov
Driving Instructions to Campus
From San Francisco Bay Bridge or San Rafael/Richmond Bridge: Take Highway 580 toward Hayward and then Highway 24 toward Walnut Creek. Once through the Caldecott Tunnel, take the third exit which will be marked Orinda/Moraga. Turn right and follow Moraga Way about 5 miles. Turn left onto Moraga Road, then right onto Saint Mary's Road. The College is about one mile farther on the right.
From Walnut Creek/Highway 680: Take Highway 24 west (Oakland direction) to the Central Lafayette exit. Go right under freeway, right onto Mt. Diablo Blvd. One block, left onto Moraga Road 1/3 mile, and left onto Saint Mary's Road about four miles; the College will be on the left.
From BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit): Take the S.F./Colma-Pittsburg/Bay Point train to either the Orinda or the Lafayette station. From there, take the County Connection bus (Route 106 or 206) to Saint Mary's College. County Connection buses operate to and from the College from approximately 6:00 am until 6:00 pm, Monday through Saturday. For exact times of bus schedules or more information, phone County Connection at 925-676-7500. WEBSITE: www.cccta.org
Local Accommodations
There are a number of overnight accommodations near Saint Mary's College campus in Moraga. While we don't endorse any particular establishment, for your convenience, we have listed those most often used by campus visitors. Ask these hotels if they have a Saint Mary's discount.
The Lafayette Park Hotel (3287 Mt. Diablo Blvd., 800-368-2468) located in Lafayette, CA is within 15 minutes of the campus.
Save SchoolAdmissions
Admissions
Overall
From The School
To apply to Saint Mary's, you'll need:
- Completed Common Application
- Official high school transcripts
- Official ACT or SAT test scores
- A letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor
Saint Mary's seeks candidates with a high level of intellectual preparation, seriousness of purpose, and moral integrity. The student's school record is considered the most reliable measure of potential college ability. Extra-curricular accomplishments, however, may strengthen an application insofar as they indicate special talents, perseverance, and maturity. All successful applicants are expected to complete at least 16 units of secondary school coursework that will include the following:
- 4 years of English
- 3 years of Mathematics (algebra, advanced algebra or the equivalent, and geometry)*
- 2 years of the same foreign language
- 2 years of science (at least one laboratory)*
- 2 years of social studies (at least 1 year of U.S. history)
*Students who plan to major in a science or mathematics are expected to show particular strength in their scientific and mathematical preparation.
Overview
Applicants: 5,770
Acceptance Rate: 77%
Average HS GPA: 3.54
SAT & ACT Test Scores
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
540 - 630
SAT Math
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
520 - 620
ACT Composite Scores
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
22 - 27
Testing Policies
Yes
Yes
Standardized testing policy for use in admission
Requires applicants to submit either the SAT or ACT
Deadlines
Early Action — November 15
Regular — January 15
Other Admission Factors
Academic
Rigor of Secondary School Record
Academic GPA
Selectivity Rating
Get a personalized plan for a competitive application from an admissions expert.
Learn MoreAcademics
Academics
Overall
From The School
Academic Programs
Specialized programs include:
3+2 Engineering - Earn a BA and BS in five years with Washington University in St. Louis.
Teachers for Tomorrow - Earn a BA and a Preliminary Multiple Subject (MSTE) or Education Specialist Teaching Credential (SPED) in four years, or a BA/BS and a Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential (SSTE) with an optional Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in five years.
Saint Mary's Great Books Program - Discover the interconnected nature of broad fields through a classic liberal arts approach.
Pre-Professional Curricula - Work toward your future with Saint Mary's pre-law, pre-med, pre-vet, pre-dental, pre-counseling, and pre-allied health professions curricula.
Majors and Degrees Offered
Saint Mary's College sees academic majors as flexible pathways that lead to intentional and customized careers. Pick a path reflective of your strengths, and take some inventive courses for a spin. Get feedback from faculty, determine your goals, then work together to choose a program where you'll thrive.
Just ask Academy Award?winning actor and alumnus Mahershala Ali. What starts as a passion can expand into an unexpected and rewarding career.
Saint Mary's offers more than 40 majors and minors across the schools of Liberal Arts, Science, Education, and Economics. Some of our most popular majors include: Communications; Biology; Business Administration; Justice, Community, and Leadership; Psychology; Performing Arts; and Spanish and Latin American Studies.
Faculty and Class Information
Student/Faculty
11:1
Total Faculty
492
with Terminal Degree
205
296
Women
196
Men
115
Minority
9
International
Most frequent class size
10 - 19
Most frequent lab / sub section size
10 - 19
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
65%
Graduate in 5 years
72%
Graduate in 6 years
73%
Majors
-
AREA, ETHNIC, CULTURAL, GENDER, AND GROUP STUDIES.
Area Studies.
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies.
Women's Studies.
-
BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
Biochemistry.
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other.
-
BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.
Accounting.
Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other.
-
COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Communication and Media Studies, Other.
-
EDUCATION.
Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services.
Educational Leadership and Administration, General.
Montessori Teacher Education.
-
ENGINEERING.
Engineering, General.
-
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.
Creative Writing.
English Language and Literature, General.
English Language and Literature/Letters, Other.
-
FOREIGN LANGUAGES, LITERATURES, AND LINGUISTICS.
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.
Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other.
French Language and Literature.
Spanish Language and Literature.
-
HISTORY.
History, General.
-
LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES, GENERAL STUDIES AND HUMANITIES.
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other.
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.
-
MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.
Mathematics and Computer Science.
-
NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION.
Environmental Science.
Environmental Studies.
-
PARKS, RECREATION, LEISURE, AND FITNESS STUDIES.
Kinesiology and Exercise Science.
-
PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
Philosophy.
Religion/Religious Studies.
-
PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
Chemistry, General.
Chemistry, Other.
Physics, General.
-
PSYCHOLOGY.
Applied Behavior Analysis.
Developmental and Child Psychology.
Psychology, General.
Psychology, Other.
-
SOCIAL SCIENCES.
Anthropology.
Economics, General.
Political Science and Government, General.
Social Sciences, General.
-
THEOLOGY AND RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS.
Theology/Theological Studies.
-
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.
Art/Art Studies, General.
Dance, General.
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.
Music, General.
Visual and Performing Arts, General.
Visual and Performing Arts, Other.
Students Say
Intimacy rules the day at Saint Mary’s, a Catholic college where “small class sizes” and professors who you “get to know personally” are the rule rather than the exception. “They make time for me outside of class,” one student boasts, “I even have some of their phone numbers.” This intimacy offers “unlimited opportunities for students and very direct interaction with staff and faculty,” and makes it feel as if “the professors are learning at the same time from the students.” These teachers are “are very optimistic and love what they teach, so it’s great to be taught by them because they’re so passionate about their subject. It helps make learning about the subject fun and interesting.” Indeed, as one student points out, “It’s usually very difficult for a math or physics professor to inject their personality into their classes, but the faculty that Saint Mary’s employs somehow manage to do it.” Some do complain that “when they teach they go really fast and it makes it hard to keep up with them,” but that may be a result of the attitude that “lectures are overrated.” Instead, “professors help students learn by engaging one another in meaningful dialogue and debate.” The idea is to help you to “learn how to talk more in public settings and [give] you life skills that you can rely on and use the rest of your life.” The bottom line is, “Saint Mary’s offers students an unparalleled education with small class sizes, seminars, high accessibility to professors, and a strong alumni and network association.”
Degrees
Bachelor's
Doctoral/Research
Master's
Doctoral/Research
Master's
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Opportunities at School
Internship
Notable Faculty
Prominent Alumni
Joseph Alioto
Former mayor of San Francisco
Laura Garcia Cannon
Anchorwoman, NBC-11
Robert Hass
U.S. Poet Laureate 1995-97
Nicholas Moore
Former Chairman and CEO, PricewaterhouseCoopers
Dr. Carl Wu
Cancer Researcher, National Institutes of Health
Mahershala Ali
Actor, Academy Award & Golden Globe Winner
Harry Hooper
National Baseball Hall of Fame
Academic Rating
85/99
Careers
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
65%
Graduate in 5 years
72%
Graduate in 6 years
73%
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Opportunities at School
Internship
ROI & Outcomes
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Overview
From The School
Tuition, Room, Board and Fees
- Undergraduate tuition for 2020?2021: $50,460
- Room & Board: $15,706
- Student Activity Fee: $200
Total: $66,366
Financial Aid
Saint Mary's mission is to make education accessible to all, and we use federal, state, and institutional funds to ensure that you can afford a Saint Mary's education. Saint Mary's awards $20 million in grants and scholarships to new incoming students, and 90 percent of new students who apply for financial aid receive it. Saint Mary's scholarship awards for first-year students range from $7,000 to full tuition. Awards consider GPA, standardized test scores, college prep curriculum rigor, and class standing. Students who complete the federal financial aid application may also qualify for California state and federal grants. All Saint Mary's scholarships are renewed annually for four years.
Dates
Application Deadlines
Notification Date
Dec 15
Required Forms
FAFSA
Financial Aid Statistics
Average Freshman Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$24,348
Average Undergraduate Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$21,484
Average Need-Based Loan
$4,281
Undergraduates who have borrowed through any loan program
85%
Average amount of loan debt per graduate
$30,583
Average amount of each freshman scholarship/grant package
$30,078
Financial aid provided to international students
Yes
Expenses per Academic Year
Tuition
$48,988
Required Fees
$200
Average Cost for Books and Supplies
$1,278
Tuition / Fees Vary by Year of Study
No
Board for Commuters
Transportation for Commuters
$1,251
On-Campus Room and Board
$15,524
Comprehensive Fee
Available Aid
Financial Aid Methodology
Federal
Scholarships and Grants
Need-Based
Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
Need-Based Federal Pell
Need-Based Private Scholarships
Need-Based SEOG
Need-Based State Scholarships
Non-Need-Based
Institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid is available
Federal Direct Student Loan Programs
Direct PLUS Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Federal Family Education Loan Programs (FFEL)
Is Institutional Employment Available (other than Federal Work Study)
Yes
Direct Lender
No
Financial Aid Rating
81/99
Student Body
Student Body
Overall
From The School
Student Body at a Glance:
- Undergraduate Student Body: 2,675
- Male: 43%
- Female: 57%
- Hispanic/Latino: 29%
- Black or African American: 5%
- White: 42%
- Asian: 17%
- Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander: 1%
- Other or unspecified: 3%
- International: 4%
At Saint Mary's, students can join one of the 40+ student organizations, suit up for one of our intramural leagues, or sit in on the School of Economics and Business Administration's Global Economic Forum. First-year students will find all the support they need at orientation and the Weekend of Welcome, and from faculty advisors and success coaches throughout each year. The first six weeks are packed with activities and events where students get to know each other and build their community.
Student Body Profile
Total Undergraduate Enrollment
2,689
Foreign Countries Represented
20
Demographics
10.50%
Asian
3.81%
Black
28.04%
Hispanic
43.33%
Caucasian
2.65%
Unknown
2.77%
International
57% female
43% male
12% are out of state
97% are full time
3% are part time
Students Say
The “smart, humble, dedicated, and compassionate” students of Saint Mary’s make up a group with a “wide range of students from a large spectrum of life and socioeconomic status. Students mix easily and the college climate promotes equality and understanding.” At this “very welcoming” school you’ll find “few cliques among students,” only “normal people who are looking to go on and succeed at life.” The “hard-working” students of Saint Mary’s have a reputation for being friendly. “You walk through the halls and say hi to almost everyone even if you have never seen them before.” Indeed, “students always smile and say have a good day. Students fit in by taking the time to meet others. A simple smile can make a day for a lot of people.” Typical students are “involved in sports or some type of club on campus. They are a big part of the community, and are avid NCAA college basketball fans.” That, or they are engaged in their studies. Saint Mary’s is filled with people serious about their educations—but not at the expense of social interaction. “Students can engage in complex discussion and easily switch to witty banter at any given moment.”
Campus Life
Campus Life
Overview
From The School
Location
Our campus, established in 1928, is located in a beautiful, bustling community in the Bay Area just outside of San Francisco.
Campus Facilities & Equipment
Saint Mary's students have access to state-of-the-art facilities. For example, our Museum of Art is the only accredited art museum in Contra Costa County. Young actors find their passion at the LeFevre Theatre and book professional roles even before graduation. Students pursuing careers in medicine and health science will find unique opportunities in our anatomy lab, where advanced classes give undergraduates access to hands-on dissection, 3-D imaging software, and live telesurgery.
Outside of the classroom, there's something for everyone at the Joseph L. Alioto Recreation Center. The center offers multiple gymnasiums and exercise rooms, studio fitness classes, personal trainers, a swimming pool, hydrotherapy spa, and rock climbing wall, in addition to being the campus hub for intramural and club sports.
Off-Campus Opportunities
The Bay Area is a thriving metropolis that offers easy access to museums and art galleries; live theater and outdoor concerts; restaurants and local coffee shops; beaches, parks, hiking trails; and more. We are also close to Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, and Napa Valley. As a Saint Mary's student, you are only a short ride from Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), a highly efficient rail system that provides easy connections throughout the Bay Area. You'll also receive the student-only perk of free bus service to and from campus. Whichever way you choose to get there, you'll easily discover all that the San Francisco Bay Area has to offer.
Campus Life
Undergrads living on campus
60%
Help finding off-campus housing
Yes
87/99
First-Year Students living on campus
100%
Campus Environment
Village
95/99
Housing Options
Apartment Single
Dorms Coed
Dorms Coed
Other
Theme Housing
Theme Housing
Students Say
Don’t expect non-stop parties at Saint Mary’s. This is a “distinguished, calm campus” with students focused on their studies. When it comes time to wind down, sports, clubs, and mellow socializing are far more prevalent than rowdy keggers. Saint Mary’s “is what you make it, it takes time to adjust,” but “there are vast opportunities provided by the school to get involved with others inside and outside of the community.” There is “a grove that is a secluded area where everyone goes to just leave the urban world for a bit and just relax,” while others “go on great hiking and outdoor adventure trips the rec sports provides the students with.” The school is six miles off the freeway, so access to other communities isn’t as easy as at other schools, but nearby Orinda has beautiful theaters and restaurants, and all that San Francisco has to offer is accessible to students willing to make the journey. The biggest draw is sports and athletic recreation. Students here are “very active. Everyone wears some sort of active clothes because everyone is basically a regularly active individual. Sports are a big focus at my school, whether it be intercollegiate or just for fun.”
Special Needs Admissions
Director
Julie Scaff
College Entrance Tests Required
No
Interview Required
No
Special Need Services Offered
Calculator allowed in exams
Yes
Dictionary allowed in exams
No
Computer allowed in exams
Yes
Spellchecker allowed in exams
Yes
Extended test time
Yes
Scribes
Yes
Proctors
Yes
Oral exams
Yes
Notetakers
Yes
Distraction-free environment
Yes
Accommodation for students with ADHD
No
Reading machine
Yes
Other assistive technology
Yes
Student Activities
Registered Student Organizations
50
Number of Honor Societies
1
Number of Social Sororities
0
Number of Religious Organizations
3
Sports
Athletic Division
Division I
26% participate in intramural sports
12% participate in intercollegiate sports
Men's Sports (Gaels)
7 Sports
Baseball
Basketball
Cross Country
Golf
Soccer
Tennis
Track Field Outdoor
Basketball
Cross Country
Golf
Soccer
Tennis
Track Field Outdoor
Women's Sports (Gaels)
9 Sports
Basketball
Crew Rowing
Cross Country
Sand Volleyball
Soccer
Softball
Tennis
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Crew Rowing
Cross Country
Sand Volleyball
Soccer
Softball
Tennis
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Student Services
Health
Womens Center
LGBT Support Groups
Minority Support Groups
Army ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: U.C. Berkeley
Air Force ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: U.C. Berkeley
Womens Center
LGBT Support Groups
Minority Support Groups
Army ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: U.C. Berkeley
Air Force ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: U.C. Berkeley
Sustainability
93/99
School Has Formal Sustainability Committee
Yes
Sustainability-focused degree available
Yes
School employs a sustainability officer
Yes
Public GHG inventory plan
No
% food budget spent on local/organic food
35%
Available Transportation Alternatives
Bike Share
No
Car Sharing Program
No
Carpool/Vanpool Matching Program
No
Condensed Work Week Option For Employees
Yes
Free Or Reduced Price Transit Passes And/Or Free Campus Shuttle
Yes
Incentives Or Programs To Encourage Employees To Live Close To Campus
No
Indoor And Secure Bike Storage, Shower Facilities, And Lockers For Bicycle Commuters
No
Reduced Parking Fees For Car And Van Poolers
No
School Adopted A Policy Prohibiting Idling
No
School Developed Bicycle Plan
Yes
School Offers A Telecommute Program For Employees
Yes
Campus Security Report
Campus Security Report
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: http://www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education: https://ope.ed.gov/campussafety/#/
Other Information
Campus-wide Internet Network
Yes
% of Classrooms with Wireless Internet
100
Fee for Network Use
No
Partnerships with Technology Companies
Yes
Personal computer included in tuition for each student
No
Discounts Available with Hardware Vendors
Yes
Description
MS Campus Agreement
Dell
