About Us

Saint Mary's at a Glance


Saint Mary's campus
In its 2008 annual survey of America's Best Colleges, U.S. News & World Report ranks Saint Mary's among the Top 100 National Liberal Arts Colleges and has ranked Saint Mary's the No. 1 Midwest Comprehensive College for 12 of the last 13 years.

Saint Mary’s liberal arts education empowers women to explore, lead, take intellectual risks, and prepare to change the world.

The College
Located in Notre Dame, Indiana, just north of South Bend and across the street from the University of Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s College is sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, who founded the College in 1844.

The campus
Our suburban campus includes 75 acres of rolling hills, manicured lawns, historic buildings, and state-of-the-art classrooms beside the Saint Joseph River. Across the street, the University of Notre Dame expands the opportunities for Saint Mary’s students, who can attend Notre Dame classes and sporting events, and participate in sports, clubs, and organizations at Notre Dame.

The students
There are 1,602 students from 42 states and five countries. Eighty-two percent of students live on campus and are guaranteed housing all four years.

The education
We have six nationally accredited programs and more than 30 majors to help you pursue a meaningful career and make a difference in the world.

The faculty
Our faculty consists of top scholars who are recognized for excellence in their fields of study. All of our classes are taught by faculty, not teaching assistants. Students enjoy close working relationships with professors in classes averaging 15 students and a student/faculty ratio of 10:1.

Hands-on learning
More than 25 percent of Saint Mary’s students study abroad in Australia, Austria, France, India, Ireland, Italy, South Africa, Spain, and other countries. Our focus on hands-on learning takes students into the field for course work and professional internships, available through numerous sources. Our commitment to service is demonstrated by student involvement. More than 50 percent of Saint Mary’s students volunteer in the local community.

Student life
Students lead more than 60 organizations on campus, including campus publications, fine arts clubs, community service groups, and social and professional organizations. Students are empowered to make key decisions regarding Saint Mary’s social, education, spiritual, and service opportunities through the Board of Governance.

Athletics
We have eight NCAA Division III varsity athletic teams and a wide range of club and intramural sports available to Saint Mary’s students through both Saint Mary’s College and the University of Notre Dame.

Financial aid
More than 90 percent of Saint Mary’s students receive some form of financial aid, totaling more than $15 million in institutional grants and scholarships.

Graduates
Forty-five percent of Saint Mary’s recent alumnae have careers in industry, business, and government. Twenty-four percent attend graduate or professional school immediately upon graduation. More than 90 percent say they are well satisfied with their Saint Mary’s experience.