University of Saint Mary
University of Saint Mary is a private nonprofit university in Leavenworth, KS ranked #1254 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B-, enrolling about 889 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 89.8%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Biology.
Academically, students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, 64.3% first-year retention, and 44.1% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $23,335, about $6,337 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -41.3%, roughly 126.6 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $54,827. That's about $11,139 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is University of Saint Mary Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of Saint Mary graduates 44.1% of students within six years and keeps 64.3% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of Saint Mary's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $33,890 |
| Books and Supplies | $2,550 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $10,032 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,200 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $45,313 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 36.9% of University of Saint Mary students receive Pell Grants — in line with the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $24,278 to $24,862 depending on family income. Use University of Saint Mary's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $22,476/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $24,862/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $54,827
- 10-Year Median Earnings $54,827
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $14,817
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 59.3%
- Employment Rate 89.9%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of Saint Mary graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of Saint Mary vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of Saint Mary's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of Saint Mary's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While University of Saint Mary graduates earn $54,827 median, the -41.3% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 448-560
- SAT Math 478-533
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 18-24
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 889
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 64.3%
- Graduation Rate 44.1%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 12:1
How to Get Into University of Saint Mary
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of Saint Mary requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 89.8%, University of Saint Mary is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 89.8% acceptance rate, University of Saint Mary is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 926 and 1093 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of Saint Mary undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Psychology, General, and Biology, General draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 25.1%
- Psychology, General 12.0%
- Biology, General 10.2%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 9.6%
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 8.4%
- Criminology 7.8%
See more majors
- Health and Medical Administrative Services 6.0%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 3.0%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $81,617
- 2. Biology, General $66,669
- 3. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $45,272
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Criminology $42,633
- 5. Psychology, General $40,393
- 6. Business Administration, Management and Operations $35,344
- 7. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $29,151
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $101,121
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $92,982
- 3. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree) $82,472
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degree) $65,560
- 5. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $55,244
- 6. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $43,355
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $81,617—180% more than Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($29,151). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $101,121 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of Saint Mary. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degree, 38 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 17 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 14 graduates)
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree, 14 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree, 11 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (19 programs)▼
- Biology, General
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Political Science and Government
- History
- English Language and Literature, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Mathematics
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Chemistry
- Applied Mathematics
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Human Biology
- Fine and Studio Arts
Online Master's Degrees (6 programs)▼
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Education, General
- Psychology, Other
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)▼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 889
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 53.3%
- Female Students 46.7%
- Caucasian 47.8%
- Asian 1.0%
- Hispanic 20.4%
- Black 13.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients 36.9%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of Saint Mary's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of Saint Mary's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Saint Mary support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Saint Mary, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: University of Saint Mary has a diverse student body, with 47.8% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Saint Mary support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Saint Mary, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of Saint Mary offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -41.3% ROI. Ranked #1254 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $23,335 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $54,827 median earnings. With 44.1% graduating within six years and 64.3% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: University of Saint Mary's Positioning
With a B- grade and #1254 ranking, University of Saint Mary competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $23,335 annually, University of Saint Mary charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 64.3% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $16,334 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -41.3% ROI and $54,827 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $13,335+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: University of Saint Mary ranks #1254 of 1966 institutions, with 799 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 44.1% six-year graduation rate sits 18.4 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 64.3% first-year retention is 12.5 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -41.3% return on investment is 126.6 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $54,827 run about 25% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $23,335 is roughly $3,426 higher than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 64.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 89.9% employment rate within three years sits 21.7 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $23,335 is about $3,426 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates University of Saint Mary—a private nonprofit university in Leavenworth, KS—at B- overall. It appears at #1254 in EDsmart's national list Category results include Completion (C+), Support (B-), Career Outcomes (B+), and Affordability (B-).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 64.3% retention and 44.1% six-year graduation. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -41.3%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $23,335 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $45,313.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $21,978 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $14,817 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 36.9% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $54,827 at the median. That sits about 25% above the national median.
The three-year employment rate is close to 89.9%.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -41.3%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
89.8% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of Saint Mary admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Leavenworth, KS 66048-5082
- Website www.stmary.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$18.0M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate39.9%