Mount Saint Mary's University
Mount Saint Mary's University has an acceptance rate of 73.1%, annual tuition of $49,564, average net price of $21,413, and a national rank of #296 (Grade B+), with a 61.9% graduation rate, about 1,719 undergraduates, and median earnings of $79,546 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Mount Saint Mary's University is a private nonprofit university in Los Angeles, CA. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Health/Medical Preparatory Programs.
Day to day, students benefit from a 8:1 student-faculty ratio, and 71.1% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 78.0%, roughly 28.1 points higher than typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Mount Saint Mary's University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Mount Saint Mary's University graduates 61.9% of students within eight years of entry and keeps 71.1% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Mount Saint Mary's University'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 | $49,564 |
| Books and Supplies | $2,530 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $15,518 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $7,404 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $66,726 |
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 57.1% of Mount Saint Mary's University students receive Pell Grants — well above 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 $23,849 to $18,762 depending on family income. Use Mount Saint Mary's University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $30,247/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $18,762/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $79,546
- 10-Year Median Earnings $72,379
- Average Years to Graduate 4.8 years
- Average Student Debt $25,949
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 58.6%
- Employment Rate 92.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Mount Saint Mary's University 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.
Mount Saint Mary's University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Mount Saint Mary's University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Mount Saint Mary's University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: Mount Saint Mary's University graduates earn $79,546 median four years after graduation, +32% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,719
- Full-Time Students 93.7%
- Part-Time Students 6.3%
- Retention Rate 71.1%
- Graduation Rate 61.9%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 8:1
How to Get Into Mount Saint Mary's University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Mount Saint Mary's University 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 73.1%, Mount Saint Mary's University 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 73.1% acceptance rate, Mount Saint Mary's University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Mount Saint Mary's University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 36.8%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 8.1%
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology 7.8%
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Ser 4.9%
- Social Work 4.0%
- Political Science and Government 3.4%
See more majors
- Psychology, General 3.2%
- Sociology 3.2%
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 $117,093
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $111,947
- 3. Health/Medical Preparatory Programs $98,527
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Health/Medical Preparatory Programs $93,238
- 5. Business Administration, Management and Operations $73,318
- 6. Public Policy Analysis $71,931
- 7. Sociology $61,463
- 8. Accounting and Related Services $60,763
- 9. Psychology, General $59,951
- 10. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology $58,931
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $110,607
- 2. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree) $104,359
- 3. Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degree) $74,474
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies (Master's Degree) $70,010
- 5. Education, General (Master's Degree) $63,487
- 6. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $61,342
- 7. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $59,159
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $117,093—99% more than Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology ($58,931). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $110,607 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Mount Saint Mary's University. 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
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree, 67 graduates)
- Education, General (Master's Degree, 31 graduates)
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degree, 29 graduates)
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services (Bachelor's Degree, 27 graduates)
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Graduate/Professional Certificate, 27 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 (40 programs)â–¼
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Social Work
- Political Science and Government
- Sociology
- Psychology, General
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Biology, General
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Marketing
- English Language and Literature, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Public Policy Analysis
- Journalism
- International Business
- History
- Education, General
- Security Science and Technology
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Chemistry
- Music
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Mathematics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Social Sciences, General
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Philosophy
- Geography and Cartography
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Education, Other
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Design and Applied Arts
- Business/Commerce, General
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Area Studies
- Special Education and Teaching
- Publishing
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
Online Master's Degrees (11 programs)â–¼
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Education, General
- Special Education and Teaching
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (3 programs)â–¼
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Special Education and Teaching
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,719
- Full-Time Students 93.7%
- Part-Time Students 6.3%
- Male Students 7.9%
- Female Students 92.1%
- Caucasian 8.0%
- Asian 18.0%
- Hispanic 57.5%
- Black 6.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients 57.1%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Mount Saint Mary's University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Mount Saint Mary's University's undergraduate population. Women make up 92.1% of the student body, while men represent 7.9%.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Mount Saint Mary's University 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 Mount Saint Mary's University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Mount Saint Mary's University has a diverse student body, with 8.0% identifying as White. Women make up 92.1% of undergraduates. 57.1% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Mount Saint Mary's University 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 Mount Saint Mary's University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Mount Saint Mary's University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 78.0% ROI. Ranked #296 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $21,413 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $79,546 median earnings. With 61.9% earning an award within eight years of entry and 71.1% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Mount Saint Mary's University's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #296 ranking, Mount Saint Mary's University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $21,413 annually, Mount Saint Mary's University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 71.1% 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 $14,989 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 78.0% ROI and $79,546 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $11,413+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Mount Saint Mary's University ranks #296 of 1962 institutions, with 590 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
- 61.9% graduation rate sits 0.6 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 71.1% first-year retention is 5.7 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 78.0% return on investment is 28.1 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $79,546 run about 32% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $21,413 is roughly $1,334 higher than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 8:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 71.1% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 92.5% employment rate within three years sits 24.3 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $21,413 is about $1,334 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
Mount Saint Mary's University is a private nonprofit university based in Los Angeles, CA and earns a B+ overall grade. It stands at #296 among 1962 schools Category results include Completion (C), Support (B+), Career Outcomes (B), and Affordability (C+).
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.
About 71.1% of first-year students return, and roughly 61.9% earn an award within eight years of entry. EDsmart calculates the ROI at 78.0%, 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 $21,413 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $66,726.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $45,313 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $25,949 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 57.1% 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
Graduates report median earnings of about $79,546 four years after graduation. This is roughly 32% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
The three-year employment rate is close to 92.5%.
The ROI comes in near 78.0%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
73.1% 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 Mount Saint Mary's University 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
Similar Schools
Institutions with similar academic profiles, selectivity, and outcomes
Nearby Schools
Other campuses you might consider
Other California campuses you might consider
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mount Saint Mary's University's acceptance rate?
Mount Saint Mary's University's acceptance rate is 73.1%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Mount Saint Mary's University cost?
At Mount Saint Mary's University, listed tuition and fees are $49,564 per year, and the average net price after aid is $21,413. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Mount Saint Mary's University's ranking?
Mount Saint Mary's University ranks #296 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Mount Saint Mary's University's graduation rate?
At Mount Saint Mary's University, the graduation rate is 61.9%, and first-year retention is 71.1%.
What are Mount Saint Mary's University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Mount Saint Mary's University report median earnings of $79,546 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Mount Saint Mary's University's student population?
Mount Saint Mary's University enrolls about 1,719 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Los Angeles, CA 90049-1599
- Website www.msmu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Endowment$160.2M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate45.8%