St. Mary's University
St. Mary's University has an acceptance rate of 97.8%, annual tuition of $37,434, average net price of $21,145, and a national rank of #729 (Grade B), with a 58.9% graduation rate within 150% of normal time, about 1,951 undergraduates, and median earnings of $58,545 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
St. Mary's University is a private nonprofit university in San Antonio, TX. Students most often pursue Finance and Financial Management Services and Accounting and Related Services.
Academically, students benefit from a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, and 73.0% first-year retention. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 63.8%, roughly 13.9 points higher than typical outcomes. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is St. 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
St. Mary's University graduates 58.9% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 57.9% and keeps 73.0% 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 St. 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 | $37,434 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,300 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,894 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,100 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $47,999 |
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 38.6% of St. Mary's University 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 $18,352 to $24,649 depending on family income. Use St. Mary's University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $22,331/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $24,649/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $58,545
- 10-Year Median Earnings $56,955
- Average Years to Graduate 4.3 years
- Average Student Debt $25,563
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 53.3%
- Employment Rate 90.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for St. 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.
St. Mary's University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how St. Mary's University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes St. Mary's University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: St. Mary's University graduates earn $58,545 median four years after graduation, -3% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 465-665
- SAT Math 435-645
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 15-27
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,951
- Full-Time Students 97.4%
- Part-Time Students 2.6%
- Retention Rate 73.0%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 58.9%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 57.9%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 11:1
How to Get Into St. Mary's University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: St. 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 97.8%, St. 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 97.8% acceptance rate, St. Mary's University 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 900 and 1310 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among St. Mary's University undergraduates. Social Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Economics represent the largest concentrations of students.
- Psychology, General 8.5%
- Biology, General 8.0%
- Political Science and Government 7.6%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 7.2%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 5.7%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 5.3%
See more majors
- Marketing 4.7%
- Computer Engineering 4.4%
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. Finance and Financial Management Services $83,119
- 2. Accounting and Related Services $81,824
- 3. International Relations and National Security Studies $58,487
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Political Science and Government $57,741
- 5. Biology, General $56,849
- 6. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $56,554
- 7. Communication and Media Studies $54,049
- 8. Psychology, General $52,812
- 9. Business Administration, Management and Operations $50,255
- 10. Marketing $46,438
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. International Relations and National Security Studies (Master's Degree) $88,214
- 2. Law (First Professional Degree) $87,931
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $69,022
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $57,606
- 5. Law (Master's Degree) $45,738
- 6. Public Administration (Master's Degree) $45,166
- 7. Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degree) $41,496
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Finance and Financial Management Services grads earn $83,119—79% more than Marketing ($46,438). Graduate: International Relations and National Security Studies programs lead with $88,214 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for St. 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
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 45 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 42 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree, 42 graduates)
- Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degree, 40 graduates)
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 38 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 (38 programs)▼
- Psychology, General
- Biology, General
- Political Science and Government
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Marketing
- Computer Engineering
- Criminology
- Industrial Engineering
- Communication and Media Studies
- Mathematics
- Security Science and Technology
- Accounting and Related Services
- English Language and Literature, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Computer Science
- International/Global Studies
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Music
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Philosophy
- International Business
- History
- Engineering Science
- Physics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Sociology
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Economics
- Chemistry
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Online Master's Degrees (16 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Systems Engineering
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Public Administration
- Industrial Engineering
- History
- English Language and Literature, General
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer Science
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Legal Professions and Studies, Other
- Communication and Media Studies
Online Doctoral Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (3 programs)▼
- History
- Design and Applied Arts
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (2 programs)▼
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,951
- Full-Time Students 97.4%
- Part-Time Students 2.6%
- Male Students 39.8%
- Female Students 60.2%
- Caucasian 10.3%
- Asian 1.1%
- Hispanic 53.5%
- Black 2.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients 38.6%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects St. Mary's University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of St. Mary's University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does St. 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 St. Mary's University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: St. Mary's University has a diverse student body, with 10.3% identifying as White. Women make up 60.2% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does St. 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 St. Mary's University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
St. Mary's University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 63.8% ROI. Ranked #729 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $21,145 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $58,545 median earnings. With 58.9% graduating within 150% of normal time and 73.0% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: St. Mary's University's Positioning
With a B grade and #729 ranking, St. Mary's University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $21,145 annually, St. Mary's University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 73.0% 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 $14,801 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 63.8% ROI and $58,545 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $11,145+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: St. Mary's University ranks #729 of 1947 institutions, with 939 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
- 58.9% graduation rate sits 3.6 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 73.0% first-year retention is 3.8 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 63.8% return on investment is 13.9 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $58,545 run about 3% lower than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $21,145 is roughly $1,066 higher than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 73.0% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 90.5% employment rate within three years sits 22.3 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $21,145 is about $1,066 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 St. Mary's University—a private nonprofit university in San Antonio, TX—at B overall. It stands at #729 among 1962 schools Grades by category break down as Completion B, 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.
About 73.0% of first-year students return; 58.9% graduate within 150% of normal time, with an 8-year award rate of 57.9%. The reported ROI is 63.8%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
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 $21,145 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $47,999.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $26,854 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $25,563 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 38.6% 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 $58,545 four years after graduation. That sits about 3% below the national median.
The three-year employment rate is close to 90.5%.
Plan around an ROI of about 63.8% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
97.8% 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 St. 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 Texas campuses you might consider
Frequently Asked Questions
What is St. Mary's University's acceptance rate?
St. Mary's University's acceptance rate is 97.8%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does St. Mary's University cost?
At St. Mary's University, listed tuition and fees are $37,434 per year, and the average net price after aid is $21,145. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is St. Mary's University's ranking?
St. Mary's University ranks #729 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is St. Mary's University's graduation rate?
At St. Mary's University, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 58.9% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 57.9%, and first-year retention is 73.0%.
What are St. Mary's University's job outcomes?
Graduates of St. Mary's University report median earnings of $58,545 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is St. Mary's University's student population?
St. Mary's University enrolls about 1,951 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address San Antonio, TX 78228
- Website www.stmarytx.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$235.4M