Choosing St. Mary's

As a parent, you want to know you are investing in an educational experience of the highest quality. We encourage you to explore the indicators that speak to quality, because we understand the importance of making an informed decision when choosing a college or university.

We recognize the current economic climate may present a considerable challenge to many of the families interested in St. Mary's University. We encourage families of all income levels to apply for financial assistance. Our aggressive scholarship and aid programs are a reflection of our commitment to keeping private education in the Catholic and Marianist tradition affordable in a tough economy.

• Founded in the Marianist Catholic tradition, St. Mary's offers a caring, community-oriented learning environment. Collaboration, not competition, is our key to student success in and out of the classroom.
• The student-to-faculty ratio at St. Mary's is 13-to-1, and the average class size is 18.
• St. Mary's Service Learning Center places students in community service positions that are appropriate to their particular major, interests, and career goals.
• U.S. News & World Report, in its 2009 edition of "America's Best Colleges," ranked St. Mary's among the top master's-level institutions in the Western United States for best overall value.
• As a freshman living on campus, your son or daughter will live with other freshman students. Together they will make the unique transition to university life, with the support of a residence director, four RAs (resident assistants) and four STARS (Students Together Are Reaching for Success).
• Facilities such as Treadaway Hall and the Albert B. Alkek Business Building are designed to foster student/faculty interaction, with places for students to gather close to faculty offices.
• St. Mary's is recognized by the John Templeton Foundation as a College That Builds Character.
• St. Mary's is the only Catholic university in Texas accredited by AACSB International, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Only 20 percent of business programs in the United States achieve this coveted status.
• The Education Trust, a nonprofit research and advocacy organization, recognized St. Mary's for high graduation rates, citing St. Mary's as a national model of success.
• Listed in the 2008 editions of the The Princeton Review's "Best Business Schools" and "Best Law Schools."
• Among the top in Texas for graduation rates.
• Electrical and industrial engineering programs are accredited by The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
• Member of NCAA Division II and Heartland Conference; home to All-American Scholar athletes.