Cost and Aid at St. Mary’s University
Your Journey to St. Mary’s
The Value of a St. Mary’s Education
At St. Mary’s University, the cost of attending is priced below the average for top-rated independent regional universities. The estimated St. Mary’s University Cost of Attendance, also referred to as the student budget, is our best approximation of what each student at St. Mary’s will need each year. A standard student budget is assigned to every enrolled student. It is important to keep in mind that more than 90% of our incoming freshmen receive some sort of financial aid.
Before you arrive on campus and throughout your time here, the Office of Financial Assistance is here to help you and your family every step of the way.
What is the cost to attend St. Mary’s?
The cost of attending St. Mary’s varies as determined by factors such as selections for housing, course fees and meal plans. Note that these annual costs are estimates. The University charges tuition and fees on a semester basis, not annually. Find more information here about tuition and costs, including a breakdown of fees.
Education is, for me, the key to economic mobility. It opens so many different doors.”
Laura Cabanilla (B.A. ’01)
Undergraduate Estimated Costs
| Resident* | Commuter | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $37,284 | $37,284 |
| Fees | $1,386 | $1,386 |
| Housing** | $8,064 | $2,500 |
| Food | $5,278 | $1,500 |
| Books | $1,300 | $1,300 |
| Personal | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| Transportation*** | $1,100 | $1,000 |
| Loan Fees | $68 | $68 |
| Total | $56,480 | $47,038 |
*Or off-campus, not living with parents or a relative. If you don’t live with parents or a relative, contact the Office of Financial Assistance.
** Housing is based on higher of median/average.
*** Out-of-state students transportation is $2,100.
2025-2026 Estimated Undergraduate Annual Cost of Attendance
| Resident* | Commuter | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $36,198 | $36,198 |
| Fees | $1,236 | $1,236 |
| Housing** | $7,770 | $2,500 |
| Food | $5,124 | $1,500 |
| Books | $1,300 | $1,300 |
| Personal | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| Transportation*** | $1,100 | $1,000 |
| Total | $54,728 | $45,734 |
*Or off-campus, not living with parents or a relative. If you don’t live with parents or a relative, contact the Office of Financial Assistance.
** Housing is based on higher of median/average.
*** Out-of-state students transportation is $2,100.
2024-2025 Estimated Undergraduate Annual Cost of Attendance
Graduate Estimated Costs
| Living On or Off Campus | |
|---|---|
| Tuition (9 hours/term) and Fees | $20,988 |
| Fees | $1,498 |
| Housing | $12,492 |
| Food | $5,278 |
| Books | $1,300 |
| Personal | $3,540 |
| Transportation | $2,568 |
| Loan Fees | $216 |
| Total | $47,880 |
2025-2026 Estimated Graduate Annual Cost of Attendance
| Living On or Off Campus | |
|---|---|
| Tuition (9 hours/term) and Fees | $20,376 |
| Fees | $1,350 |
| Housing | $9,500 |
| Food | $4,830 |
| Books | $1,300 |
| Personal | $3,540 |
| Transportation | $2,568 |
| Total | $43,464 |
2024-2025 Estimated Graduate Annual Cost of Attendance
Did you know?
Compared to other Texas colleges and universities, St. Mary’s University provides an education that ranks highly on its return on investment to students, according to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. The value of students’ investment in their education at St. Mary’s increases dramatically over time. Evaluating the investment 40 years from today earns St. Mary’s a spot among the top 15% of schools studied.
Financial Aid
The Office of Financial Assistance connects students and families with the financial resources required to finance a St. Mary’s education. Our staff works personally with students and their families to explain available options and help them to choose the best methods to meet the cost of attendance.
Financial Aid Basics
The theory underlying the financial aid system is that parents and students contribute to the cost of college attendance to the extent they are able. If they are unable to contribute the entire amount, financial aid is available to meet the remaining cost.
The basic formula to determine financial aid eligibility or need is:
Cost of Attendance – Student Aid Index = Financial Need
Keep in mind, students from families of all income levels can demonstrate financial need based upon their particular circumstances. Most students who apply are eligible.
Get to Know our Budgeting Resources
The staff of St. Mary’s University is committed to helping prospective students and their families understand their financial options and provide resources on how to budget and plan for their college education.
Tuition and Fees
At St. Mary’s University, an affordable and valuable education matters. We believe in keeping our costs and tuition transparent to all students and offer competitive pricing for a private liberal arts education.
The tuition and fees outlined in each schedule outline the actual charges that a student will incur from the institution in a given academic term. To view tuition and fees for the current and upcoming academic year visit the Tuition and Fees page.
Did you know?
The Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities found that Catholic institutions offer students a higher return on investment (ROI) just 10 years after degree completion than other private and liberal arts colleges, outpacing them by at least $15,000. Then, just five years later, Catholic colleges began to increase their lead in ROI over all other types of institutions, including public colleges and universities. The Catholic edge becomes pronounced in the long term (40 years after degree completion), showing the highest median ROI among all types of higher education institutions — 16% higher than private nonprofit universities and 27% higher than public institutions.
Find Hands-On Services That Will Prepare You for Success
Our highest priority is to provide a well-rounded academic experience for all of our students. As a Marianist university, we educate the whole person — spirit, mind and body. Our students find that all of the support they receive while as a student and beyond adds to the unbeatable value of a St. Mary’s education.
Preview our Campus Resources
At. St. Mary’s University, we understand that our students may experience challenges that impact their academic performance. We are committed to your success as a student and offer a suite of services to assist in whatever way we can. No matter what you’re facing, there is someone at St. Mary’s who is here to help.
Questions?
For any questions you or your family may have, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you.
Office of Admission
Chaminade Tower
Text us: 210-526-0796
Call us: 210-436-3126
uadm@stmarytx.eduOffice of Graduate Admission
210-436-3126
graduate@stmarytx.edu
Chaminade TowerOffice of Financial Assistance
St. Louis Hall, Room 301
210-436-3141
finaid@stmarytx.edu