St. Mary's University logo

St. Mary's University

San Antonio, TX Private Non-profit ยท Urban www.stmarytx.edu
Accept Rate
88.95%
Grad Rate
57.4%
Enrollment
1,911
Avg SAT
989
Tuition
$36,242
Median Salary
$56,955
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
B+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C+
Aid

The Vibe Check

St. Mary's University offers a close-knit, Marianist community feel where students are known by name, not just by number. The campus feels like a supportive family environment with a strong emphasis on character development and service. It's a place where you can build deep relationships with peers and professors in the heart of a bustling city.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

88.95%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 98975th Pctl
9801150
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctl75th Pctl
1623
1122436

Admissions Tips

1. Emphasize your alignment with St. Mary's mission of service and community in your personal essay, as they value character as much as academics. 2. With an 88.95% acceptance rate, don't be afraid to apply even if your test scores are around the 989 SAT average; they take a holistic review. 3. Highlight any leadership or volunteer experience, as the university strongly values community engagement.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
989
40080012001600
School range: 980โ€“1150

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

The university is renowned for its Business & Marketing and Engineering programs, blending theory with practical application. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, teaching is highly interactive and focused on mentorship. Students have access to undergraduate research opportunities across disciplines, from biology labs to social science projects.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
25%
Social Sciences
11.6%
Psychology
10.2%
Criminal Justice
10%
Biology & Biomedical
9.1%
Engineering
5.7%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
4.3%
English & Literature
3.9%
Communications
2.9%
Visual & Performing Arts
2.7%
Computer Science
2.3%
Multidisciplinary Studies
2.3%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

57.4%
Graduation Rate
67.5%
Retention Rate
1,911
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$36,242
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$21,352
After financial aid
Total Cost
$46,368
Cost of attendance/year
42%
Receive Pell Grants
52.2%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in San Antonio

San Antonio offers a vibrant cultural scene with the famous River Walk, diverse food trucks, and the historic Alamo just minutes away. Students enjoy exploring the city's many festivals, cheering on the Spurs, and taking advantage of the city's growing tech and business hubs for internships.

Local Rent Check

$1,197 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in San Antonio
Explore San Antonio

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$144,968
$0Est. 4 Years: $144,968

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($56,955):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a safe, established neighborhood and maintains its own campus police force with 24/7 patrols. The surrounding city of San Antonio is generally safe, but like any urban area, students are advised to stay aware of their surroundings.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong, supportive community with a low student-to-faculty ratio
  • โœ“ Excellent programs in Business, Engineering, and the Sciences
  • โœ“ Prime location in San Antonio with ample internship and job opportunities
  • โœ“ High acceptance rate makes it accessible for many students

Cons

  • โœ— The 57.4% graduation rate is below the national average
  • โœ— The 67.5% retention rate suggests some students transfer out
  • โœ— The 10-year median earnings are modest compared to some larger public universities

Notable Alumni

Henry Cisneros
Former Mayor of San Antonio and U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
Jesse L. Butler
Retired United States District Judge for the Western District of Texas.
Carmen T. Lomas Garza
Nationally recognized artist known for her work depicting Mexican-American life.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Mary's University is known for its strong Marianist identity that emphasizes community, service, and whole-person education. Academically, it is recognized for its top-tier programs in Business & Marketing, Engineering, and the Social Sciences. The university fosters a close-knit, supportive environment where students receive personalized attention from faculty.

detailed answer with stats

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detailed answer about ROI

Similar Universities

Top Employers

USAA H-E-B Valero Energy Whataburger San Antonio Independent School District
Smart Start Score
60

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private Non-profit
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 2,340
  • In-State Tuition $36,242
  • Zip Code 78228

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 40.7% โ™€ 59.3%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $21,352, St. Mary's is more affordable than its sticker price suggests, especially with 42% of students receiving Pell Grants. The 10-year median earnings of $56,955 for graduates indicate a solid return on investment, particularly for top majors like Business and Engineering. For many, the combination of financial aid and strong post-grad earnings makes it a worthwhile investment.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $36,242
Housing (12 mo) $14,364
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $57,806
With avg financial aid:
$21,352/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.