Saint Mary’s College of California is a private liberal arts college known for its strong commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and community service. Located in the picturesque hills of Moraga, near San Francisco, Saint Mary’s offers a vibrant academic environment with a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The college emphasizes a personalized education with small classes, ensuring students have a hands-on approach to learning.
Why Study at Saint Mary’s College of California?
Have an unforgettable college experience — Located just 20 miles from San Francisco, Saint Mary’s College stands out as the only Californian campus featured in the prestigious annual Colleges That Change Lives publication. Known for its academic excellence, Saint Mary’s is ranked among the top four Colleges in the West (U.S. News & World Report, 2024), and is in the top 25% of all national universities in the US (Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education).
Pursue lucrative careers post-graduation — According to Payscale, Saint Mary’s ranks in the top 6% of national universities for earning potential, offering graduates a great return on their academic investment. Recognized for its quality, affordability, and student outcomes, Saint Mary’s is also included in Money magazine’s Best Colleges 2024.
Engage with a diverse campus community — Saint Mary’s highly values diversity, encouraging students to develop global viewpoints, and is one of the few schools recognized by the U.S. Department of State as both a 2023 Fulbright Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Leader, as well as a Fulbright Top Producing Institution for US scholars.
Accolades for Saint Mary’s College of California
U.S. News & World Report, 2024
#4 in Regional Universities West (tie)
Top 2 Among Peers in the West Student-to-Faculty Ratio
#26 in Best Value Schools
#38 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)
Money magazine, 2023
Best Colleges in the Country
The Princeton Review, 2023
Top Green College to Live & Study
Among Best 388 Colleges in the US
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education
Top 25% of US Colleges and Universities
GradReports
Top 15 Best Bachelor of Liberal Arts Degrees
Payscale, 2023
Top 6% for Highest Earning Potential
Top 11% Nationwide for Return on College Investment
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
AACSB accreditation (fewer than 6% of US business schools have this)
SOLA/SOS
Top 10% among Master’s Universities in the US
Top Lasallian Master’s University in the country
Colleges of Distinction
One of the Best Colleges Catholic/ Business Programs/Career Development
Colleges That Change Lives
Colleges That Change Lives Distinction
Saint Mary’s College of California’s Degree Programs for International Students
Undergraduate
SCHOOL OF SCIENCE
Computer Science, BS – STEM designated
Dual-Engineering, BA – STEM designated
SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Business Administration - Entrepreneurship, BS
Data Analytics, BA – STEM designated
SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS
Communication - Media Maker, BA – STEM designated
Kinesiology - Sport Management, BA
Browse the full list of degree programs >
Graduate
SCHOOL OF SCIENCE
Biotechnology, MS – STEM designated
SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Management and Technology, MS – STEM designated
Business Analytics, MS – STEM designated
Browse the full list of degree programs >
Saint Mary’s offers rigorous academic programs, an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and experiential learning opportunities, allowing students to engage deeply with their studies, receive personalized attention, and apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
Learn more about Saint Mary’s College of California >
*U.S. News & World Report
