Just for Parents

St. Mary's College of Maryland is the nation's premier public liberal arts college. We're ranked among the top 10% of colleges in the nation by The Princeton Review in 2005. The state legislature designated us Maryland's honors college in recognition of the quality of our students, faculty and curriculum.

The St. Mary's Difference

St. Mary's is different, and not for everyone. We're an honors college, as opposed to an honors program. We attract independent thinkers who are more into improving themselves than going through the motions. For those ready to accept the challenge, we offer what it takes to reach their goals.

The Facts

• A 90% retention rate - the highest graduation rate of any public institution of higher education in MD.
• An exceptional faculty - 98% with doctoral degrees, many Fulbright scholars.
• National recognition for student research - from faculty projects that students can join in their first year.
• Exceptional study-abroad programs - guided by professors dedicated to bridging cultures and countries.
• All St. Mary's students - regardless of gender, race or ethnicity graduate at the same rate.
• More than 50% of recent alumni go on to professional or graduate schools.
• 66% of alumni seeking employment have secured a position directly related to their major within 4 months of graduation.
• In the last four years, 50 out of 55 students who applied to medical school were accepted.

Tuition & Aid

"Public" means we're devoted to accessibility, diversity and affordability. Financial aid generally involves a combination of need-based grants, loans, and employment as well as academic scholarships. Packages may combine federal, state, and college sources of aid. St. Mary's attempts to meet the full financial need of all students through a combination of aid.

Our priority is to ensure that no student accepted to St. Mary's is prevented from attending due to finances.

Merit scholarships are given to recognize accomplishments and to encourage those who show exceptional promise.

Don't Neglect the FAFSA! All students who are accepted at St. Mary's and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are automatically considered for federal, state, and St. Mary's financial assistance programs. Complete the FAFSA even if you're not sure your family will qualify for need-based aid.

File the FAFSA on the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov

Questions?

If you have other questions you can ask a question of one of our counselors.

You can also get The Parent's Guide, an overview for parents with information on everything from Financial Aid to Selecting a College.

Your son or daughter has already come so far. A St. Mary's education will mean the success you dream of for him or her in ways you may never have imagined.

Office of Admissions
18952 E. Fisher Road
St. Mary's City, MD 20686
800-492-7181
admissions@smcm.edu