Saint Mary's College of California Campus

2025 admissions data

Saint Mary's College of California Acceptance Rate

How Hard Is It to Get In?

A straight answer: 88.6% acceptance rate.

This means for every 100 applicants, only 89 actually get in. No guessing. Saint Mary's College of California is a UNIV institution located in Moraga, CA — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.

Saint Mary's College of California could be a great fit for students who value close faculty engagement and a personalized liberal arts education in a smaller setting. If you're seeking an environment where you can connect deeply with professors and fellow students, this college's relatively low student-faculty ratio and intimate class sizes offer that opportunity. The trade-off might be perceived limited program diversity compared to larger institutions. Students who thrive in large lecture environments or those looking for a wide variety of STEM options might find the college's offerings a bit constrained; the focus is primarily on liberal arts and business. However, if you're drawn to disciplines like Psychology, Communication, or Business Administration, you'll enjoy an enriching experience.

Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)

Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:

Men

88.0%

Acceptance Rate

Women

89.0%

Acceptance Rate

If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.

Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters

This is where the reality hits:

Applied

4,309

Admitted

3,816

🎓

Yield Rate: N/A

This shows how many admitted students choose Saint Mary's College of California. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.

What Scores Do You Need?

If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.

SAT Score Range

MathN/A

ReadingN/A

ACT Score Range

EnglishN/A

MathN/A

Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.

How to Interpret the Saint Mary's College of California Acceptance Rate the Right Way

Searching for the Saint Mary's College of California acceptance rate is often the first step students take when researching admissions. While the number itself is easy to find, interpreting it correctly takes a bit more nuance. Acceptance rates are averages, and averages rarely tell personal stories.

At Saint Mary's College of California, an acceptance rate of 88.6% reflects a wide mix of applicants—some highly prepared, some just beginning to explore college options. This makes the number useful for context, but unreliable as a predictor of individual outcomes.

What Drives Acceptance Rates at Universities Like Saint Mary's College of California

One major factor behind acceptance rates is applicant volume. When more students apply without fully meeting academic expectations, acceptance rates tend to rise. That doesn’t necessarily mean the university is lowering standards—it often means the applicant pool is broader.

At the same time, program-level demand plays a big role. Certain majors at Saint Mary's College of California may be far more competitive than others, which means students applying to those programs experience a different admissions reality than the overall acceptance rate suggests.

Why Students Misjudge Their Chances

Many students assume a higher acceptance rate means admissions are straightforward. In reality, admissions decisions are contextual. Coursework rigor, academic consistency, and clarity of goals often matter more than the headline acceptance rate.

The smartest way to use the acceptance rate at Saint Mary's College of California is as a planning signal. It helps students understand competitiveness at a high level, but real admissions outcomes depend on how well an applicant’s profile aligns with the university’s priorities.

Admissions Insight

One non-obvious feature that significantly impacts student outcomes at Saint Mary's College is the robust advising model that is integrated into the curriculum. With three mandatory Collegiate Seminar courses tailored for all undergraduates, students engage in a structured advising process that encourages them to think critically about their academic paths and potential career trajectories. This approach not only enhances students’ understanding of their chosen fields but also plays a vital role in their academic success and personal development. Close interaction with faculty during these seminars fosters deeper relationships, allowing students to receive nuanced guidance tailored to their aspirations. This structure contrasts sharply with colleges that adopt a more hands-off approach to advising, where students might feel lost navigating their major options. Moreover, Saint Mary’s emphasizes holistic education, which integrates personal growth alongside academic development. This means students are often encouraged to explore extracurricular pursuits that align with their educational goals and values, effectively broadening their skill sets beyond just textbook knowledge. The combination of structured advising and strong faculty relationships can lead to higher student satisfaction, retention, and timely graduation rates. The mentoring relationships formed in these settings often prove invaluable in helping students transition into their professional lives, showcasing the true worth of this close-knit educational framework. Students who seek an environment that prioritizes collaborative learning and meaningful mentorship will likely benefit significantly, while those who may prefer less structured environments might feel restrictive. Understanding this aspect can help prospective students make informed choices about their educational priorities and expectations.

Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?

Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.

Application Fee: $60

Fee Waiver Available: Yes

Application Portal: https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/undergraduate-admissions/apply-now

Your Chances of Getting Into Saint Mary's College of California

Let’s keep it real:

✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles

If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.

What's my real shot?

Acceptance Odds Estimator

Estimate your admission probability at Saint Mary's College of California based on your unique profile.

GPA

Test Score (SAT/ACT)

Extracurriculars

Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.

Try Right Fit Matcher

What Prospective Students Should Take Away from Admissions Data

At some point, admissions research needs to turn into decisions. Numbers alone don’t make that easier—but interpretation does. For students considering Saint Mary's College of California, the most important takeaway is not whether admissions are competitive in general, but whether the school aligns with their goals and preparation.

Admissions data reflects past cycles, not future guarantees. Changes in applicant interest, program demand, and institutional priorities all influence outcomes year to year.

Turning Information into Confidence

Students who use admissions data as context rather than judgment tend to feel more confident in their application strategies. They understand where competition may be stronger, where they are well-positioned, and how to balance ambition with realism.

If Saint Mary's College of California fits your academic direction and learning preferences, then admissions data should guide preparation—not discourage effort. The most successful applicants are often those who focus less on perceived difficulty and more on fit and readiness.

Should You Apply to Saint Mary's College of California?

If 88.6% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.

Will I be a standout here?
Do I like the vibe?
Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
Is this my best-fit major here?

Explore Saint Mary's College of California

Jump to related stats for this same university.

Admissions Overview

Requirements, deadlines & funnel

ACT Scores

Percentiles, ranges, and what’s competitive

FAQs About Saint Mary's College of California Acceptance Rate

What is the student-faculty ratio at Saint Mary's College?

The student-faculty ratio at Saint Mary's College ranges from 9:1 to 13:1, allowing for smaller classes and more individualized attention from instructors.

What are the most popular majors?

The most popular majors at Saint Mary's College include Business Administration, Psychology, and Communication, attracting students interested in these dynamic fields.

How large are the classes?

On average, classes at Saint Mary's College have around 19 students, with 63% of classes having between 2 and 19 students, fostering a more personalized learning environment.

Is Saint Mary's College test-optional?

The test policy at Saint Mary's College is currently unknown, so prospective students should check directly with admissions for the latest information.

What is the average class size?

The average class size at Saint Mary's College is about 19 students, which provides a focused learning experience and encourages student participation.

Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual

Saint Mary's College of California isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.

Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.

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