Saint Mary’s is Known for Transforming Lives.
But don’t take our word for it. Saint Mary’s consistently rates high in awards of distinction from US News and World Report, The Princeton Review, Money Magazine, and others.
No. 1 (tie) Top Private Regional University
Saint Mary’s College of California has been named the No. 1 private institution among regional universities in the West in the 2027 US News & World Report Best Colleges rankings.
Saint Mary’s tied for the top position in the Top Private Schools – Regional Universities (West) category and ranked No. 3 overall among all public and private regional universities in the West. The College also earned high marks for value and for its service to veterans. These top-tier accolades mark the highest recognition yet for the College in the annual US News rankings.
No. 3 (tie)
Regional Universities (West)
No. 10
Best Colleges for Veterans – Regional Universities (West)
No. 8
Best Value – Regional Universities (West)
A College That Changes Lives
Saint Mary's College of California earns a special place in the prestigious guidebook Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges. The publication is widely recognized as essential reading for college-bound students—and valued by discerning parents—for the way it identifies colleges that offer life-transforming educational experiences. Saint Mary's is the only Catholic college and the first California college—and the only Division I university—included in this select list.
A Highly Ranked College
Best Fit for Undergraduates
The Princeton Review
The Best 392 Colleges: 2027 Edition
Best Colleges in the Country
Money Magazine, 2026
Top 5% for Earning Potential
Payscale.com, 2024
Top 3% Among Master’s Universities in the U.S.
Washington Monthly, 2025
Featured Green College
The Princeton Review, Guide to Green Colleges, 2026
Quick Facts
Type: Private Liberal Arts
Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic Lasallian
Founded Year: 1863
Location: Moraga, California—in the heart of San Francisco’s East Bay
Total Enrollment:
- Undergraduate Students: 1,973
- Graduate Students: 742
Alumni: 56,741
Graduate & Professional Studies Programs: 36
Undergraduate Programs: 140+
Professors who know your name
Student to Faculty Ratio 11:1
At Saint Mary's, learning is personal. Our 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio means discussion-driven classes, professors who hold real office hours, and mentors who help you find research, internships, and your next step. It's the Lasallian tradition in practice: education built around each student.
Division I
Athletics: 22 Teams…
…and the only Division I school in the country to win back-to-back conference championships in Baseball, Softball, and Men’s Basketball
| Mens Division 1 Athletics | Women's Division 1 Athletics |
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Hispanic-Serving Institution
Since 2015, Saint Mary’s has earned the distinction of being a federally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), with more than 25% of SMC students of Latinx or Hispanic descent.
Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution
As a designated Asian American Native American Pacific Islander–Serving Institution (AANAPISI), Saint Mary’s is helping to empower generations of underserved students.
Colleges That Change Lives Institution
Saint Mary's College of California is the only Catholic college and the only California college in the history of the prestigious college guide.
A Diverse Campus Community
A campus that reflects the world
Over 55% of Saint Mary’s students are students of color, representing a wide range of racial and ethnic backgrounds. The College fosters a welcoming, diverse community through student-led clubs, affinity groups, cultural programming, and more.
A proud Hispanic-Serving Institution
One third of Saint Mary’s students identify as Hispanic or Latino, and the College invests in resources that reflect and support this vibrant community.
Opening doors for first-generation students
More than a quarter of Saint Mary’s students are first-generation college students, reflecting the College’s Lasallian mission to provide an excellent education to those who might not otherwise have access to one.
A balanced campus community
Saint Mary’s student body is 60% women and 39% men, creating a community where a range of voices and perspectives shape the classroom and campus life.
Drawing students from around the world
76 international students have chosen Saint Mary’s for its rigorous academics and its home in the San Francisco Bay Area, one of the world’s most dynamic regions.
A close-knit campus
Where community feels like home
Two-thirds of Saint Mary’s undergraduates live on campus, where shared residence halls, dining, and events turn classmates into lifelong friends and make it easy to connect with faculty and peers.
Find your people
96 campus clubs give every Saint Mary’s student a place to connect, lead, and pursue what they love.
Club Sports
Whether you are a student who enjoys the excitement of learning something new, or you are a top-tier athlete who strives to remain competitive while at Saint Mary’s, the Club Sports program offers a great place to connect. From repeat national champion Men’s Rugby to Women’s Lacrosse and co-ed tennis, teamwork is a big part of the Gael community.
13
Active Club Sports
346
Club Sport Athletes
18
Rugby USA National Team Players
