Mount Saint Mary's University

About Mount Saint Mary's University

Mount Saint Mary's University occupies two campuses in Los Angeles: the historic main campus in the Brentwood hills and a downtown campus in the Doheny area. This is a Catholic women's university, one of few remaining single-sex institutions on the West Coast, founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in 1925. About 1,750 undergraduates attend, creating an intimate academic community. The Chalon campus sits on 56 acres in the Santa Monica Mountains, with stunning views of the Los Angeles basin. The location feels removed from the sprawling city below, offering a residential campus experience unusual for urban Los Angeles. The Doheny campus provides additional academic and graduate program facilities closer to downtown. What distinguishes Mount Saint Mary's is the combination of women-centered education, Catholic values, and Los Angeles location. The university emphasizes developing confident women leaders, and graduates speak of the supportive community that shaped their growth. For young women seeking a small college experience within reach of a major metropolitan area, this offers something distinctive.

Mount Saint Mary's admits about 69% of applicants, making it moderately selective. As a women's university, only women are admitted to undergraduate programs. The application considers academic record, essays, activities, and potential contribution to the community. Test-optional policies allow students to apply without SAT or ACT scores, though strong scores can strengthen applications and scholarship consideration. High school GPA and course rigor carry significant weight. The admissions team looks for students who will engage with the university's mission of developing women leaders. Campus visits are encouraged, and demonstrated interest can help applications. The small admissions staff provides personal attention throughout the process. Early Action offers non-binding early notification. Transfer students are welcomed, with many arriving from local community colleges. The university actively recruits at California community colleges and has articulation agreements facilitating transfer. International students attend but are a smaller portion of the population.

Academic programs span traditional liberal arts, sciences, and professional fields, with particular strength in nursing, education, and health sciences. The nursing program has built a strong reputation in southern California, producing graduates who find employment at major hospitals throughout the region. The film and media studies program takes advantage of proximity to the entertainment industry. Class sizes average around 15 students, allowing for discussion-based learning and individual attention. Faculty know students by name and often serve as mentors beyond the classroom. The all-women environment allows for classroom dynamics different from co-educational settings, with students speaking of increased confidence in participation. The core curriculum reflects Catholic educational traditions, requiring courses in philosophy, theology, and ethics. Students need not be Catholic, but should be comfortable with religious perspectives informing education. Community service is emphasized, connecting academic learning to practical application. Research opportunities exist even at this small scale, with undergraduate participation in faculty projects possible in sciences and humanities. The Doheny campus houses the Center for Humanities, providing intellectual programming that connects with Los Angeles cultural institutions.

Key Highlights

• Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
• Located in a major metropolitan area with excellent opportunities
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

The Chalon campus provides a residential experience where most students live in halls or apartments. The hilltop setting creates a distinct community, with dining, recreation, and study spaces contained within the campus. Shuttle service connects to the Doheny campus and public transportation. There are no intercollegiate athletics in the traditional sense, though club sports and fitness programs exist. The focus is on academic and personal development rather than spectator sports. Student organizations include academic clubs, cultural groups, service organizations, and arts programs. Being an all-women's environment shapes social life in ways students report as both challenging and liberating. Dating happens off campus, through connections with UCLA, USC, and other area schools. Many students appreciate the women-focused space for academic work while enjoying Los Angeles social options. The Catholic identity influences campus life through Mass, service programs, and ethical reflection, though students of all faiths attend. Weekend activities include trips to the beach, concerts, museums, and the endless entertainment options of greater Los Angeles.

Location & Surroundings

Los Angeles hardly needs introduction as one of the world's most famous cities. The Chalon campus sits in the Brentwood neighborhood, near the Getty Center and accessible to the Westside's cultural amenities. The hilltop location provides peace while remaining minutes from urban activity. Beaches are about 20 minutes away. Hollywood is perhaps 30 minutes depending on traffic. The entertainment, arts, and cultural offerings of Los Angeles provide endless exploration. Students interested in film, television, media, or arts find themselves in the industry's capital. Traffic is a reality, and many students find having a car helpful though not essential. Shuttles and public transit provide some mobility, but Los Angeles remains a car city. Rideshare services fill gaps for students without vehicles. Weather is the stereotypical southern California climate: warm and dry most of the year, with mild winters and little rain. The campus elevation provides slightly cooler temperatures than the valley floors. Students from colder climates appreciate the ability to study outdoors much of the year.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Tuition runs around $45,000 annually, with room and board adding roughly $15,000 for residential students. Total cost of attendance approaches $62,000 before financial aid. The majority of students receive aid that significantly reduces this figure. Merit scholarships reward strong academic performance, with some awards substantial. Need-based aid packages combine grants, loans, and work-study. The university works to make attendance accessible to qualified students regardless of family means. Career outcomes benefit from Los Angeles location and alumni connections. Nursing graduates find positions at hospitals throughout southern California. Education majors enter teaching positions in local districts. Communication and media students tap into entertainment industry internships and entry-level positions. The alumni network is particularly strong in Los Angeles, with graduates helping current students navigate internship and job searches. Career services provides personalized support given the small student body. Graduate school placement is solid, with students continuing to law school, medical school, and various master's programs. The nursing program produces candidates for graduate nursing education. The women's college network connects Mount Saint Mary's with sister institutions across the country.