St. Mary's University

Key Highlights

• Private, nonprofit Catholic and Marianist university founded in 1852
• Institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Authorized to award bachelor's, master's, J.D. and Ph.D. degrees
• Welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds

Student Life & Environment

Campus life combines residential living, student organizations, recreation, athletics, faith-based activities and support services. The university reports more than 80 student organizations, giving students options connected to academic interests, culture, service, leadership, recreation and professional preparation. Fraternity and sorority life, intramural sports and student-run programming provide additional ways to participate. St. Mary's competes in NCAA Division II athletics as a member of the Lone Star Conference. Campus recreation and varsity esports broaden the options for students who want structured competition or informal activity. The Catholic and Marianist character is visible through Mass, confession, retreats, ministry and service opportunities, while participation is not limited to Catholic students. Housing is available in multiple residence halls with different room and bathroom configurations. A material planning rule applies to new undergraduates whose permanent address is outside Bexar County: the university states that they must live on campus. Students should confirm any exemption procedure directly with Residence Life before arranging off-campus housing. Support services include health care, counseling, accessibility services, tutoring or peer coaching, international-student support and career development. The scale and mission create an intentionally community-oriented experience, though students seeking a highly secular or very large residential environment should assess fit through a campus visit.

Location & Surroundings

St. Mary's is located at One Camino Santa Maria on San Antonio's West Side, a short trip from the city's downtown core. San Antonio offers museums, historic districts, arts venues, restaurants and major cultural events, giving students access to experiences beyond campus. The university specifically points to downtown, the King William Historic District and the Blue Star Arts Complex as nearby cultural destinations. The location can support internships, service learning and professional exploration in a large metropolitan economy. Career planning may benefit from the city's mix of health care, government, education, tourism, business and nonprofit activity, although students should investigate opportunities tied to their particular field rather than assume citywide access. Daily mobility deserves practical attention. Prospective residents and commuters should assess travel time, parking costs, public-transport options and whether they will need a car for internships or off-campus work. The residential campus provides dining, activities and core student services, reducing the need for some routine trips. Students deciding between campus and private housing should also account for the university's residency requirement for qualifying new undergraduates.

Costs & Career Outcomes

For 2026-2027, full-time undergraduate tuition covering 12 to 18 credit hours is $19,202 per semester. Required undergraduate charges listed separately include a $50 academic assessment fee, a $468 full-time student-services fee, a $209 full-time information-services fee and a $12 undergraduate study-abroad grant fee per semester. Students should budget beyond tuition for housing, meals, books, transportation, health insurance where applicable, parking and personal expenses. Published 2026-2027 residence-hall prices vary by building and room type. Semester rates shown on the official fee page range from $3,229 for a double room in Treadaway Hall to $4,830 for listed single-room options in Bordeaux or Cremer halls. Residential meal plans are separately priced at $2,384 or $2,718 per semester. These figures apply from August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2027; graduate, Ph.D. and law tuition use different schedules. First-year applicants are encouraged to submit the FAFSA, and the admission page lists March 15 as the financial-assistance priority date for the advertised cycle. Families should use the university's net-price tools and compare an individualized aid offer rather than treating sticker price as expected net cost. Career services include individual coaching, résumé assistance, career exploration, job fairs and access to the Rattler Careers platform. Internships, research, professional organizations and community engagement can add practical experience, but outcomes will vary by program and student choices; the university does not provide current program-level salary or placement results on the sources used here.