The Value of Saint Mary’s

Our graduates develop the skills, knowledge, empathy, and vision to make a difference in the world around them. You will find the education at Saint Mary’s to be a unique path that delivers academic excellence, prepares women leaders, and integrates today’s professional expectations, while providing an environment for students to grow personally, emotionally, and spiritually as they complete their degree.

  • 90% of recent graduates are employed full time, in graduate school or doing service work by a year after graduation
  • 90% of graduates feel Saint Mary’s prepared them well for their current job
  • Ranked in the top 100 National Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News & World Report
  • Ranked #42 in Best Value for National Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News & World Report
  • Ranked #11 in Best Women’s Colleges in America by Niche
  • Top Performer on Social Mobility for National Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News & World Report

We make it affordable for transfer students

All incoming transfer students receive a merit award. These scholarships range from $24,000-$36,000 per academic year, and you will be notified of the merit award you received in your acceptance letter. The maximum number of semesters you will be qualified for merit scholarships will depend on the number of semesters you'll need to graduate based on your credit evaluation.

Incoming transfer students are also guaranteed a Transfer Discovery Scholarship based on the level of their need. These range anywhere from $1,000 - $5,000.

To be considered for additional need-based aid, make sure you complete the FAFSA at fafsa.ed.gov and enter our school code of 001836.

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship

You will be eligible for a $1,500 scholarship if you are a PTK member. This scholarship is renewable each year at Saint Mary's as long as you maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Other Types of Aid

Check Your Progress in the Financial Aid process

Check status

 

+Step 1 (Complete as soon as possible, by March 1)

1. Apply for Admission

2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available beginning October 1.

  • Complete the FAFSA Between October 1st and March 1st
  • Saint Mary's code is 001836.

+Step 2 (Complete by April 1)

Receive the Financial Aid award letter.

  • If the application has been selected for a verification review (see below) the offer will be an estimate of eligibility. A final award letter will be sent once the verification process has been completed.

If requested by Financial Aid, submit the following verification documents no later than April 1:

  • Official tax data from the IRS for both the student and parent(s). There are two ways to get this to us.  Either request Tax Transcripts from the IRS (for both student and parent(s)), or correct the FAFSA by logging back into studentaid.gov and transfering data from the IRS tax returns to the FAFSA.
  • Copies of all W2s (or K-1's, Schedule C) for the student and parent(s).
  • Verification Statements.
  • Log into PRISM to learn what documents have been requested from you. After logging into PRISM, go to the "Financial Aid" tab and then click on "Student Requirements" 

+Step 3 (Complete by July 15)

1. Complete the next steps for Direct and Parent PLUS Loans after May 1st but before July 15th, if applicable​. 

For Federal Direct Student Loans:

  • Log on to PRISM and accept Federal Direct Student Loans
  • Log in to studentaid.gov and complete the Entrance Counseling
  • Log in to studentaid.gov and complete the Loan Agreement for Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan (MPN) 

For Parent PLUS loans:

  • Log in to studentaid.gov, complete the application and submit
  • Log in to studentaid.gov and complete the Loan Agreement for Parent PLUS Loan (MPN)

2. Notify the Financial Aid Office of any other aid the student will receive, if applicable

3. The student will receive the bill for fall semester in July via email to her SMC email account.

  • Make payment arrangements for any remaining balance.
  • Note: This bill is for the fall semester only and does not incorporate spring charges/aid.

4. If needed, sign up for the payment plan by August 1st. It is to your advantage to complete paperwork for all loans and aid (e.g., 529 plans, etc.) before sigining up for a payment plan. 

+Step 4 (Complete by August 30)

Take steps to secure student employment starting August 1.

Available job positions are posted on Handshake on August 1. Job postings continue to be updated throughout the year.  To access Handshake you will need to activate your account by logging in using your Saint Mary’s email address, then follow the prompt/instructions to create a password. 

Once logged into Handshake you will be able to view all the on-campus job opportunities. For your convenience, here is a step-by-step guide on Finding Campus Student Employment on Handshake.

IMPORTANT: If you plan to work on campus, you will need to have certain original documents to complete payroll/employment information. Please review the acceptable documents listed on the I-9 form. 

+Step 5 (Complete by December 31)

Receive the bill for spring semester in December.

  • Make payment arrangements for any balance by January 1.