St. Mary’s University was established in 1852 and is located in San Antonio, Texas, United States. It offers bachelor's, master's, and other doctorate and certificate under four schools and colleges namely College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Greehey School of Business, School of Law, and the School of Science, Engineering, and Technology. The University is known for offering special academic programs, most of which can be combined with any degree or certificate.

In fall, a total of 4,861 applications were received out of which 79% were offered a place, setting a moderately selective acceptance rate. The University has a total enrollment of 3,513 students of which 2,270 are undergraduates.

The following points must be kept in mind while applying for admission to St. Mary’s University:

  • The University follows a semester-based academic calendar and a rolling admission policy.
  • Students are encouraged to submit applications by the recommended deadlines to get priority consideration for admission as well as financial aid.
  • Application for admission becomes available from August 1.
  • TOEFL/ IELTS/ Duolingo English Test results are accepted as proof of English language proficiency.
  • The University is following a test-option policy. Students are required to submit a detailed resume in place of SAT/ ACT scores.
  • GMAT/ GRE scores are waived for most graduate programs.
  • Admission decision for test-optional applicants is based on a holistic review.
  • Students applying as test-optional will still be eligible for academic merit scholarships.

COVID-19 Admission Updates

  • St. Mary’s University is accepting IELTS indicator test results as proof of English language proficiency.
  • The University has made the SAT or ACT scores optional for admission to cope up with the problems caused due to the closure of testing centres around the world.
  • GMAT and GRE exam scores are also optional temporarily.
  • The Office of Admission is working digitally. Students can schedule a virtual information session, video chat or phone call with an Admission Counselor for advice.

Highlights

Application Portal Online Portal
Application Fee Free
Acceptance Rate 79%
Average SAT score 1040-1220
Average ACT score 21-26
Academic Calendar Semester-based
Intake Sessions Fall, Spring, Summer
Financial Aid Grants and Scholarships, Pell grants and Federal student loans
Admission helpdesk uadm@stmarytx.edu

St. Mary’s University Admission Deadlines

  • St. Mary’s University accepts applications on a rolling basis. Applicants must consider submitting the applications before the deadlines specified below for priority consideration:
Term/ Semester Application Deadline
Fall December 15
  • The preferred application deadlines for graduate programs offered by the University are as follows:
Term/ Semester Application Deadline
Fall July 1
Spring November 15
Summer April 1

St. Mary’s University International Student Admissions

St. Mary’s University accepts international students from all around the world. The application process is completely free for domestic as well as international students. There are some additional requirements to be fulfilled by the international students.

Application Portal: Online Application

Application Fee: None

Admission Requirements: International students applying to St. Mary’s University must submit the following documents:

  • A completed application form
  • Official transcripts from all the secondary and post-secondary schools attended
  • Proof of English language proficiency
  • Standardized test scores (optional for Fall applicants)
  • Resume (to be submitted in lieu of test scores)
  • Health insurance and immunization records
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
  • Copy of passport

English Language Proficiency Requirements

St. Mary’s University requires all students to submit proof of English language proficiency. Students who have records of studying in the U.S., fulfill the English language requirements. International students may fulfill this requirement by submitting one of the following test scores:

Test Minimum Requirements
TOEFL (iBT) 80
IELTS 6.0
DET 105

Visa Process for International Students

International students seeking admission to St. Mary’s University must apply for a student visa. The F-1/J-1 visa can be applied for once the student is admitted to the University. For this purpose, the University provides the student with the I-20/DS-2019. To get the I-20/DS-2019, the student needs to submit:-

  • A copy of the passport
  • Bank statement
  • Statement of financial support
  • Transcripts from previous institutions
  • Scores of exams to study in the U.S.

After obtaining form I-20 or DS-2019 from the University, students must complete the visa application, pay the SEVIS fee and schedule a visa interview at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. The following documents must be carried during the visa interview:

  • Form I-20
  • Copy of Passport
  • Admission letter from the University
  • Receipt of SEVIS fee payment
  • Proof of Financial Support
  • Bank statement/ sponsor letter
  • Any documents that prove intention to depart the U.S. after the completion of the program.

St. Mary’s University Undergraduate Admissions

St. Mary’s University provides for a variety of undergraduate majors and minor programs. Students graduate with a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Business Administration degree. The general admission requirements for all undergraduate programs are similar.

Where to Apply: St. Mary’s University Online Application/ ApplyTexas/ Coalition Application

Application Fee: Free

Admission Requirements: For admission to the desired undergraduate program, students need to fulfill the following requirements:

  • Completed application form
  • Official high school transcripts
  • SAT/ACT scores accepted but optional.
  • Essay
  • Recommendation from a counselor or teacher
  • Proof of English language for non-native English speakers

The recommended SAT/ ACT scores required for admission are as follows:

Test 25th percentile 75th percentile
SAT Scores
Evidence-based reading and writing 530 620
Math 510 600
ACT Scores
Composite 21 26
English 20 25
Maths 19 25

St. Mary’s University Graduate Admissions

St. Mary’s University offers around 30 graduate certificate and degree programs. Mainly, the University offers Master of Arts, Master of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees. The programs include catholic school leadership, education, educational leadership, theology, business administration for professionals, computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, etc. All applicants must have a completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a relevant discipline.

Where to Apply: Application for Graduate Admission

Application Fee: None

Admission Requirements: Graduate program applicants must submit the following documents along with the application:

  • Official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate institutions.
  • Two professional recommendations
  • Statement of purpose
  • Personal essay
  • Interview
  • Graduate Admission Test Scores such as GMAT/ GRE/ MAT (test-optional)

Some specific academic requirements for the graduate programs are:

Requirements MBA for Professionals Master of Arts in Theology Master of Science in Computer Science Masters of Law (LL.M.) Master of Science in Computer Engineering
Transcripts Required Required Required (minimum GPA of 3.0) Required Required (minimum GPA of 3.0)
GRE/ GMAT/ MAT GRE, GMAT or MAT Not required GRE quantitative score of 148 and analytical writing score of 2.5 or above Not required Minimum GRE quantitative score of 148
Letters of Recommendation Required, 2 letters Required, 2 letters Required, 2 letters Required, 2 letters Required, 2 letters
Statement of Purpose Required Required Required Required Required
Resume/ CV Required Not required Not required Required Not required
Work Experience Not required Not required Not required Not required Not required
Additional Requirements None Writing sample Knowledge of programming and mathematics None None

After receiving the application with supporting materials, the University will forward it to the program director for final review. Students can expect to receive a final admission decision within 3-4 weeks of submitting all application credentials. When a student receives an acceptance letter, he/ she must confirm enrollment by paying the enrollment deposit and informing the University about the choice of housing. After verifying the financial documents of the students, the Office of Admissions will send appropriate forms to the students to apply for a visa.

FAQs

Ques. How do I inform the University if I am applying as test-optional?

Ans. Applicants who wish to be considered with or without test scores must indicate the same while submitting the application.

Ques. Can transfer students apply as test-optional?

Ans. SAT/ ACT scores are not required for students transferring to St. Mary's University with 30 or more credit hours. Applicants who have not completed 30 credit hours must contact the admission counselor.

Ques. What type of information should I include in an admission essay?

Ans. An admission essay should include information on something that is not already reflected through the application, trancripts or test scores. It should help the college in understanding the student better.

Ques. How many letters of recommendation are required by the University?

Ans. Usually, the University requires two letters of recommendations from professionally or academically related individuals.

Ques. What are the acceptance rate and the student retention rate of St. Mary’s University?

Ans. The acceptance rate of St. Mary's University in fall was 79% while the student retention rate was 74%.