Mount Saint Mary's University, Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California, United States · Est. 1925 · Private Non-profit

Catholic women's university in Los Angeles with innovative health and science programs and two vibrant campuses.

  • Founded 1925 by Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet
  • Private Catholic university primarily for women (88% female undergraduates as of 2025)
  • Two urban campuses: Chalon (Brentwood, 56 acres) and Doheny (Downtown LA, 20 acres)
  • 2,316 total students (1,767 undergraduates, 541 postgraduates)
  • 40+ undergraduate majors, 15+ graduate programs, 10+ Weekend/Evening & Online programs
  • Ranked #2 for student social mobility (U.S. News) and #3 most transformative (Money Magazine)

Academics

Mount Saint Mary's offers 40+ undergraduate majors and minors, 15+ graduate programs, and 10+ Weekend/Evening & Online College programs across 10 different degree types. The most popular undergraduate programs include Pre-Nursing, Nursing, Biology, Psychology, and Business. The university is known nationally for innovative health and science programs, including the first Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in California, which graduated its first students in 1952. Graduate offerings include a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program launched in 2002 and a new Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program launching Fall 2026.

Campus & Student Life

The university operates two distinct campuses 16 miles apart. Chalon Campus in Brentwood serves traditional undergraduate students on 56 acres with Spanish Colonial and Mission Revival architecture and views of the Getty Center and Pacific Ocean. Doheny Campus in Downtown LA's West Adams district hosts graduate, associate, and Weekend/Evening & Online College programs on 20 acres of historic Queen Anne and Victorian mansions. A third location, the Hollywood Studio (opened 2022), houses the Film, Media, and Communications Department with multimedia facilities including a podcast studio, recording studio, and 1,200 sq ft shooting stage. The student body is 88% female, 46% Hispanic, 13% Asian/Pacific Islander, with an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of 15.9.

Admissions

Mount Saint Mary's offers multiple admission pathways including First-Year Admission, Transfer Admission, Graduate Admission, Nursing Admission, International Admission, and Weekend/Evening & Online College admission. The university provides average undergraduate aid of $50,052 and is committed to making education affordable. Prospective students can visit either campus, take virtual tours, or request information through the admissions office.

Outcomes & Recognition

The university is recognized for student success and social mobility. U.S. News & World Report ranked Mount Saint Mary's #2 for student social mobility, noting that graduates go further in careers, earn more advanced degrees, and make more money. Money Magazine ranked it #3 among most transformative colleges for its ability to significantly change life trajectory and earnings. The university has graduated over 20,000 students since its founding in 1925.

Founded
1925
Type
Private Non-profit
Courses
15
Total intake
Not yet verified
AffiliationRoman Catholic (Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet)
Websitehttp://www.msmu.edu
HousingAvailable
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
15
Avg career outcomes
$72.4K
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
Yes
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources