Indiana's oldest Catholic college, pioneering women's education since 1840 with equine studies excellence.
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College offers a traditional liberal arts curriculum with over 40 academic programs at the associate, bachelor's, and master's levels. The college is known for pioneering distance education, introducing one of the nation's first independent study programs (Women's External Degree) in 1973. Today, the Woods Online program serves over 800 students from 33 states and internationally. Three master's degree programs are available in Art Therapy, Music Therapy, and Leadership Development, all using hybrid distance learning and intensive residencies. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and approved for teacher training by the Indiana Department of Education.
The 67-acre rural campus features six historic buildings dating from 1913 to 1969, including the Renaissance Revival Guerin Hall and the Italian Renaissance Revival Conservatory of Music. Modern facilities include Les Bois (2021), a contemporary apartment-style residence hall. Students live in residence halls including Le Fer Hall and enjoy campus dining, arts and culture events, and campus ministry. Nearly 30% of campus students participate in athletics, with 16 varsity teams competing in NAIA and USCAA. Club sports include competitive cheer, cycling, dance, eSports, powerlifting, rowing, and tennis, alongside intramural offerings.
The college accepts campus undergraduate, online undergraduate, graduate, international, and transfer students. Ninety-five percent of students receive financial aid, with the college awarding almost $10 million in scholarships annually. The college maintains a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Admissions pathways include regular decision and transfer options, with ESL programs available for international students.
SMWC competes as the Pomeroys (mascot: Onyx) in 16 varsity sports across NAIA and USCAA. The college boasts exceptional athletic achievements: the softball team has won 12 national championships including four consecutive USCAA titles (2002–2005); women's cross country won three national championships (2009, 2010, 2019); and men's golf won two (2018, 2019). The equestrian program is particularly renowned, competing in both Western and English disciplines with the IHSA Reserve National Championship in 2007.