A Catholic women's liberal arts college empowering leaders since 1844 in Notre Dame, Indiana.
Saint Mary's offers more than 60 academic programs across liberal arts disciplines. The college features small class sizes and hands-on learning opportunities, with 90% of graduates employed full-time, pursuing graduate degrees, or engaged in full-time endeavors within a year of graduation. Students benefit from accelerated bachelor's-to-master's pathways (3+1 and 4+1 programs) and can combine coursework with Notre Dame through a nearly 180-year partnership for dual degrees. The Avenue Experience integrates professional mentoring, skill-building, and internships throughout the curriculum.
The 278-acre rural campus features distinctive architecture including Le Mans Hall (1926, administration and residence) and Holy Cross Hall (1906, oldest building). The Angela Athletic Facility, designed by architect Helmut Jahn and renovated in 2017, houses tennis, basketball, volleyball, racquetball, and gymnastics facilities. The Cushwa-Leighton Library (1982) provides 268,000+ books, 900+ periodicals, and modern learning commons. Students participate in 8 varsity sports, intramural programs, and numerous clubs, many co-sponsored with Notre Dame. Housing and dining are central to residential college life.
Saint Mary's welcomes first-year, transfer, and graduate students. The college offers campus visits (individual, group, and virtual), with a $1,000 Visit Award available for admitted students who visit before May 1 of senior year. Admission events include Senior Preview Days, Showcase Saturday, and SMC Tailgate during Notre Dame football weekends. The college emphasizes financial accessibility, stating 'we'll work on the finances with you' so students can focus on their future.
Saint Mary's graduates become educators, doctors, artists, scholars, inventors, and entrepreneurs. The college maintains a vibrant alumnae network of 120,000+ women, supported by Career Services for Life and the PACE Center. Notable alumnae include U.S. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, actress Catherine Hicks, author Adriana Trigiani, and Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley. The college's mission centers on educating the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—within a welcoming, inclusive, and spiritually rich environment.