Maryland's public honors college on the historic site of America's first colony, offering elite liberal arts education at public university value.
St. Mary's College is a public liberal arts honors college offering 21 majors and 29 minors, with a rigorous interdisciplinary core curriculum required of all students. The college maintains a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 98% of faculty hold the highest degree in their discipline. With an 81% overall graduation rate and 70% four-year graduation rate (the highest among public Maryland institutions and third nationally), the college emphasizes close mentoring relationships and interactive learning. Approximately 46% of students study abroad, and the college ranks 17th nationally for the percentage of undergraduates studying abroad for at least one semester.
The 361-acre waterfront campus sits on the historic site of Maryland's first colony and capital, offering a rural setting on the St. Mary's River ideal for sailing, rowing, and water sports. Housing is guaranteed for four years across dormitories, suites, apartments, and townhouses; 85% of students live on campus. The college features no Greek life but instead operates a residential house system with educational themes. Students engage with 60+ clubs and organizations, 23 varsity NCAA Division III athletic teams, and access to the Dodge Performing Arts Center and Hilda C. Landers Library. The campus also provides free year-round access to Historic St. Mary's City's museums and historical sites.
St. Mary's College was designated Maryland's public honors college by the state legislature in 1992, offering an education comparable to elite private liberal arts colleges at public institution costs. According to the Maryland Higher Education Commission, obtaining a degree at St. Mary's costs $30,000 less than average elite private colleges it competes with. Approximately 79% of students receive financial aid, with 66% receiving grants or scholarships. The college guarantees every student the opportunity for internships, faculty-guided research, or international experiences through its Honors College Promise.
St. Mary's College jointly operates the internationally recognized Historical Archaeology Field School with Historic St. Mary's City, which has worked on over 300 archaeological dig sites in the area over 40 years. The college houses several research centers including the James P. Muldoon River Center (biological research), the Slackwater Center (regional history and culture), and the Center for the Study of Democracy. Faculty have earned 40 Fulbright awards, and in 2009–2010, the college had the second-highest number of student Fulbright winners among public liberal arts colleges nationally.