You will experience something bigger at Saint Mary’s.
Because of you.
What are you looking for?
When asked what they want from college, most prospective students reply, “A great job.”
We want that for you, too. Yet you deserve more. A minimum expectation of any college education should be that graduates possess the skills they need to gain employment.
At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, we take seriously the obligation to prepare you for your professional calling. We aspire to do this work better than anyone through our commitments to top-quality teaching, student advising, and practical education.
You are more than your future career or the money you’ll make; your education must be, too. We believe a college education should prepare students to live well and not merely make a living.
Gain direction for your life.
There is a place in the world that will never be the same. Because of you.
You matter, and your life goes beyond you.
God created you to do or be something unique. We accompany you as you discover and fulfill that purpose. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s whole approach to education builds upon this belief and your intrinsic dignity.
The life that you receive grows when you stop clinging to it. We must break free from the narrow, cramped space of our private desires, and instead live for others. Your life explodes with meaning when you respond to the call to give your gifts away to a world in need.
First-generation forward
Generous donations allow Saint Mary’s to award full scholarships to first-generation students through Countdown to College (C2C) and the First Generation Initiative (FGI). The Zeta Delta chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha, the first-generation honor society, provides additional support — from first-year orientation to post-graduation.
Give your gifts
Saint Mary’s students take on projects such as tutoring developmentally disabled youth, mentoring school kids, and advocating for affordable housing and food security. We invite you to make an impact on this world.
Serving Others United in Love (S.O.U.L)
The Serving Others United in Love (S.O.U.L) program offers alternative spring break immersion experiences and service trips. Guatemala remains a focus, honoring the life and work of Blessed Brother James Miller, a 1966 Saint Mary’s alumnus who devoted his life to helping Guatemalans.
“For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”
Matthew 16:25
We
believe in a future full of hope. Because of you.
Value-driven, accessible excellence.
At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, your education will consist of many things, rarely just a lecture. Classrooms come alive with passionate discussions and engaging debates that compel you to learn more.
In the company of a caring and supportive community, you will gain career-ready skills and engage questions that provide meaning to life. Our professors become trusted mentors, inspiring you to investigate new opportunities and celebrating you on every step of the journey.
We see education not as a life of tests but as preparation for the examinations of life.
General education with purpose
At Saint Mary’s, a liberal arts education teaches you how to think, not just what to think. Guided by our Lasallian Catholic mission, you’ll build skills that last a lifetime and a deeper understanding of the world.
Two pathways. One purpose
Lasallian Explorations
This general education program offers 100+ courses across seven disciplines.
Finding inspiration as a PA
Lasallian Honors
This alternative to general education challenges high-achieving students — only 40 are invited to the program each year.
Choose between our challenging Accelerated Physician Assistant major or the traditional Biology: Pre-Physician Assistant Track, and earn a degree that propels you toward success.
Accelerated Physician Assistant Major (3+2): Enroll in our highly competitive program, in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences, designed to take you from undergraduate study to a master’s degree and a rewarding career as a physician assistant (PA).
Biology Pre-Physician Assistant Track Studies: Explore our traditional major tailored to ready you for any esteemed master’s level program, establishing a strong groundwork for your future PA career.
No matter your passion, interests, or talents, you’ll find a program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota that empowers you to fulfill your calling.
School of Arts and Humanities
Health Humanities
Philosophy
School of Business and Technology
Accounting
Business Intelligence and Analytics
Finance
Healthcare Management
Management
Marketing
Public Relations and Digital Media
Sport Management
School of Health and Human Services
Criminal Justice
Corrections
Law Enforcement
Nursing: Pre-Licensure
Psychology
John C. Parmer School of Sciences
Accelerated Physician Assistant (collaboration with Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences)
Biochemistry
Biology
General Biology
Life Science
Pre-Medical Professions
Pre-Physician Assistant
Pre-Laboratory Science
Pre-Medical Imaging
Chemistry
Computer Science
Cybersecurity Engineering
Software Engineering
Data Analytics
Management Information
Systems
Environmental Biology and
Conservation
Mathematics
Mathematics
Data Science
Mechatronics Engineering
Pre-Law
School of Education
Catholic Education
Elementary Education
optional endorsements:
General Science
Mathematics
World Language and Culture:
Spanish
Secondary Education
Licensures:
Chemistry
Life Science/Biology
Mathematics
Spanish
Practical education for remarkable lives.
Whether it’s internships, research projects, service-learning, or study abroad, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s experiential learning initiatives empower you to apply your knowledge in real-world settings.
Global studies
With 50+ programs worldwide — most in English — Saint Mary’s opens the door to global learning. Explore new cultures, meet new people, and expand your perspective through unforgettable study abroad experiences.
Saving Alaska’s oceans
In her senior year, environmental biology major Katrina Danzinger B’23 spent a week in coastal Alaska interning with the Ocean Plastics Recovery Project along the coastline of Katmai National Park and Preserve.
“My campus sponsor (GeoSpatial Services) said, ‘How do you feel about flying on a bush plane?’ I said, ‘Fantastic!’”
Photo credit: Max Romey
Internships
Our GeoSpatial Services (GSS) project center provides dozens of students with paid work opportunities. GSS utilizes Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology and data analytics to support partners with natural resource conservation. Students are mentored by professional staff and learn about addressing critical water management issues facing the US. Additionally, GSS places students in paid summer internships with partner organizations across the nation.
The journey to character and virtue.
At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, we affirm two aspects of education that our tradition, including Saint John Baptist de La Salle, see as fundamental: the cultivation of virtue and the search for God. Unmoved by the culture’s trends away from such commitments, we believe that character and faith are foundational to a university education.
To be a good accountant, a good manager, or a good teacher means being good. Character is who you are and who you have the potential to become, and all of us are on that journey together.
Here, you will join other students, faculty, and staff, all striving to be the best version of themselves. Sharpen and strengthen your abilities as you develop a vision for your future.
Lead ethical lives of service and leadership
Saint Mary’s is deeply committed to empowering students to lead ethical lives of service and leadership. Our guiding framework is virtue ethics — taught in the classroom, caught within our rich Lasallian Catholic school culture, and sought in the community we have created, where you will find limitless opportunities for your growth.
“The aim of our studies is not to know what virtue is, but to become good.”
– Aristotle
Lasallian Societal Impact Case Competition
Maya Wachter B’24 and teammates, Brady Lindauer B’23 and Jackson Nauss B’23, M’24, captured first place in the 2023 Lasallian Societal Impact Case Competition. How did Saint Mary’s outperform the five other Lasallian colleges and universities?
“We discussed the intersection of business strategy and Lasallian values in every finance class,” Wachter said. “We excelled at the question-and-answer format. We knew our case.”
Friendships for life
Through all we do, we strive to ensure that the friends you make here will be the friends who celebrate the major events of your life with you. While some friendships develop based on mutual benefits or shared enjoyment of activities, such as studies and sports, the most fulfilling and lasting friendships are those grounded in the shared pursuit of moral and spiritual growth.
We are in the holy presence of God.
The sponsors of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, the De La Salle Christian Brothers, often begin prayer by saying, “Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God.”
Unlike many colleges and universities, Saint Mary’s welcomes your spiritual beliefs, invites discussion, and freely explores differences.
Rather than avoid tough conversations, we encourage you to speak from your center and articulate what you believe in such a way that invites others to do the same. If you do so, we know your friendships will be authentic and deep, and your education will be more complete.
A community of faith
At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, we uphold these values — respect for all persons, service to others, and the pursuit of Truth. Our supportive and diverse campus provides the perfect setting for exploring life’s most important questions. In our embrace of differences, we welcome students of all faiths and backgrounds to a place where worship and prayer are as integral as study and fun.
Welcoming experiences
Retreats, Bible Studies, Theology on Tap
Professed religious
Rich sacramental life
Daily Mass, Confession, Evening Prayer, Adoration
De La Salle Christian Brothers, Priest Chaplain, IHM Seminary Faculty, Religious Sisters of Mercy [RSMs]
“No legitimate question, sincerely asked and that seeks the truth, is off limits at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.”
-
The Very Rev. James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D., President of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Maddie McCartney, Class of 2026 Psychology
“When I visited [Saint Mary’s], I felt led by prayer and a deep devotion to Our Lady. The whole experience gave me a sense of peace. I felt invited to this warm and welcoming community where I knew, interiorly, I could grow. And it’s delivered. Saint Mary’s Catholic community has been one of the greatest gifts in my life. It is an authentic, integrated, virtuous, striving community, pursuing what the Lord calls us to do.”
Cannon Manley, Class of 2027 Environmental Biology
“As a non-Catholic, I’ve gone to night prayer, daily mass, fellowship, and I’ve been welcomed to everything. I have found Saint Mary’s to be a place where people practice a higher level of respect, and that call to an inner divinity has amplified my own faith. The passage in the Bible about being repaid sevenfold, that’s how I feel about the gifts I have received and the growth I’ve experienced.”
Success is defined by service. Because of you.
Excel the Cardinal way.
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s athletics shape us into the people we were created to be. Whether you’re an athlete or a fan and friend, you will experience athletics at the service of holistic education. While victory is certainly a goal, student-athletes compete to grow in character and virtue. We celebrate the virtues of humbly surrendering individual pride and rejoicing in the achievements of others and our teams.
Student-athletes compete in 17 Division III varsity and five club sports.
DIII men’s athletics
Baseball
Basketball
Cross Country
Ice Hockey
Soccer
Tennis
Track and Field (indoor)
Track and Field (outdoor)
Never
DIII women’s athletics
Basketball
Cross Country
Ice Hockey
Soccer
Softball
Tennis
Track and Field (indoor)
Track and Field (outdoor)
Volleyball
Club sports
Dance Team
Hockey
Nordic Ski
Soccer
Ultimate Frisbee
Ski Club’s five “must-ski” places
1. Spaghetti Junction (trail crossing)
2. Champions Hill (pow)
3. Yon’s Bowl (sick licks)
4. The Dike (straight path)
5. The Loop (1k practice trail)
been on skis? “French fry” your skis to move, and “pizza” to stop.
Hockey’s top humanitarian
Delaney Wolf B’21, C’22, now a graduate student at Duke University, became one of 11 females and just the eighth NCAA Division III student-athlete to win the Hockey Humanitarian Award. The honor, presented annually at the Frozen Four to college hockey’s “finest citizen,” recognizes leadership in community service.
Competition will redefine its meaning: compete with, not compete against. Because of you.
Life as a student.
Living on campus lets you immerse yourself in all the academic, social, cultural, recreational, faith, and service opportunities Saint Mary’s offers. More than 81% of Saint Mary’s students live on campus all four years.
Undergraduate students
The Green Bandana Project
Saint Mary’s has an active campus chapter for The Green Bandana Project, which coaches students on how to help peers access mental health resources and feel supported.
Your bright home for the next four years.
Welcome to our 450-acre, amenity-filled campus, nestled among an ecologically unique region of Southeastern Minnesota known as the “blufflands.” Here, you’ll not just live on campus, but live life to the fullest as you grow as a student, servant, athlete, mentor, and friend.
“If we’re not talking about it, it’s getting heavy on our shoulders, getting heavy on the inside and we can’t get it out.”
Justine
Schultz B’21 psychology, founder of Saint Mary’s Green Bandana Project
Be heard and seen.
1. Blue Angel music variety show
2. Gaslight variety show
3. Art Gallery showings
4. Art events on campus and in Winona
5. Band and choir ensemble
We are all in, every day. Because of you.
Love, Winona
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota welcomes you to a picturesque campus with acres of bluffs and miles of trails next to the Mississippi River and a community with a vibrant (and outsized) economic engine.
Ten things to do at Saint Mary’s and Winona
1. Hike to “The Rock” in the Saint Mary’s bluffs
2. Have dinner with De La Salle Christian Brothers at their residence on campus
3. Create in the Anthony B’59 and Sandra Adducci Family Makerspace
4. Devour as many Bloedow’s donuts as you can
5. Rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard from the Lake Lodge on Lake Winona
6. Play bingo and Trivia on campus with the student activities committee
7. Hike up to Garvin Heights or Sugar Loaf
8. Fill up a cup of frozen yogurt at Nate & Ally’s
9. Join your residence hall staff for in-hall programming like s’mores and a campfire
10. Get a group picture at the old Saint Mary’s stone sign
Soaring sites
Enjoying Winona’s blue skies and waterways. Watch more than 325 bird species make the seasonal migration round-trip along the Mississippi Flyway.
Our campus city
Joy and kindness bring people together in a place like Winona, from early mornings at the local donut shop to coffee or lunch at a sidewalk cafe. Winona packs a punch on economic impact as the home to major companies like Fastenal, Watkins, WinCraft, RTP International Holdings, and more!
We foster interesting, engaging, and meaningful connections. Because of you.
Charting paths with purpose.
Meet trailblazing Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Cardinals — graduates who are leading the way with their achievements. From revolutionizing user experience at tech firms to shaping marketing strategies for iconic brands, these alumni are driving impactful change in diverse industries.
Nadia Effendi B’09
Senior Manager, Barbie Global Marketing Mattel, Inc.
Gabe Potyk B’25
Management Consulting PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)
Emilie Serna B’23
Drafting and editing assistant Office of the Revisor of Statutes, Minnesota Legislature
Ryan Tanke B’96
Chief Operating Officer
Houston Rockets
Anthony Heier B’23
Senior developer of data science Fastenal
58,000+
These few Cardinals are just a glimpse of the 58,000+ alumni from Saint Mary’s who are making their mark on the world. We hope you’ll get inspired by these individuals who are shaping the future with their talents and hard work.
93% were working, attending or applying to graduate school, or participating in a long-term volunteer placement within six months of graduation.*
An internship that shifted into high gear.
Matt Sanker B’25 landed a top internship as an AI engineer at BMW Group, where he built cutting-edge tools and earned one of the highest intern ratings.
Career fair to career start
By diving into Cardinal Career Prep, Career and Internship Fairs, and networking events, Ashley Renwick B’25 built the connections and confidence that led to her full-time job as a business intelligence analyst at Fastenal.
81% reported working in a position related to their field of study*
Our graduates work at top organizations nationwide, including:
Canopy IT Solutions Fastenal Company
Fidelity Investments Mayo Clinic
Minneapolis VA Healthcare System Partners in Excellence
Rochester Public Schools Schechter Dokken Kanter
St. Paul Saints Star Tribune Media Company
Taylor Corporation UNFI
* First Destinations for the College Class of 2023, Office of Career Services, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
We are uplifted and inspired. Because of you.
Admissions and financial aid
Financial aid checklist
Apply: Saint Mary’s accepts applications year-round — you’re welcome to apply as early as the summer before your senior year of high school. Apply at smumn.edu/apply or through the Common App at apply.commonapp.org.
• Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov to be considered for need-based aid from both Saint Mary’s and federal/state sources.
• Use Saint Mary’s Federal School Code: 002380
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid [FAFSA]: Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov to be considered for need-based aid from both Saint Mary’s and federal/state sources. Use Saint Mary’s Federal School Code: 002380. Make sure we have your Social Security Number on file so we can link your FAFSA when it’s received.
• Make sure we have your Social Security Number on file so we can link your FAFSA when it’s received.
Receive financial aid offer: After you’re accepted and your FAFSA is processed, we’ll send your financial aid offer.
Walk through offer: Our staff will guide you through your financial aid offer and answer any questions you may have.
Deposit early: Submitting your deposit early gives you priority access to housing and registration and lets you focus on finishing your senior year strong. Early action can make a significant difference in your college experience.
Campus housing
More than 81% of Saint Mary’s students live on campus all four years in our 10 residential communities. All buildings are kept secure and locked 24/7.
First-year housing options: Brother William Hall (co-ed) Skemp Hall (all female) Bishop’s Hall (all male)
Prior to your senior year, you can utilize the “Net Price Calculator” to estimate your financial aid offer from Saint Mary’s. Then, in your senior year, you can use the financial aid checklist to get the exact offer for your circumstances.
What’s your future worth?
A college education is an investment in yourself. We’re ready to invest in you too. All admitted students receive a Merit Scholarship from Saint Mary’s University. Explore some of scholarships to make your education more accessible.
Supporting you, the Saint Mary’s way
Cardinal Promise
Students from Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois with a family annual gross income of $80,000 or less may qualify for full tuition
Catholic Educator Promise
Free tuition to dependent children of faculty and staff members employed by PreK-12 Catholic schools across Minnesota
First Generation initiative (FGI)
FGI Scholars could receive full scholarship coverage, including tuition, housing, and more
Other Saint Mary’s Scholarships
Automatically awarded based on your qualifications, renewable each year, and stackable with other scholarships.
Cardinal Visit
For first-year students who make an official campus visit during their junior or senior year of high school and for transfer students
Catholic High School
Students graduating from a Catholic High School
Out-of-State
Domestic students who are not residents of Minnesota
Alumni Legacy
Family members of Saint Mary’s or College of Saint Teresa graduates
Saint Mary’s PSEO/PACC
Students who have already earned a minimum of three credits via PSEO or PACC at or through Saint Mary’s The numbers speak for themselves
$1,000 Cardinal Visit Scholarship (High school junior or senior) up to $120,000 Merit scholarships/four years
$25,500 Minimum merit aid
Return on your educational investment
Data from Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) confirms the value of a degree from a school like Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, which graduates students with a mix of applied and core knowledge that enables each career step forward. Between the 10- and 15-year mark post-graduation, when your core knowledge supports a move into peak performance and responsibility, the net present value of your degree more than doubles to reach $276,000. After 40 years, the value approaches $1 million.
https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/collegeroi/#data-tool
Sample aid offers
See sample aid packages and explore all financial aid options at smumn.edu/undergraduatefa
