U.S. College Road Trip! Episode 23 - St. Mary's University California

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St. Mary’s College of California: Where Small-Town Charm Meets Big Opportunities

Nestled in Moraga, California, St. Mary’s College of California is a private Catholic college that offers academic excellence, a stunning campus, and a tight-knit community—all wrapped in Spanish Renaissance-California architecture that makes you feel like you’re studying inside a postcard.

And let’s talk about Moraga for a second. This sleepy suburban town is officially one of the safest places in California, which means your biggest danger might be deer casually strolling across campus. Moraga also claims to be one of the sunniest spots in the Bay Area, so you’ll get all the beauty of Northern California without the constant fog creeping in from San Francisco.

Oh, and if you ever wanted to tell people your college hosted a future U.S. President, here’s your fun fact: During World War II, St. Mary’s was used by the U.S. Navy to train pilots—one of whom was none other than Gerald Ford.

Notable alumni include Mahershala Ali (two-time Oscar winner), Brian Doyle-Murray (comedic genius and Bill Murray’s brother), and Jennifer Chambliss Bertman (bestselling author). Clearly, St. Mary’s produces talent, intelligence, and people who make a lasting impact—whether on-screen, on the page, or in history books.

What Makes St. Mary’s Stand Out (Besides Its Presidential Past and Rolling Green Hills)?

1. A Picture-Perfect Campus 🌿

St. Mary’s is located among the scenic, grass-covered hills of Moraga, making it one of the most beautiful college campuses in California. If you love stunning architecture, peaceful surroundings, and the occasional deer wandering past your dorm, this is your place.

2. Catholic Roots with a La Sallian Twist ✝️

St. Mary’s is a Catholic college, run by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, which means education here is about more than just passing exams—it’s about developing leadership, service, and a commitment to social justice.

3. A Unique Wartime History ✈️

Not many colleges can say they helped train naval pilots in WWII, but St. Mary’s can! Former President Gerald Ford was briefly stationed here as an instructor, which means you’ll be walking the same campus as a former Commander-in-Chief (just, you know, without the military drills).

4. Small But Mighty: A Tight-Knit Community 👩‍🎓👨‍🎓

With fewer than 4,000 students, St. Mary’s offers a small-college experience with big opportunities. This means:✔️ Smaller class sizes where your professors actually know your name.✔️ A strong sense of community where you won’t get lost in the crowd.✔️ A diverse student body from 26 states and 9 countries.

5. A Campus That’s Literally Green 🌱

St. Mary’s isn’t just beautiful—it’s environmentally friendly! Recognized as one of Princeton Review’s Top 50 Green Colleges (2023), 82% of students live on campus, reducing commutes and keeping the community tight-knit.

6. Academic Excellence Without the Crushing Debt 🎓💰

Ranked #9 in the U.S. for academic excellence, St. Mary’s boasts one of the highest four-year graduation rates and one of the lowest average student debts in the country.

Translation: You’ll get a top-tier education without spending the next 30 years paying it off.

• 43 academic majors to choose from.

• Undergraduate & graduate programs available.

• Small class sizes + expert faculty = an elite education without the elitism.

By the Numbers: How Competitive is St. Mary’s?

• Acceptance Rate: 70% (Selective but welcoming—so put your best foot forward!)

• Average SAT Score: 1070-1262

• Annual Cost: $67,000 (but don’t panic—99% of students receive financial aid in the form of scholarships.)

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Here’s the link for admissions to learn more. https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/admissions-aid Go Gaels!.

Feeling overwhelmed with the university admissions process? We can help. Check out our website and schedule an appointment with a counselor to see exactly how we can help you find your best fit school and make your application the strongest it can be.

St. Mary’s Alum? Any insight into your experiences would be amazing. At Next Level College Application we do not have an agenda other than helping our clients find the schools that are the best fit for them.