St. Mary's University maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 88.95%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
St. Mary's University Admission Requirements
St. Mary's University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at St. Mary's University is 3.61. St. Mary's University is highly selective.
Mostly A’s with a few B’s will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
If your GPA is between 3.31 and 3.61, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
St. Mary's University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at St. Mary's University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.61, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.61 – 4.00 | Target/Match | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.41 – 3.60 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.21 – 3.40 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.20 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At St. Mary's University, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
St. Mary's University Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
St. Mary's University Average SAT Score: 989
The average SAT score of the admitted students at St. Mary's University is 989 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it an easy target or SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 989 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1150 SAT or 23 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. St. Mary's University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 980, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to St. Mary's University. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 520 | 480 | 560 |
| SAT Reading | 545 | 500 | 590 |
| SAT Composite | 989 | 980 | 1150 |
It means that if you have scored less than 980 then you are below most of the admitted students at St. Mary's University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1150 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1000
Can I get into St. Mary's University with a 1150 SAT?
With a 1150 SAT Score, your chances of admission at St. Mary's University are good but the admission staff at St. Mary's University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
St. Mary's University ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at St. Mary's University is 20.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes St. Mary's University less competitive for ACT scores. You need to put average efforts to score 20 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 23 | 20 | 26 |
| ACT English | 0 | ||
| ACT Composite | 20 | 16 | 23 |
Can I get into St. Mary's University with a 23 ACT?
With a 23 ACT Score, your chances of admission at St. Mary's University are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 20.St. Mary's University Profile
Name: St. Mary's University
City: San Antonio
URL: www.stmarytx.edu/
State: Texas
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 78228
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Can I Get Into St. Mary's University Without SAT Or ACT?: St. Mary's University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Does a degree from St. Mary's University Worth It?
Getting into St. Mary's University can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. St. Mary's University offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at St. Mary's University is USD: 56236.53 and unemployment rate is 3.89%.
How much does a degree from St. Mary's University Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at St. Mary's University is USD: 46368. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at St. Mary's University is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
42.03% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 52.17 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to St. Mary's University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At St. Mary's University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist St. Mary's University as your choice in the form.
How much a St. Mary's University Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 56955. An average St. Mary's University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than St. Mary's University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama A & M University | Alabama A & M University, AL | 947 | 17 |
| Alabama State University | Alabama State University, AL | 977 | 18 |
| Johnson University Florida | Johnson University Florida, FL | 940 | NA |
| Clayton State University | Clayton State University, GA | 973 | 18 |
| Gordon State College | Gordon State College, GA | 950 | 18 |
| University of Hawaii-West Oahu | University of Hawaii-West Oahu, HI | 973 | 18 |
| Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College | Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, IN | 966 | 17 |
| Baker University | Baker University, KS | 950 | 17 |
| Union Commonwealth University | Union Commonwealth University, KY | 965 | 18 |
| Western Kentucky University | Western Kentucky University, KY | 977 | 18 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as St. Mary's University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baptist Health College Little Rock | Baptist Health College Little Rock, AR | 980 | 20 |
| University of Bridgeport | University of Bridgeport, CT | 985 | NA |
| Delaware State University | Delaware State University, DE | 984 | 24 |
| Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College | Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, GA | 994 | 19 |
| Columbus State University | Columbus State University, GA | 994 | 21 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than St. Mary's University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville State University, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion Military Institute, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | University of Arkansas at Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Arkansas Tech University, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Central Baptist College | Central Baptist College, AR | 1022 | 20 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Business/Commerce, General
- Chemistry
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer Engineering
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Mary's University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $56955 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $46368 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are excellent, with more than a 80% chance, depending on your academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of St. Mary's University is 88.95 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.61. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.31, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.31, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.31 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.21 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to St. Mary's University if my GPA is below 3.21
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.61, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to St. Mary's University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 989 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 980-1150
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by St. Mary's University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.