Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Lacey, Washington
75.9% Acceptance Rate
Saint Martin's University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
75.9%Acceptance Rate
3.46Avg GPA
1057Avg SAT
18Avg ACT
$56,353Annual Cost
$62,092Grad Salary
39.8%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
75.9%
Avg GPA
3.46
Avg SAT
1057
Avg ACT
18
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SAT Middle 50%
970–1180
ACT Middle 50%
14–22
Need-Based Aid
39.8% receive Pell
Saint Martin's University is a private, Catholic, Benedictine institution in Washington known for its commitment to academic excellence, community service, and personal character development. With a supportive environment and a focus on values-based learning, the university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. Its emphasis on creating a welcoming and engaged community makes it a meaningful choice for students seeking a well-rounded and purpose-driven education.
Saint Martin's University Acceptance Rate
Saint Martin's University runs an open-access admission policy. With a 75.9% acceptance rate, the focus is on getting qualified students in, not filtering them out.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in. They are worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 75.9% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.46 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.26 – 3.45
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.01
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Saint Martin's University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Saint Martin's University follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline, though the priority deadline of February 1 is recommended for the best chances of admission and financial aid.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 177 days left — Priority
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
Saint Martin's University reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
Priority
February 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (2026/02/01 (Merit scholarship priority)) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Saint Martin's University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Saint Martin's University is 3.46. That makes admissions here competitive, but not extremely selective. Most admitted students carry a mix of A's and B's.
In the 3.16–3.46 range, a high SAT or ACT score still carries real weight.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently. For an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.66–3.86.Saint Martin's University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.46 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.26 – 3.45
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.06 – 3.25
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.05
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Direct Admission Partnership with select high schools admits qualified students without a formal application or essay, and automatically awards a merit scholarship of $19,000-$26,000/year for up to four years.
- One of only about 14-18 Benedictine colleges and universities in the U.S. and Canada, and the only one west of the Rocky Mountains.
- Washington Vets to Tech (WaV2T) is a 16-week intensive program at the Lacey and JBLM campuses preparing veterans/active military for computer science and IT careers.
- Benedictine Scholars is a selective, named honors cohort for incoming first-year students (currently in its 14th cohort).
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Saint Martin's University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Saint Martin's University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Saint Martin's University Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if Saint Martin's University is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into Saint Martin's University Without SAT or ACT?
Saint Martin's University considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Saint Martin's University Average SAT Score: 1057
The average SAT score of admitted students at Saint Martin's University is 1057 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1057 — Accessible
This average is on the lower end nationally, making a strong score here a genuine advantage.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1180 SAT or 22 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Saint Martin's University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 970, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Saint Martin's University. Retaking multiple times is completely normal. Most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 530 | 470 | 590 |
| SAT Reading | 545 | 500 | 590 |
| SAT Composite | 1057 | 970 | 1180 |
Below 970, you're behind most admitted students; at 1180 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1050
Can I get into Saint Martin's University with a 1200 SAT?
A 1200 SAT puts you ahead of most of Saint Martin's University's admitted class, but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
Saint Martin's University ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at Saint Martin's University is 18.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 18 — Accessible
This average is on the lower end nationally, making a strong score here a real advantage.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 16 | 15 | 16 |
| ACT English | 15 | 11 | 19 |
| ACT Composite | 18 | 14 | 22 |
Can I get into Saint Martin's University with a 22 ACT?
A 22 ACT puts you ahead of 75% of Saint Martin's University's admitted students. That's a strong position, though the ACT is only one benchmark among several that admissions weighs.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT scores four separate sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, each on a 1–36 scale. A noticeably weak section, especially Science at STEM-focused schools, stands out to reviewers, so it's worth checking your section breakdown for outliers before applying.
Your ACT score clears the first filter, but GPA, course rigor, extracurricular depth, recommendations, and essays are what carry an application the rest of the way at Saint Martin's University.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Saint Martin's University
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Getting into Saint Martin's University isn't the hard part. Building a solid academic foundation and securing aid early is where the real strategy lives.
Use the Direct Admission Partnership If at a Partner High School
Students at partnered high schools can be directly admitted without a formal application or essay, simply accepting or declining through a student portal, and are automatically awarded a merit scholarship ranging from $19,000 to $26,000 per year for up to four years. Confirm with a high school counselor whether the school participates before assuming the standard application is required.
Recognize Saint Martin's as the Only Benedictine University West of the Rockies
This is a genuine geographic and institutional rarity among the roughly 14-18 Benedictine colleges/universities in the U.S. and Canada. Students specifically seeking a West Coast Benedictine Catholic education (small classes, monastic community presence via Saint Martin's Abbey on campus) should note this is the only option in the region.
Target Washington Vets to Tech for Veteran/Military-Connected Applicants
This 16-week intensive program, offered at both the Lacey and JBLM campuses, prepares active military and veterans for computer science/IT careers, recently expanded through an Oracle partnership. Ask specifically about the current cohort schedule and Oracle-related opportunities.
Apply for the Benedictine Scholars Cohort as a Distinct Honors Track
This is a selective, named cohort program (currently in its 14th cohort) for incoming first-year students. Ask admissions specifically about eligibility and application timing, since it's layered on top of general admission with its own selection process.
Expert Insight:
Saint Martin's operates programs across two distinct locations (the main Lacey campus and the JBLM extended campus), and not all majors are available at both. Confirm which specific location offers the intended program, particularly for JBLM-based options like WaV2T.
Saint Martin's University Profile
Full Name
Saint Martin's University
City
Lacey
State
Washington
ZIP Code
98503-7500
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Is a Saint Martin's University Degree Worth It?
Saint Martin's University offers a rigorous academic environment, but 'worth it' is a personal calculation of cost, program fit, and outcomes. The figures below are a starting point.
The average household income among admitted students is $61,300, with a graduate unemployment rate of 4.08%.
How much does a degree from Saint Martin's University Cost?
The sticker price is $56,353/year, but the average net price students actually pay, after Pell and federal grants, is typically much lower.
39.8% of students receive a Pell Grant and 59.3% take federal loans at Saint Martin's University. File your FAFSA early and list Saint Martin's University as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a Saint Martin's University Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $62,092. That's about 53% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Saint Martin's University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faulkner University | Montgomery, AL | 1016 | 20 |
| University of West Alabama | Livingston, AL | 1015 | 20 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| Central Baptist College | Conway, AR | 1022 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton | Morrilton, AR | 1020 | 20 |
| Williams Baptist University | Walnut Ridge, AR | 1018 | 19 |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | Denver, CO | 1014 | 20 |
| Western Connecticut State University | Danbury, CT | 1044 | 24 |
| Baptist University of Florida | Graceville, FL | 1045 | 20 |
| Trinity Baptist College | Jacksonville, FL | 1007 | 20 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Saint Martin's University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Magnolia, AR | 1050 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | Fort Smith, AR | 1050 | 21 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Saint Martin's University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
Degree Programs at Saint Martin's University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Masters Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Saint Martin's University Admissions
Median graduate earnings at Saint Martin's University run about $62,092 a year.
At about $56,353 a year, Saint Martin's University's cost is on the higher end; look closely at aid options.
About 39.8% receive a Pell Grant at Saint Martin's University. The odds are moderate and largely income-dependent, but an early FAFSA filing still helps.
At 75.9%, Saint Martin's University's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at Saint Martin's University average a 3.46 GPA.
Saint Martin's University doesn't publish a hard GPA floor, but landing at or above 3.16 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 3.06, Saint Martin's University becomes a harder reach, though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at Saint Martin's University — aim above 1057, ideally within the 970–1180 range admitted students typically fall in.
The application deadline for Saint Martin's University is February 1. Rolling Admissions is also offered, so applying early improves your chances.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is 2026/02/01 (Merit scholarship priority). Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes, transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most, along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.
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