
Newburgh, NYprivate nonprofitwww.msmc.edu/
Mount Saint Mary College is a small, moderately selective Catholic college in Newburgh, NY, known for its strong nursing, business, and education programs. With an acceptance rate around 82%, it offers a tight-knit community where students enjoy scenic Hudson River views and a balance of liberal arts and career-focused academics. While graduation rates hover just above 60%, the college has recently gained recognition for affordability and post-grad outcomes.
Mount Saint Mary College is moderately selective, with an 82.45% acceptance rate — making it accessible to a broad range of students. The average admitted first-year student has an SAT score of 1080 (roughly equivalent to a 21 ACT) and falls within the middle 50% range of 1010–1310 SAT or 19–28 ACT. Unlike more competitive liberal arts colleges, the Mount doesn’t emphasize ultra-high GPAs; its admissions process leans more holistic. Notably, the college offers early action for applicants who want a non-binding decision by mid-December.
The Mount blends career-ready programs with liberal arts foundations, offering 70+ majors and minors across divisions like the School of Arts, Sciences, and Education (SASE). Standouts include Nursing, Business, and Education, alongside newer, niche programs like Graphic Design, Digital Production, and Game Design. The college has earned recent accolades for its Human Services degree (ranked top 40 nationally) and emphasizes hands-on learning through internships and community partnerships. Class sizes are small, with a student-faculty ratio that supports personalized attention.
Life at the Mount revolves around its residential campus (with Hudson River views) and 20+ student clubs, including active ministry groups and service organizations. The vibe is community-oriented — think Division III athletics (Go Knights!), open-mic nights, and easy access to Newburgh’s cafes and internships. Housing is described as spacious but not luxurious, with a mix of traditional dorms and suite-style options. Proximity to NYC (just 60 miles south) allows for weekend trips, though many students stick around for campus events like guest lectures and volunteer drives.
The Mount’s six-year graduation rate sits at ~62%, slightly below the national average for private colleges, but it’s made strides in post-grad employability. Recent rankings (like Money’s Best Colleges 2025) highlight its return on investment, weighing factors like alumni earnings and debt levels. Early-career salaries for graduates average around $45,000, typical for regional liberal arts colleges. Nursing and business alumni tend to fare best, with many securing jobs at Hudson Valley hospitals and mid-sized firms.
Tuition and fees run $24,588 after aid (average package: $22,092), placing the Mount in the mid-range for private colleges. Merit scholarships range from $12K–$17K/year, awarded based on GPA and test scores. The college emphasizes affordability, offering a net price calculator to estimate costs. While not the cheapest option, its balance of aid and outcomes has earned nods from financial analysts — especially for students staying local post-graduation.
Mount Saint Mary College carves a niche as a practical, values-driven school where students get close mentorship without cutthroat competition. Its Hudson Valley location — scenic yet connected — appeals to those who want quiet study spots with NYC just a train ride away. While not a research powerhouse, the Mount shines in applied fields like nursing and education, where grads often land jobs locally. Recent rankings signal growing recognition for balancing cost and outcomes, making it a solid pick for students seeking a small-college feel with career-ready programs.