Mount Saint Mary College

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.

• Top programs: Nursing, Business, Education, Human Services
• Notable newer majors: Game Design, Digital Production
• Recent recognition: Top 40 for Human Services (2023)

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.

• Clubs & orgs: 20+, with strong ministry and service presence
• Athletics: NCAA Division III (Knights)
• Location perks: 60 miles from NYC, riverside campus

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.

• Graduation rate: 62% (six-year)
• Early-career earnings: ~$45K
• Recent accolade: Named to Money’s Best Colleges 2025 for ROI

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.

• Net price: $24,588 (after aid)
• Merit scholarships: $12K–$17K/year
• Tools: Net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator available

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.