Mount St. Mary's University

The Mount delivers a Catholic liberal arts core alongside 70+ majors and minors, with particularly strong programs in business, social sciences, and computer science. Small classes dominate: 46% have fewer than 20 students, supported by a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. The curriculum integrates professional preparation with humanities foundations—think accounting majors taking theology requirements. Graduate programs cater to working adults, offering degrees in education, business, and public service. While not a research powerhouse, the Mount focuses on teaching-first faculty and interdisciplinary connections across its single-campus academic community.

Life at the Mount revolves around its rural 1,400-acre campus, where 80% of undergrads live on-site. The Center for Campus Ministry anchors social life with 20+ faith-based clubs, though secular options abound—from DIII athletics (the Mountaineers) to Greek life (30% participation). Niche gives campus life a B-, praising accessibility to bars and restaurants despite the isolated location. Traditions like the "Grotto" pilgrimage and "Light the Night" ceremony reinforce Catholic identity, while proximity to DC (90 minutes away) provides internship opportunities. It’s a close-knit but not cloistered environment where "everyone knows your name" (per YouTube student vlogs).

The Mount punches above its weight in long-term earnings: a 2020 study found graduates net $1.056M in economic gains over 40 years—ranking 405th nationally among 4,529 institutions. Early-career salaries average $42,000, rising to $62,833 median alumni earnings. The 6-year graduation rate hovers around 53-61%, slightly below national averages for private colleges, but those who persist benefit from strong alumni networks in Mid-Atlantic business and education sectors. Notably, the university emphasizes value-added metrics, pointing to higher-than-predicted earnings given its mix of majors.

Tuition and fees run $37,165 annually, but the university boasts an average aid package matching this amount—effectively halving costs for many. The 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 suggests significant merit aid for students with GPAs above 3.5, though need-based aid?Need-based aidFinancial aid awarded based on your family's ability to pay, as measured by forms like the FAFSA, rather than on achievements. requires FAFSA submission. Compared to peer Catholic colleges, the Mount positions itself as a "best value" option, with 90% of students receiving some form of financial assistance. Payment plans and work-study programs (like campus ministry jobs) help bridge gaps, though the rural location limits off-campus employment options.

Mount St. Mary’s carves a niche as a small, affordable Catholic university that delivers outsized ROI—especially for business and education majors. Its rural campus fosters intense community (for better or worse), while the 13:1 faculty ratio ensures mentorship. Unlike larger Jesuit schools, the Mount leans into its diocesan identity with mandatory theology courses and visible campus ministry. The kicker? It combines accessibility (73% acceptance) with strong earnings potential, making it a smart bet for students seeking personal attention without elite pretensions.