History
Brothers of the Society of Mary (Marianists) brought Catholic education to San Antonio when, in 1852, they opened St. Mary’s Institute. St. Mary’s University, an outgrowth of the brothers’ first educational undertaking, committed itself to the Marianist ideals of academic excellence, ethical commitment and service to the community.
Education
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, St. Mary's faculty work closely with students to help them develop a plan for success not only in academics but in their lives. Browse faculty profiles below to learn more about their educational background and personal interests, or see the employee directory to find individual offices and campus mailboxes.
Research
At St. Mary's we educate the whole person - mind, body, and spirit. We openly welcome people from all faith traditions, and our Marianist tradition keeps us true to our core goals of educating for formation in faith, providing excellent education, educating in the family spirit, educating for service, justice and peace, and educating for adaptation and change.More than 70 percent of St. Mary's students volunteer for community service. More than 100 clubs and student organizations offer opportunities for St. Mary's students to plan and organize events and promote worthy causes.
Career
STRIVE Career Center at St. Mary’s University — Successful, Transformative Results from Innovative Vocational Experiences — engages campus and community partners to provide vocational and experiential education opportunities for our students.
Student services
The Center for Catholic Studies at St. Mary’s University encourages faculty, staff and students to explore the Catholic Intellectual Tradition and its impact on knowledge, culture and faith.
Housing services
St. Mary’s University is home to 13 residence halls that provide a wide variety of communities. Students may be eligible to choose from several halls, depending on their age, major and classification. Each hall serves a different type of community and provides a variety of programs and spaces to relax, study and play. Amenities in The Village at St. Mary’s like the outdoor pool, sand volleyball court, hammock garden, grills and fire pits are available to all residents for use.
Library services
The primary function of the Blume Library is to meet the information resource and service needs of the total University population as they relate to the curriculum of the University. The mission of the University is stated in full in the University catalog and includes goals of teaching, scholarly research, and service to the community. Library resources and services support these goals.
Medical services
- The Student Health Center serves a variety of medical needs, from physicals and annual exams to walk-in care for illnesses and injuries.
- We also provide Student Accessibility Services, Military and Veteran Services and International Student and Scholar Services
- In addition to strong academics, we provide a range of services such as career counseling, psychological counseling and test proctoring.
Campus life
Living on campus can be one of the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime. It’s an opportunity to meet people who may become long-lasting friends and a chance to discover more about yourself. It’s a time for new challenges, new friends and new experiences. The community in each residence hall is one that students will cherish during their college experience. Furthermore, living on campus in a supportive educational environment is an excellent way to make the major transition to college easier.
Sports facilities
St. Mary’s University is home to Rattler Athletics, a proud member of NCAA Division II sports and the Lone Star Conference, and home to the first-of-its-kind varsity Esports program in San Antonio.
Student clubs
- Alpha Psi Omega (Theatre)
- Phi Sigma Tau (Philosophy)
- Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science)
- Psi Chi (Psychology)
- Psychology Club.
- The Rattler Newspaper.
- St. Mary's University Opera Guild.
- Student Band Committee
Accreditation
Accreditation is a status awarded to an educational institution or a program that has been found to meet or exceed stated standards of excellence and quality in educational practices. St. Mary’s University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, masters and doctorate degrees.
St. Mary's University Overview
St. Mary's University Campus Locations
#1 Main Campus
United States Country
San Antonio City
St. Mary's University Student Reviews & Awards
4.1
Based on 19 reviews
- 5 Star 3 Reviews
- 4 Star 14 Reviews
- 3 Star 2 Reviews
- 2 Star 0 Reviews
- 1 Star 0 Reviews
How Students Rated This University
- Student Teacher Interaction 4.3
- Student Diversity 4.0
- Quality of Student Life 4.1
- Career Development 4.1
A Community-Oriented Experience
Saint Mary�s University offers a unique blend of academic excellence and community engagement. As a master�s student in applied psychology, I�ve been impressed by the faculty�s dedication to student success. Professors are approachable and responsive, even during virtual learning, making it easy to connect for research discussions or course clarifications. The vibrant student body fosters a sense of belonging, and Halifax itself adds to the charm with its bustling boardwalks and cozy coffee shops perfect for study sessions. While the administration could improve its outdated class registration system, the staff is always helpful in resolving issues. For students seeking a smaller university with a strong sense of community, Saint Mary�s is an excellent choice
Personalized Learning and Community
For me, The small class sizes allow for personalized attention from professors, which has been invaluable. For instance, during a sociology course, my professor took the time to help me refine my research paper on urban poverty, which eventually got published in a student journal. My ambition is to work in social policy, and the hands-on learning here has given me a solid foundation. However, one challenge has been adjusting to the Canadian winters�coming from a warmer climate, the snow was a shock! Despite this, the sense of community at St. Mary's makes it all worthwhile. I�ve joined the debate club, which has helped me build confidence and make friends. My expectation was to gain a well-rounded education, and the reality has exceeded that, thanks to the supportive environment and diverse opportunities.
Prime location
St. Mary�s University is a hidden gem in Halifax, offering a tight-knit, community-driven experience. What�s special here is the �Service Learning� program, where students integrate volunteer work into their academic curriculum, fostering real-world skills while contributing to local causes. The university�s small size allows for personalized attention; professors often know students by name and offer mentorship beyond academics. An underrated feature is the Gorsebrook Lounge, a cozy on-campus spot where students discuss everything from social issues to sports over live music. Its focus on sustainability is also noteworthy, with rooftop gardens and eco-friendly initiatives incorporated into campus life. Socially, the university hosts diverse cultural events, reflecting Halifax�s rich heritage and international community. With its location in one of Canada�s friendliest cities, St. Mary�s offers more than a degree�it�s a place where students truly feel at home.
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Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2025
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
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Student Teacher InteractionHow helpful were your teachers?
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Student DiversityHow diverse was the atmosphere at your university?
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Quality of Student LifeHow was your everyday life?
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Career DevelopmentDid the university provide support for your career development?