Saint Mary's College of California Transfer Requirements

Saint Mary's College of California Overview

Saint Mary's College of California is a distinguished private Lasallian Catholic institution and the only college in California recognized in the prestigious "Colleges That Change Lives" guide. Ranked among the top five regional universities in the West by U.S. News & World Report, the College offers a transformative liberal arts education characterized by small class sizes and deep personal connections between students and faculty. With a welcoming 88% acceptance rate and a streamlined transfer process that allows students to apply at any time with no minimum credit requirements, Saint Mary's provides a supportive pathway for transfer students to join a tight-knit community and achieve high earning potential in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.

Saint Mary's College of California Student Body at a Glance

As of Fall 2024, Saint Mary's College of California has a total enrollment of 2,736 students, including 1,955 undergraduates and 781 graduate students. The college continues to be recognized for its diverse community and its commitment to student success, maintaining a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and earning a distinction as the only California institution in the "Colleges That Change Lives" guide.

Saint Mary's College of California Transfer Admission Stats

Saint Mary's College of California accepted approximately 427 transfer students out of 605 applicants, resulting in a transfer acceptance rate of approximately 71%. The college offers a guaranteed admission program for students meeting specific GPA and unit requirements, and the overall graduation rate for the institution is approximately 66%.

Academic Benchmarks for Transfers

Saint Mary's College of California requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for transfer admission, though successful candidates typically present a GPA of 2.5 or higher. To be eligible for the Guaranteed Transfer Admission Program, students must complete at least 23 transferable semester units with a minimum 2.5 GPA. While the college maintains a test-optional policy and does not require SAT or ACT scores for admission, the middle 50% of admitted freshmen scored between 1060 and 1240 on the SAT and between 24 and 31 on the ACT, which can serve as a helpful academic reference.

Why transfer to Saint Mary's College of California?

Saint Mary's College of California is a top-tier institution ranked #4 among regional universities in the West, offering a transformative Lasallian education in the scenic San Francisco Bay Area. As a transfer student, you will benefit from a tight-knit community with a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and small class sizes that ensure personalized support from professors who know you by name. With a 93% career outcomes rate and a curriculum spanning over 40 academic majors, Saint Mary's prepares you for professional success, with graduates earning an average mid-career salary of $125,000. The college is dedicated to accessibility and social mobility, providing an average financial aid package of $39,110 to help you complete your degree at one of the most diverse and high-value private colleges in the nation.

Saint Mary's College of California Transfer Information

Saint Mary's College of California warmly welcomes transfer students into the Gael community, offering a supportive environment and the resources needed to ensure a smooth transition. With no minimum credit requirement to apply and a variety of pathways, including the Guaranteed Transfer Admission Program and Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) options, finishing your degree is more accessible than ever. Students can benefit from generous merit-based scholarships ranging from $4,000 to $20,000, along with specific grants for California community college transfers and Phi Theta Kappa members. At Saint Mary's, your previous academic experience is highly valued, and dedicated advisors are ready to help you maximize your transfer credits toward a successful future.

Academic Benchmarks for Transfer Requirements

Transfer applicants to Saint Mary's College of California must submit several materials as part of their application. Here are the key requirements and details: Required:

• College Transcript: Official transcripts from all institutions attended must be submitted. Unofficial transcripts may be used for initial admissions review.
• High School Transcript: Required if you have completed fewer than 23 transferable semester units (34 quarter units).
• GPA: A minimum academic college GPA of 2.0 is required for admission consideration.

Optional or Not Required:

• Application Fee: Saint Mary's is a fee-optional college; applicants can use a fee waiver code for the Common App or apply for free via the Saint Mary's application.
• Standardized Test Scores: Saint Mary's is a test-optional institution.
• Interview: Not explicitly required, but on-the-spot admission meetings are available for applicants to receive immediate decisions.

Credit Guidelines:

• Minimum College Credits: There is no minimum credit requirement to transfer.
• Maximum College Credits: A maximum of 74 lower-division semester units (111 quarter units) are transferable.
• Guaranteed Admission: Applicants with 23 UC transferable semester units and a 2.50 GPA may qualify for the Guaranteed Transfer Admission Program.

Transfer Application Deadlines

Saint Mary's College of California accepts transfer applications for both Fall and Spring terms. For Fall admission, the priority deadline is November 30, with a regular decision deadline of July 1; however, transfers seeking financial aid should apply by February 1 for full consideration. The regular deadline for Spring admission is December 1, while the January term deadline is also December 1. Applications are reviewed on an individual basis, and meeting priority deadlines is recommended for the best consideration of admission and merit scholarships.

Saint Mary's College of California Overview

Saint Mary's College of California is a private Catholic institution located in Moraga, California, recognized for its Lasallian heritage and commitment to the liberal arts. Founded in 1863, the college offers a student-centered learning environment with 44 undergraduate majors across four schools, including the School of Liberal Arts and the School of Economics and Business Administration. A hallmark of the academic experience is the Collegiate Seminar, where students engage in deep discussions of Great Books to foster critical thinking and leadership. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, Saint Mary's emphasizes personalized attention and transformative education. The college also offers robust support for transfer students, including merit scholarships and dedicated advising to ensure a seamless transition into its inclusive campus community.