Mount St. Mary's University is a private Catholic university located in Emmitsburg, Maryland, in the Catoctin Mountains near the Pennsylvania border. Founded in 1808, it is one of the oldest Catholic institutions of higher education in the United States. The university offers more than 40 undergraduate majors as well as graduate programs and certificates, and it also includes a seminary, Mount St. Mary’s Seminary. Known for its liberal arts foundation and Catholic intellectual tradition, the university attracts students seeking a faith-informed education, small class sizes, and Division I athletics participation in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
With a 73.81% acceptance rate, Mount St. Mary's University is moderately selective. Applicants are expected to show good academic performance and readiness for college-level coursework. Students with consistent grades, extracurricular involvement, and a well-prepared application are typically competitive for admission.
Mount St. Mary's University was founded in 1808 in Emmitsburg, Maryland, by French émigré priest Rev. John DuBois, making it one of the oldest Catholic institutions of higher education in the United States. Established to educate young men and support the growing Catholic population in early America, Mount St. Mary's University began as a small college and seminary. Elizabeth Ann Seton, who founded the Sisters of Charity nearby, was closely connected to the institution in its early years. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Mount St. Mary's University expanded its academic offerings and campus facilities while maintaining its Catholic mission. The institution was known as Mount Saint Mary’s College and Seminary until 2004, when it officially became Mount St. Mary's University. Today, Mount St. Mary's University continues to serve undergraduate, graduate, and seminary students from its historic Maryland campus.
Mount St. Mary's University has a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, providing a balance between personalized instruction and a broader classroom environment. Students can expect opportunities to engage with professors while also benefiting from diverse perspectives in class discussions.
Applying to Mount St. Mary's University involves submitting an online application, academic transcripts, and supporting materials such as recommendations and a personal statement. Located in Emmitsburg, Maryland, Mount St. Mary's University reviews applicants holistically, considering academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and alignment with its Catholic mission. Prospective students may also explore campus visits and information sessions to better understand academic programs and student life.
Mount St. Mary's University offers a range of financial aid options, including need-based grants, merit scholarships, federal aid programs, and work-study opportunities. Students applying to Mount St. Mary's University are encouraged to complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for institutional and federal assistance. The university also provides guidance on scholarships and payment plans to help families manage the cost of attendance.
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