Become a World-Changer at St. Mary’s
We’re thrilled that you’re considering starting your college experience at St. Mary’s University. From our academic excellence and vibrant community to our lively campus life and Marianist values, attending St. Mary’s is a rich experience full of unforgettable memories and future preparation.
The deciding factor for me was the feel of the community and the fact that the classes were smaller in size. One of the best things about St. Mary’s is that the professors really care about you.”
Enrique Salinas (B.A. ’19)
How to Apply as a First-Year Student
Your first-year college application to St. Mary’s University marks an important milestone in your college search and your path to St. Mary’s. Our hope is that you view the college admission process as a journey — one of self-reflection and discovery.
While there are several options for submitting your application, the online St. Mary’s University application is easy to use and is the quickest way to get your information to the Office of Admission.
Once you submit the St. Mary’s University application, you will have access to our application portal where you can track the progress of your application and receive notifications about important next steps.
St. Mary’s University also accepts Common App, ApplyTexas or the Coalition App in addition to our own application for admission. While the St. Mary’s application is the best way to apply, we also accept the Common App, ApplyTexas and the Coalition App, which allow you to use an existing application and submit it to St. Mary’s University, free of charge.
Students who submit their application to St. Mary’s using Common App, ApplyTexas or the Coalition App will receive emailed instructions on how to establish their portal account once their application is received by St. Mary’s.
1. CHOOSE YOUR APPLICATION
You’ve identified the application that is the best for you and you have all of your personal, demographic and educational information at hand. You’re ready to begin.
PRO TIP: Don’t forget to have a counselor, parent, guardian or friend review your application for errors and typos before you hit submit.
If you already started (or submitted) an application with ApplyTexas for another institution, simply add St. Mary’s University in San Antonio as one of your colleges, and then hit submit.
2. Complete your application
- High school transcripts(s)
We need your help to get your official high school transcript. You will need to follow your high school’s policy for requesting official transcripts to send to St. Mary’s University. Most of the transcripts are submitted to the Office of Admission quickly but check in with your school counselor to make sure there are not any delays. Once your transcript is received by the Office of Admission, you will see that this required document has been submitted in the St. Mary’s University application portal.
- ACT and/or SAT scores or a personal statement
- It’s your choice, but one must be submitted.
3. Required documents
Aside from the admission application, only an in-progress high school transcript is required when applying.
While the following documents are not required, we will accept them in support of your admission application if you choose to submit them:
- Personal statement
- One letter of recommendation
- Résumé
- SAT and/or ACT scores
If you feel that one or more of the non-required documents helps provide a better understanding of who you are as a student and a person, we encourage you to submit them along with your application and transcript. Please note, should you choose not to submit test scores, a personal statement will be required to complete your admission application.
4. Submit additional documents
The 2024-2025 FAFSA® is available now. To learn more about the financial aid process or to speak with a Financial Aid Counselor, visit the Office of Financial Assistance page.
5. File your FAFSA® and explore Financial Aid
First-Year Application Deadlines
The Office of Admission accepts applications on a rolling basis for each term. The application for 2025-2026 academic year is now available.
- Aug. 1 – Application available online
- Oct. 31 – Preferred admission application submission deadline for Specialty Scholarships
- Dec. 15 – Priority application date for admission and general merit scholarships
- March 15 – Financial assistance priority deadline
- May 1 – Preferred enrollment deposit deadline
- June – Rattler Ready! (new student orientation) sessions begin
- August – Classes begin
Questions about the application process? Get in touch.
St. Mary’s University has a team of Admission Counselors eager to assist you in your journey to becoming a Rattler. Please reach out if you or your family have any questions about the admission process.
Get to Know St. Mary’s
Congratulations on beginning your college search experience! We would love to welcome you to our Rattler family. If you choose to enroll at St. Mary’s, you will be supported every step of the way by faculty, administration, University Ministry and so much more.
Academics
Students at St. Mary’s can participate in undergraduate research and impact the world through purposeful academic research. Research enhances critical thinking skills and provides hands-on experience for students entering the job market or advanced degree programs. When involved in research and creative or scholarly activities, students enjoy positive, life-changing relationships with faculty mentors.
Student Services
Our highest priority is to provide a well-rounded academic experience for all of our students. As a Marianist university, we educate the whole person — spirit, mind and body. From University Ministry and the Career and Professional Development Center to the Student Counseling Center and Campus Recreation, there are community members here for whatever you need to thrive.
Living on Campus
St. Mary’s University is home to 13 residence halls that provide a wide variety of communities. 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.
Preview your college experience!
Take a sneak peek at what life could be like if you make St. Mary’s University your new home. Our vibrant community is a true family — the memories and friends you make here will last a lifetime.
Questions?
For any questions you or your family may have, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you.
Office of Admission
Chaminade Tower
Text us: 210-526-0796
Call us: 210-436-3126
uadm@stmarytx.eduOffice of Financial Assistance
St. Louis Hall, Room 301
210-436-3141
finaid@stmarytx.edu