Saint Mary’s College of California: A Premier Catholic Liberal-Arts Institution

Saint Mary’s College of California is a private Catholic liberal-arts college located in Moraga, California, in the San Francisco Bay Area. Founded in 1863 and administered by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, the institution blends intellectual growth with spiritual development through a unifying core curriculum. Source 2

The college offers more than 70 majors and minors across liberal arts, business, psychology, social work, art, music, and teacher education, with six nationally accredited programs. It is ranked among the top 100 National Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News & World Report. Source 3

Approximately 1,851 full-time undergraduates enjoy a small-campus environment with personalized attention. The “Gaels” compete in NCAA Division I athletics as members of the West Coast Conference, with notable programs in men’s basketball and baseball. Source 8

Saint Mary’s provides competitive tuition paired with strong financial-aid options and reports solid alumni salary outcomes. Its Catholic liberal-arts tradition, Bay Area location, and competitive Division I athletics make it a distinctive choice for students seeking both academic excellence and personal growth. Source 1