简体中文
EnglishWhat Is Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC)?
Updated
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) is a Catholic liberal arts college founded in 1840. It offers campus, distance, and graduate programs, with more than 40 academic programs to choose from. If you're looking for a small, faith-based college with flexible study options and a residential campus experience, SMWC is worth exploring further.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Catholic liberal arts college |
| Founded | 1840 |
| Academic programs | More than 40 |
| Study formats | Campus, distance, and graduate programs |
| Student-to-faculty ratio | 13:1 |
| Financial aid | 95% of students receive financial aid |
| Scholarships | Almost $10 million awarded |
| Recognition | U.S. News & World Report rankings for Best Regional Universities in the Midwest, Best Value Schools, and Top Performers on Social Mobility |
What SMWC Offers
Academic Programs
SMWC provides more than 40 academic programs designed to prepare students for their intended careers. The college's liberal arts foundation applies across its offerings, and students can study through campus-based, distance, or graduate formats depending on their program and life circumstances.
Paying for College
Cost is often a deciding factor. According to the college, 95% of its students are awarded financial aid, and nearly $10 million in scholarships is available. SMWC is also recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a Best Value School. If affordability is a concern, the financial aid office is the place to start—aid eligibility depends on your circumstances, so confirm details directly with the college.
Campus Life at The Woods
The campus—referred to as "The Woods"—includes residence halls, clubs and organizations, Pomeroy athletics, and campus ministry. Students describe the environment as welcoming, peaceful, and close-knit, with one noting "everybody knows everybody." Service-learning trips, the arts, traditions, and events round out student life.
Who Might Consider SMWC
SMWC could be a good fit if you:
- Want a Catholic, liberal arts education with a faith-based community
- Prefer a small campus with a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Need flexibility through distance or graduate programs
- Are looking for a college where financial aid reaches most students
- Value athletics, service, and campus traditions alongside academics
If you need a large research university or programs outside the liberal arts, SMWC's offerings may be more limited—check the academic program list before applying.
How to Take the Next Step
- Explore majors – Review the more than 40 academic programs to confirm yours is offered in your preferred format.
- Check affordability – Review financial aid and scholarship information, then contact the college to confirm what you may qualify for.
- Visit or take a virtual tour – Schedule a campus tour or video tour to see The Woods and meet students and staff.
- Apply – The college describes its application process as quick and easy; you can also request more information before deciding.
The main takeaway: SMWC is a long-established Catholic liberal arts college combining a residential campus experience with distance and graduate options—verify program availability and aid details directly with the college before committing.