Saint Martin’s University: Excellence in Catholic Higher Education
Discover Saint Martin's University: A top-ranked Catholic institution fostering academic excellence, career readiness, and community impact.
Saint Martin’s University: A Comprehensive Profile
Saint Martin’s University stands as a distinguished Catholic Benedictine institution located in Lacey, Washington, committed to providing exceptional undergraduate and graduate education rooted in the integration of faith, reason, and service. Founded in 1895, Saint Martin’s has evolved into a premier private liberal arts university that emphasizes hands-on learning, strong faculty-student relationships, and transformative educational experiences. The university has consistently received recognition as one of the nation’s top transformative colleges, reflecting its dedication to preparing students for meaningful careers and engaged citizenship in their communities.
Academic Excellence and Recognition
Saint Martin’s University has earned prestigious recognition from Money Magazine’s 2024 rankings, receiving a 4 out of 5-star rating that underscores its commitment to educational quality and affordability. The university was selected as a 2024-2025 College of Distinction, honoring its exceptional undergraduate education. This recognition reflects the university’s implementation of high-impact educational practices, including immersive learning experiences, strong faculty mentorship, vibrant campus communities, and measurable student outcomes.
The university’s accolades extend across multiple dimensions of higher education excellence. Saint Martin’s earned College of Distinction awards in nine additional categories beyond the general distinction, including recognition as a Catholic College of Distinction, Washington College of Distinction, and special commendations in affordability, military support, and career development. Furthermore, the university received targeted recognition in four top-tier academic programs: Business, Education, Engineering, and Nursing, each celebrating distinct strengths in hands-on learning and career preparation.
Campus Demographics and Enrollment
Student Population
Saint Martin’s welcomes approximately 1,300 undergraduate students and 250 graduate students to its 380-acre Lacey campus, complemented by an extended campus location at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The university maintains a distinctly personalized educational environment through its 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class sizes of 12-14 students, ensuring that all classes are taught by faculty members rather than teaching assistants.
Diversity and Inclusion
The student body reflects remarkable diversity in multiple dimensions. Approximately 59% of students identify as ethnically diverse, while 35% are first-generation college students whose parents did not attend college. Religious diversity is also prominent, with 20+ faiths represented on campus alongside 19 different nationalities. While 45% of students identify as Catholic, the university welcomes students of all faith backgrounds to its community.
Gender Distribution
The first-year class comprises 53% women and 47% men, reflecting a relatively balanced gender distribution that encourages collaborative learning environments across all academic disciplines and residential communities.
Academic Programs and Offerings
Undergraduate Education
Saint Martin’s offers 31 academic majors spanning multiple disciplines within the arts and sciences, business, counseling, education, engineering, nursing, and leadership. The most popular undergraduate programs include nursing, biology, psychology, business administration, and education. Each program emphasizes experiential learning, internship opportunities, and real-world application of theoretical knowledge.
Graduate and Professional Programs
The university provides 11 Master’s degree programs designed for working professionals seeking advanced credentials. These programs include specializations in accounting, business, counseling, education, engineering, and information technology. Additionally, Saint Martin’s offers a doctoral program in leadership studies for students pursuing advanced research and specialized expertise. Seven certificate programs, including the Washington Vets to Tech initiative and Health Care Management Certificate, provide flexible pathways for professional development.
Financial Aid and Affordability
Scholarship and Aid Distribution
Saint Martin’s prioritizes financial accessibility for all students. The university awarded over $26 million in scholarships and gift aid to students in the most recent academic year, with individual scholarships ranging from $500 to full tuition coverage. Remarkably, 100% of students demonstrating financial need receive financial support or aid, ensuring that demonstrated financial hardship does not serve as a barrier to enrollment.
Cost Considerations
The university’s commitment to affordability, recognized through its College of Distinction award in this category, reflects competitive tuition rates compared to similar private institutions. Saint Martin’s demonstrates strong return on investment for graduates, with alumni experiencing positive career outcomes and social mobility following graduation.
Signature Programs and Specializations
Nursing Program
Saint Martin’s nursing program received College of Distinction recognition for its hands-on learning approach designed to produce well-rounded, thoughtful, and skilled nurses prepared for tomorrow’s healthcare challenges. The program integrates practical clinical experience, evidence-based practice, and compassionate patient care education.
Engineering Program
The engineering program earned special distinction for its dedication to providing dynamic, experience-based undergraduate education for future engineers. Students engage in project-based learning, laboratory work, and industry partnerships that develop both technical competency and professional judgment.
Business Program
Recognized for producing experienced, responsible leaders for the corporate world, Saint Martin’s business program emphasizes hands-on learning through case studies, internships, and leadership development. Students develop critical thinking skills and ethical decision-making frameworks essential for contemporary business environments.
Education Program
The education program combines practical teaching experiences, comprehensive advising, intentional mentoring, and high-impact practices that result in successful student outcomes. Future educators engage in real classroom settings while receiving personalized guidance from experienced faculty mentors.
Catholic Benedictine Mission and Values
Saint Martin’s Catholic Benedictine tradition informs every aspect of institutional life. The university’s Catholic College of Distinction award identifies its success in preparing both the minds and hearts of students for meaningful success. This integrated approach transcends typical private school advantages of small class sizes and personalized attention, instead embedding opportunities for growth, service, and compassionate leadership throughout the educational experience.
The university’s mission to “empower students to make a positive difference in their lives and in the lives of others through the interaction of faith, reason and service” shapes curricular design, co-curricular programming, and campus culture. Students experience this mission through service-learning courses, faith-based discussions across disciplines, and mentorship relationships grounded in Benedictine values of community, stewardship, and continuous learning.
High-Impact Educational Practices
Saint Martin’s implements comprehensive high-impact practices that foster academic excellence and personal growth among all students. These evidence-based pedagogies include:
Living and Learning Communities: Students engage in residential communities built around shared academic interests, values, or demographic identities, fostering peer learning and social integration.
First-Year Core Curriculum: All first-year students participate in integrated core courses designed to build foundational skills, intellectual curiosity, and community connections during the critical transition to college.
Internship and Work-Based Learning: Students across all majors complete internships and work-integrated learning experiences that connect classroom theory to professional practice.
Capstone Courses and Projects: Senior-level courses culminate in substantial research projects, presentations, or creative works that demonstrate mastery of disciplinary knowledge and professional skills.
Faculty Excellence and Student Support
Saint Martin’s faculty members represent disciplinary experts who have received awards and peer recognition for their expertise and research contributions. Faculty maintain active engagement with students through advising, mentoring, and collaborative research projects. The university’s commitment to faculty excellence directly translates into enhanced student learning outcomes and mentorship quality.
Career services collaborate extensively with academic departments to integrate career planning into classroom instruction, ensuring that students develop professional competencies alongside disciplinary knowledge. Students receive personalized career guidance throughout their academic journey, connecting classroom learning to professional trajectories.
Military Support and Service Member Resources
Saint Martin’s received College of Distinction recognition for military support, acknowledging comprehensive programs that enable service members to thrive in and beyond the classroom. The university’s extended campus at Joint Base Lewis-McChord provides accessible education for active-duty military personnel, reservists, and veterans. These programs address military-specific scheduling needs, recognize military experience as valuable educational background, and connect service members to campus resources supporting their transition to civilian careers.
Career Development and Post-Graduate Success
The university’s intentional focus on post-graduate opportunities distinguishes Saint Martin’s in career development. The Career Services office maintains extensive resources readying students for professional success beyond graduation, including resume development, interview preparation, professional networking events, and alumni mentorship connections. Industry connections provide students with ample opportunities to establish professional relationships through internships, networking activities, and employer recruitment events on campus.
Saint Martin’s alumni experience strong post-graduation outcomes characterized by long-term career satisfaction, social mobility, and community leadership. The university’s commitment to career-integrated learning ensures that students graduate with both disciplinary expertise and professional readiness.
Campus Life and Community
Saint Martin’s 380-acre campus in Lacey, Washington, provides a vibrant residential community where students engage in academic, spiritual, and social development. The university fosters community through residential life programming, student organizations, spiritual life opportunities, and collaborative learning spaces. Students report high levels of engagement with campus activities, contributing to the vibrant community life recognized through College of Distinction honors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Saint Martin’s student-to-faculty ratio?
Saint Martin’s maintains a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio with average class sizes of 12-14 students, ensuring personalized attention and strong mentoring relationships between students and faculty.
What percentage of Saint Martin’s students receive financial aid?
One hundred percent of students demonstrating financial need receive financial support or aid. The university distributed over $26 million in scholarships and gift aid in the most recent academic year.
Does Saint Martin’s accept students of all faith backgrounds?
Yes. While Saint Martin’s is a Catholic Benedictine institution, the university welcomes students of all faith backgrounds. Over 20 different faiths are represented among the student body.
What military support programs does Saint Martin’s offer?
Saint Martin’s maintains an extended campus at Joint Base Lewis-McChord and offers comprehensive support programs for active-duty military personnel, reservists, and veterans seeking to balance military service with higher education.
What are the most popular majors at Saint Martin’s?
The most popular undergraduate majors include nursing, biology, psychology, business administration, and education. Each program emphasizes hands-on learning and career preparation.
Does Saint Martin’s offer graduate programs?
Yes. Saint Martin’s offers 11 Master’s degree programs, one doctoral program in leadership studies, and seven certificate programs designed for working professionals and specialized learners.
References
- Saint Martin’s University Selected as 2024-2025 College of Distinction — Saint Martin’s University. 2024-2025. https://www.stmartin.edu/news-and-stories/news/saint-martins-university-selected-2024-2025-college-distinction
- Saint Martin’s University at a Glance — Saint Martin’s University. 2024. https://www.stmartin.edu/why-saint-martins/saint-martins-glance
- Saint Martin’s University Ranked Among the Nation’s Top Transformative Colleges by Money Magazine — Saint Martin’s University. 2024. https://www.stmartin.edu/news-and-stories/news/saint-martins-university-ranked-among-nations-top-transformative-colleges-money-magazine-second
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