College Profile: St. Mary's College of Maryland

This month I had the pleasure of touring St. Mary's College of Maryland (SMCM), a wonderful school nestled in the heart of St. Mary's City, offering a unique location and gorgeous campus. With a student population of just over 1,500, it feels a lot larger than it is. The school boasts impressive stats including a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, 65+ academic programs, NCAA Division III sports, a Best Value College designation by the Princeton Review, a spot on the Top 50 Green Colleges in the US, and over 70 student clubs and activities. There is something for everyone at this gem of a school.

School Statistics:

SMCM, founded in 1840, is a public liberal arts college renowned for its rigorous academics and picturesque campus. As Maryland's only public honors college, SMCM prides itself on a commitment to intellectual curiosity, diversity, and community engagement.

Student Statistics:

Diversity thrives at SMCM, with students hailing from all corners of the globe. The student body is composed of passionate individuals driven knowledge and making a difference in the community. Students come from 27 states and nine countries. With the low student-faculty ratio, students benefit from personalized attention and mentorship from world-class faculty members.

Traditions:

From the annual River Concert Series, where renowned musicians grace the campus with unforgettable performances, to the spirited Homecoming celebrations, rich traditions abound at SMCM. Visit the “Seven Wonders” around the grounds, which are important historical landmarks that are also connected to student traditions. Or, engage in a poetry slam, or one of the many intramural sports offered. Students rave that there is always something to do.

Fun Facts:

SMCM is located on the site of Maryland's first capital. The historic significance of the campus adds a layer of depth to the college experience. Additionally, SMCM boasts a vibrant waterfront campus, providing students with access to kayaking, sailing, rowing, and other aquatic adventures on the beautiful St. Mary's River.

As I walked around campus, I was struck by the notion that a student would likely be in their senior year and discover something new! There was a sense of peace, but also curiosity, adventure, and creativity from the students I encountered and facilities I visited. 

I encourage students to take a look at the website at: www.smcm.edu. This may be the school for you!