Where Prestige Meets Opportunity
As the National Public Honors College and the first stand-alone public honors college in the U.S., this is where a top-ranked liberal arts & sciences education is personalized, experiential, and uncommonly worth it.
#5 National Public Liberal Arts College (U.S. News & World Report, 2026)
#13 Friendliest Students (The Princeton Review, 2026)*
A Best College for Your Money (Money Magazine)
Experience Rigorous, Hands-On, Personalized Learning
Our distinctive LEAD curriculum, hands-on learning environment, close faculty mentoring and the Honors College Promise will give you a career-ready edge.
SMCM students thrive on our waterfront campus full of history, beauty, and belonging.
Uncommonly Worth It
Receive a top-ranked educational experience on par with the best private liberal arts colleges, at the cost of a public institution.
”I was a high-level academic student in my high school…so I wanted to find a school that could match my level.”
Jaedon Aso '26, artBecome a Seahawk!
Applying is your first step toward an honors education and learning why "Life is Better by the River."
Come experience Seahawk life for yourself! When you visit, you'll qualify for our Discover SMCM Grant—$1,000 for MD & DC students or $2,000 if you're from out of state.
Plan Your Visit
Your First Step is to Apply
Choose the application option that fits you best and see how simple it is to get started.
Apply with Confidence
Discover what defines a successful application to St. Mary's College of Maryland.
Your Honors Education is Affordable
Submit your FAFSA (SMCM code:002095) to unlock opportunities for additional scholarships and financial assistance.
Find Out How You Start Here to Get There
Learn more about St. Mary's College of Maryland's top-ranked honors education, beautiful waterfront campus, scholarships and more.
The Right Choice
Graduating from college is proven to lead to more career opportunities, better health, a broader worldview, higher earning potential, and so much more.
