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)
Prestige + Opportunity = Success
Receive a top-ranked educational experience on par with the best private liberal arts colleges, at the cost of a public institution. Plus, 94% (5-year average) of students are employed/in graduate school six months after graduation.
Up to 50% of Tuition Could be Covered
You'll automatically be considered for scholarships covering a significant percentage of tuition! Plus, they'll be renewable for four years.
More Than 90% of Students Receive Aid
Submit the FAFSA (code: 002095) to unlock federal, state and SMCM need-based financial aid.
“My professors, advisors and coaches at SMCM helped me make all my goals possible.”
Cooper Clendenin '24, international languages and cultures: Spanish, with a minor in sociologyFulbright English Teaching Assistant
Become 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
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.
