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)
Make Yourself at Home
Our ranking of #13 for Friendliest Students by the Princeton Review* mean you'll easily make connections and feel supported. Not to mention, housing is guaranteed for four years.
Get Into Life as a Seahawk
Our diverse array of clubs, ranging from academic and cultural to recreational and service-oriented, offers something for everyone.
St. Mary's City is Maryland's First Capital
Southern Maryland is where you will find rich cultural and maritime history. Just up the road in California, Leonardtown and Solomons Island, you will find charming shops, big box stores, restaurants and outdoor recreation of all kinds.
“I have had so many amazing opportunities to find and connect with students, faculty and staff at SMCM.”
Mary Govan '27, psychology major, special education and women, gender and sexuality studies minors, varsity sailorBecome 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.
