Mount St. Mary's University

Emmitsburg, MD

private nonprofitgraduate

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Quick Facts

1,806

Total Students

$47K

Tuition (In-State)

$47K

Tuition (Out-State)

$25K

Avg Net Price

72%

Acceptance Rate

58%

Graduation Rate

6-year

71%

Retention Rate

Master's Colleges & Universities

Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Mount St. Mary's University

A storied institution, pioneering Catholic education since 1808.

Mount St. Mary's University offers a compelling educational journey steeped in rich history and a profound commitment to its Catholic heritage. Founded in 1808 by French émigré John DuBois, this institution began as both a boarding school and a seminary, quickly becoming a pivotal ecclesiastical center. It holds the distinction of being closely associated with Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, whose establishment of Saint Joseph's Academy and Free School on campus laid the groundwork for the entire Catholic parochial school system in the United States.

The university's academic roots are strong, having developed early on to provide comprehensive high school and college courses for both lay students and future priests. Over two centuries, Mount St. Mary's has evolved, demonstrating resilience and forward-thinking, including obtaining its first university charter in 1830. Its growth reflects a dedication to intellectual rigor and spiritual formation, attracting esteemed scholars like Simon Bruté, whom President John Quincy Adams recognized as "the most learned man of his day in America."

Student life at Mount St. Mary's has a unique narrative, intertwined with that of Saint Joseph College, a nearby women's liberal arts institution. This historical proximity fostered a vibrant social dynamic between the two schools, culminating in a full merger in 1973. Since then, Mount St. Mary's has been fully co-educational, blending its profound historical legacy with a modern, inclusive learning environment, ensuring a well-rounded and engaging experience for all its students.

Key Highlights

✦Founded in 1808 by French émigré John DuBois, initially as a seminary and boarding school.
✦Holds a historical connection to Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, who established the first free Catholic parochial school in the U.S. on campus.
✦Simon Bruté, described as "the most learned man of his day in America," served as vice-president and teacher.
✦Obtained its first university charter in 1830, marking an early recognition of its comprehensive academic offerings.
✦Merged with Saint Joseph College, a women's liberal arts college, in 1973, becoming fully co-educational.
✦Officially changed its name to Mount Saint Mary's University on June 7, 2004.

Timeline

1805

John DuBois buys land and lays the cornerstone for Saint-Mary's-on-the-Hill church.

1808

Mount St. Mary's officially begins with the transfer of seminarians to Emmitsburg.

1809

Elizabeth Ann Seton establishes Saint Joseph's Academy and Free School, the first free Catholic parochial school in the U.S.

1812

Simon Bruté joins Mount St. Mary's as teacher and vice-president.

1830

The first charter for a university is obtained.

1902

Saint Joseph College, a four-year liberal arts college for women, is established.

1973

Saint Joseph College closes and merges with Mount St. Mary's, making it fully co-educational.

2004

Mount Saint Mary's College and Seminary changes its name to Mount Saint Mary's University.

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