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St Catherine University

Saint Paul, MN

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

1905
Founded
Private university
Type
2,393
Total Students
2,602
Undergrad
1,097
Graduate
$75M
Endowment
(2016)
$50K
Tuition (In-State)
$50K
Tuition (Out-State)
$22K
Avg Net Price
94%
Acceptance Rate
65%
Graduation Rate
6-year
78%
Retention Rate
Doctoral/Professional Universities
Classification

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

About St Catherine University

Empowering women and diverse learners, a pioneering Catholic university since 1905.

St. Catherine University, affectionately known as St. Kate's, stands as a distinguished private Catholic institution nestled in the heart of Saint Paul, Minnesota. Established in 1905, it proudly holds its place as one of the very first institutions of higher learning specifically for women in the Midwest. While deeply committed to baccalaureate programs for women, St. Kate's also extends its enriching graduate and associate programs to both women and men, fostering a dynamic and inclusive academic environment.

From its inception, St. Kate's has been a trailblazer. Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet under the visionary leadership of Mother Seraphine Ireland, the university is named after St. Catherine of Alexandria, a fourth-century Egyptian philosopher. The institution quickly earned full accreditation by 1917 and demonstrated its unwavering commitment to service during World War II by expanding its nursing programs, training over 170 alumnae for military hospitals and addressing critical national needs.

Today, St. Kate's continues its legacy of innovation and inclusivity. The university is renowned for actively recruiting and enrolling minority and non-traditional aged students, boasting one of the nation's largest populations of Hmong scholars. Its pioneering spirit is further exemplified by the establishment of the nation's second Weekend College (now College for Adults), demonstrating a long-standing dedication to making higher education accessible to all.

With a vibrant student body of 3,699, St. Catherine University offers a unique blend of a rigorous Catholic education, a supportive community, and an urban campus experience focused on developing leaders who make a difference in the world.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1905 as one of the first institutions of higher learning specifically for women in the Midwest.
  • Offers baccalaureate programs for women, alongside graduate and associate programs for both women and men.
  • Pioneered programs for non-traditional students, including the nation's second Weekend College (now College for Adults).
  • Home to one of the largest populations of Hmong scholars in the nation, reflecting a strong commitment to diversity.
  • Accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools since 1917.
  • A private Catholic university in Saint Paul, Minnesota, with an endowment of $0.1 billion.
  • Supports a vibrant and diverse community with a total student enrollment of 3,699.

Timeline

1887
St. Mary's School of Nursing established (a predecessor institution).
1905
Founded as the College of St. Catherine; Derham Hall opened.
1913
First Bachelor of Arts degrees conferred.
1917
Earned full accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
1942
Expanded nursing programs in response to a critical WWII shortage.
1964
St. Mary's School of Nursing became St. Mary's Junior College.
2009
Renamed St. Catherine University.
🏛️
121 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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