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St Catherine University

Saint Paul, MN

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Wikipedia
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 fostering diverse leaders for over a century in Saint Paul.

St. Catherine University, affectionately known as St. Kate's, stands as a beacon of education in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Established in 1905 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, it was founded with a pioneering spirit as one of the very first institutions of higher learning specifically for women in the Midwest. While maintaining its strong Catholic identity and tradition of empowering women through baccalaureate programs, St. Kate's has evolved to offer robust graduate and associate programs open to both women and men, embracing a comprehensive and inclusive academic vision.

St. Kate's has a rich history of innovation and commitment to underserved populations. It was home to the nation's second "Weekend College" (now the College for Adults) and the first of its kind in the Upper Midwest, making higher education accessible to non-traditional aged students. Furthermore, the university holds the distinction of being the first private college in the U.S. to actively recruit, welcome, and retain Hmong students, cultivating one of the largest populations of Hmong scholars in the nation. This dedication reflects a vibrant, diverse student body, fostering an enriching and welcoming campus community.

Today, St. Kate's thrives as a private university with an urban campus, boasting an enrollment of approximately 3,699 students under the leadership of President Marcheta P. Evans, PhD. Its academic strengths are broad, notably including its historical and ongoing commitment to nursing education, which was significantly expanded during World War II. For prospective students and families, St. Kate's offers not just an education, but a transformative experience rooted in a legacy of leadership, service, and a deep commitment to making a difference in the world.

Key Highlights

  • Founded 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 open to both women and men.
  • Pioneered the "Weekend College" (now College for Adults), the second such program in the nation and the first in the Upper Midwest.
  • Home to one of the nation's largest populations of Hmong scholars, a testament to its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  • An urban campus located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, serving approximately 3,699 students.
  • Boasts an endowment of $0.1 billion, supporting its mission and programs.
  • Led by President Marcheta P. Evans, PhD, upholding its rich Catholic tradition.

Timeline

1905
Founded as the College of St. Catherine by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet; Derham Hall opens.
1913
Confers its first Bachelor of Arts degrees.
1917
Earns full accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
1940s
Significantly expands nursing programs, assuming leadership of local hospital schools and partnering with the U.S. Cadet Nursing Corps during WWII.
1964
St. Mary's School of Nursing is re-established as St. Mary's Junior College.
1987
The high school division merges to form Cretin-Derham Hall High School.
2009
Renamed St. Catherine University, reflecting its expanded offerings.
🏛️
121 Years
of Excellence

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