by our College Data Analytics TeamCollege Factual’s Best for the Money Rankings compare the quality of a SMC degree with its cost to decide whether the school is asking a fair price. Here is how SMC measures up.
SMC is ranked #2,782 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of C-. Within California, it ranks #224 of 304 for value.
These SMC majors earned the highest value rankings from College Factual.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Other Psychology & Counseling | #6 of 6 |
| Psychology | #6 of 6 |
| Other Communication, Journalism, & Related Programs | #15 of 16 |
| Communication & Journalism (Other) | #15 of 16 |
| Communications / Public Relations | #15 of 16 |
| Clinical, Counseling & Applied Psychology | #67 of 79 |
| Individualized Studies | #101 of 113 |
| Biochemistry | #194 of 237 |
| Bachelor's Degree | #221 of 243 |
| General Business/Commerce | #221 of 243 |
Read the full SMC value report below — how it ranks within its state, how it ranks nationwide, what a degree actually costs, and whether it makes financial sense.
Saint Mary’s College of California is ranked #25 out of #346 in California for quality and #224 out of #304 for California value.
Do you qualify for in-state tuition? Check the SMC financial aid page to be sure.
Saint Mary’s College of California is ranked #2,782 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Saint Mary’s College of California is priced appropriately for the quality of education it provides, making it a fair value according to College Factual.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at SMC costs about $32,272. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $129,090 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $77,739 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $30,378 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $32,272 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $129,090 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
Your price depends heavily on your family income and the aid you qualify for. See the SMC net price page for a fuller breakdown of what you might actually pay.
The price you actually pay depends on your circumstances — most students do not pay the full sticker price.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a SMC degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $310,956 | — | — |
| All Students | $129,090 | #2,782 | C- |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $121,512 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $310,956 | — | — |
| All Students | $129,090 | #224 | F |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $121,512 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at SMC shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $17,981 |
| $30K–$48K | $17,139 |
| $48K–$75K | $24,408 |
| $75K–$110K | $28,746 |
| Over $110K | $39,616 |
About 96% of SMC undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $39,110 per year. Get more details on the SMC financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual determines value by weighing a school’s average total cost against its educational quality, then comparing it to other schools in the same quality tier. See the SMC net price page for the cost detail.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.