Is SMCM worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
SMCM is ranked #1,573 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of C (above average for value). Within Maryland, it ranks #30 of 45 for value.
Among the majors SMCM offers, these rank best for value nationally.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Environmental Studies | #82 of 249 |
| Biochemistry | #108 of 237 |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology | #119 of 273 |
| Biology | #119 of 273 |
| Economics | #137 of 304 |
| General Economics | #137 of 304 |
| Natural Resources Conservation | #145 of 371 |
| Environment / Natural Resources | #145 of 371 |
| Natural Resources & Conservation | #168 of 405 |
| General Computer & Information Sciences | #194 of 365 |
Read the full SMCM value report below — how it ranks within its state, how it ranks nationwide, what a degree actually costs, and whether it makes financial sense.
St. Mary’s College of Maryland is ranked #11 out of #47 in Maryland for quality and #30 out of #45 for Maryland value.
Do you qualify for in-state tuition? Check the SMCM financial aid page to be sure.
St. Mary’s College of Maryland is ranked #1,573 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
St. Mary’s College of Maryland 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 SMCM costs about $19,775. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $79,099 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $31,778 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $18,441 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $19,775 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $79,099 |
*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.
There are many ways to lower the cost of a college education. Consider in-state tuition, transfer credits, or finishing your degree faster. Learn more about SMCM net price and the factors that affect it.
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 SMCM 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 | $127,112 | — | — |
| All Students | $79,099 | #1,573 | C |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $73,764 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $127,112 | — | — |
| All Students | $79,099 | #30 | C- |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $73,764 | — | — |
*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 SMCM shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $3,618 |
| $30K–$48K | $9,370 |
| $48K–$75K | $14,955 |
| $75K–$110K | $20,010 |
| Over $110K | $25,256 |
About 90% of SMCM undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $11,238 per year. Get more details on the SMCM 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 SMCM net price page for the cost detail.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.