The Benedictine tradition

The only Catholic Benedictine university west of the Rockies, Saint Martin's embraces a philosophy of living, not just learning. We'll prepare you to lead a life of purpose, service, and compassion.

In the Benedictine tradition, Saint Martin's is committed to the education of the "whole" you. That tradition values community, listening, and stewardship. Here you'll be embraced and supported from your very first day to graduation day—and beyond. You'll be surrounded by professors, staff, and students who believe that listening is the key to understanding and learning. As we listen with our hearts, we learn to trust one another, to respect our differences, and to find opportunities where our unique talents and abilities can help create a better world.

The right size

Our small student-faculty ratio (13:1) means you’ll know and be known by your professors, as well as your fellow students. Here, you'll have the opportunity to work directly with professors, lead a research project, play a sport, or start a club. At Saint Martin's, everyone is as passionate about your hopes, dreams, and goals as you are.

We may be small, but our offerings are abundant: 23 majors, a variety of minors, and several pre-professional and graduate programs; study-abroad programs to 23 countries; 13 NCAA Division II teams and many intramural sports; and over 30 student-run clubs and organizations.

Location, location, location

Saint Martin's is within minutes of downtown Olympia, home to a vibrant arts community, hosting local and nationally recognized artists, as well as the State Capitol. This area has been named on numerous national "Best Cities" lists over the last few years for its transit systems, business environment, and low crime rate, including lists by Kiplinger’s, Forbes, and Sperling’s. We're also located halfway between Seattle and Portland, two of the most exciting and beautiful cities in the nation.

Here you'll be surrounded by all sorts of outdoor opportunities like hiking, water sports, skiing, and scenic mountains trails. With so much to do and see, just steps from your door, you’ll have the experience of a lifetime at Saint Martin’s University.

An investment in you

Saint Martin's is one of the most affordable private universities in the Pacific Northwest, with tuition rates $5,000, $7,000, even $10,000 less than other private institutions in our region. We are committed to making a Saint Martin's education accessible to you. Last year, we dedicated over $14 million to scholarships and grants. 98% of all of our undergraduate students receive financial aid.

Saint Martin’s seeks to build a diverse, hard-working, and highly-engaged fellowship of students. This does not necessarily mean a 4.0 GPA or perfect SAT scores. We seek students who want to build an education around a philosophy of living, not just learning. Saint Martin’s isn’t a place for “wall flowers” or “back-benchers.” You will be expected to challenge yourself with opportunities inside and outside the classroom, to lead and make a difference in our community.

At Saint Martin's, you will find a unique, values-driven education, one that is centered around the 1,500-year-old Benedictine traditions of community, hospitality, service, and stewardship. You will be a part of a community that values open academic inquiry and discussion, that welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds, and that supports one another intellectually, socially, and spiritually.

In evaluating your application, we’ll look first at your academic background and preparation – grades, course selection, writing, and, for first-year applicants, test scores. If you’ve got a couple bumps and bruises along the way academically, don’t worry. We’ll learn all we can about you from your application, contact you if we need more information, and if you’re on an upward path we can admit you. If we think you’ll need a little help to achieve academic success we’ll admit you through our Conditional Admit Program, which directs a number of support services to you and has proven highly effective in helping students achieve academic success at the college level.

Beyond your academic record, we’re equally interested in what you’ll add to our community outside the classroom. Whether you are an actor, athlete, community organizer, singer or worship leader – we want to see your enthusiasm and dedication to life beyond the books.

Saint Martin’s University does not have minimum GPA, SAT or ACT scores for admission. We evaluate each application holistically and take into account all information presented in an application when making a decision, including the rigor of courses, and service and leadership experience.

Learn more about first-year requirements and the application process.

As a guideline, you can use this information about students that enrolled in the fall 2012 first-year class:

• Middle 50 percent range high school GPA: 3.05 to 3.73 (average GPA: 3.37)
• Middle 50 percent range SAT critical reasoning: 450 to 570 (average: 519)
• Middle 50 percent range SAT math: 460 to 590 (average: 529)
• Middle 50 percent range SAT writing: 450 to 560 (average: 503)
• Middle 50 percent range ACT: 18 to 25 (average: 22)

High school course selection is important in our decision making process. It is recommended that high school applicants complete an academic program that follows this pattern:

English – Four years

At least three years of study should be from college preparatory composition and/or English literature. One year may be satisfied by courses in drama, public speaking, debate, or journalism.

Mathematics – Three years

We recommend college preparatory algebra and geometry. One additional year in advanced mathematics is recommended for students majoring in the sciences, engineering or business.

Science – Three years

We recommend college preparatory science, including one year of a laboratory science. Three years of science with two years of laboratory science are recommended for students majoring in engineering or the sciences.

Social science – Two years

Students might select from history, psychology, political science, economics, sociology, and/or cultural anthropology.

Foreign language – Two years

Any foreign language.

Academic electives – Three years

Advanced study beyond the recommended course pattern.

Additional courses in English, mathematics, laboratory science, and foreign language will strengthen a student’s application for admission. Students who do not fulfill these recommended course patterns may be offered admission with a conditional status.

Saint Martin’s University welcomes transfer students at any stage of their college career. A maximum of 96 semester hours (144 quarter hours) will be accepted toward fulfillment of requirements for a baccalaureate degree. Transfer credits from a two-year accredited college may not exceed 64 semester hours (96 quarter hours). Students are required to complete our General Education Requirements.

Saint Martin’s University does not have minimum GPA requirements for admission. We evaluate each application holistically and take into account all information presented in an application when making a decision.

As a guideline, the middle 50% GPA range for transfer students that enrolled in the fall 2012 class was 2.71 – 3.56. The average incoming GPA was 3.16.

Course selection at your previous institution(s) is important in our decision making process. While we do not have specific course recommendations for admission, successful transfer applicants will have completed an academic-focused program that prepares them for Baccalaureate-level work. To prepare for Saint Martin’s liberal arts-based curriculum, all students should take courses that emphasize writing and critical thinking skills. Students intending to major in the sciences should take both lecture and lab courses in their intended field of studies as well as relevant mathematics courses. Math, chemistry, computer science, and engineering majors will be well served to complete college-level calculus with a B average before transferring.

If you will be transferring in 30 semester credits or less (typically two semesters or three quarters of full-time study) you may be required to submit your high school transcript and SAT or ACT scores, particularly if you graduated from high school less than three years from the time you plan to apply for admission as a transfer student. Your admission counselor will let you know which specific materials are necessary to complete your application depending upon your individual circumstances.

Saint Martin's University requires TOEFL or IELTS test scores from all international applicants to complete the application process.

There are two ways to apply: online or by completing a paper application. The forms and requirements are the same for each method, so feel free to use whichever is most convenient for you.

Detailed instructions and access to the online application, or a PDF copy to download, can be found on our application page.

Please spend a few minutes looking over the application checklist for a list of all other documents necessary to complete your application.