Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is a Catholic-affiliated liberal arts school that provides "life-long learning opportunities to grow intellectually, morally, spiritually, physically, and socially through [the] Lasallian tradition of excellence." Lasallian education, inspired by the teachings of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, focuses on the needs of individual learners and their spiritual and personal development. St. Mary's "beautiful setting" and "tight-knit community that focuses on growing in mind, body, and spirit" sets students up for success in all of these areas. An early education major gushes that "Saint Mary's offers students more than an education; this school gives students a home away from home." St. Mary's has many strong academic programs, including education, science, and art. Students are generally enthusiastic about their classes, calling them "meaningful and worthwhile." Students say that professors are "very helpful and knowledgeable" and are here "truly for the students."

Overall, St. Mary's students are "very friendly," and "pretty down-to-earth and easy to get along with" though students (like this graphic design major) say that "many cliques can be seen" on campus. Another says that "there's typically a group for every kind of person, but not much interaction between groups." Others say that students get along well, and that "you're [only] an 'outsider' if you don't participate in a club, activity, sport, or organization." Athletes have a large presence on campus and intramural sports are a popular way to socialize. Most students come from the area, and the school is predominantly white. St. Mary's religious affiliation means that many people are actively in touch with their faith, but plenty of non-Christian students attend "simply…for the education and college experience" and fit in well.

Community is a big part of the St. Mary's experience, and a biology major explains that this results in a "very 'on campus' school." The typical student is "involved in at least one or two extracurricular activities and has a healthy social life." "There are numerous clubs and…numerous sports activities. Virtually every night of the week there's a movie, athletic event, or some social gathering," so "St. Mary's is in constant motion." The school's lovely setting in the Minnesota hills means "students climb the bluffs and go hiking when possible," though most people agree that Winona itself "is not a very exciting town." "People do party" here. Although another student confirms, "being a person that doesn't drink, I don't have a problem at all…people respect those who don't drink." In general, St. Mary's students are very happy with their experience, but many admit that the dorms and science facilities could use an update, and that there could be more options for student housing overall.