About
SMC
About SMC
Our Bay Area campus is nestled in the rolling hills of Moraga, just east of San Francisco. It’s a place of natural beauty, with trails through the redwoods minutes away—and the cultural dynamism of a world-class city right nearby.
Our Bay Area campus is nestled in the rolling hills of Moraga, just east of San Francisco. It’s a place of natural beauty, with trails through the redwoods minutes away—and the cultural dynamism of a world-class city right nearby.
Rankings
Saint Mary’s is known for Transforming Lives. But don’t take our word for it. Saint Mary’s consistently rates high in awards of distinction from U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, Money Magazine, and others.
Colleges That Change Lives
CTCL.org 2024
Best Fit For Undergrads
The Princeton Review: The Best 390 Colleges: 2025 Edition
One of the Best College in the Country
Money Magazine 2024
Top 5% in the U.S. for Earning Potential
Payscale.com 2024
Top 3% Among Master’s Universities in the U.S.
Washington Monthly 2024
Top 5%
U.S. News & World Report Western Regional Universities: Best Colleges 2025
Top 25 Best Value Schools
U.S. News & World Report 2025
Featured Green College
The Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges, 2024
Distinctions
Colleges That Change Lives Institution
Saint Mary’s College of California is one of just 45 institutions to be named in the Colleges That Change Lives guide. SMC is the only Catholic college and the only California college in the history of this prestigious college guide.
Hispanic-Serving Institution
Since 2015, Saint Mary’s has earned the distinction of being a federally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), with more than 25% of SMC students of Latinx or Hispanic descent.
Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander–Serving Institution
As a designated Asian American Native American Pacific Islander–Serving Institution (AANAPISI), Saint Mary’s is helping to empower generations of underserved students.
Inspire. Engage. Transform.
At Saint Mary’s College of California, we inspire minds, engage with the world, and create opportunities for students to find their lives transformed. With small class sizes and professors who know you by name, the Saint Mary’s experience empowers students to thrive—whether you’re an undergraduate or a professional looking for the next step in your career.
Founded in 1863 with a mission to make quality education accessible to all, the University is proud of our Lasallian heritage and how it fuels teaching and learning in an inclusive and wonderfully diverse community in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Student Population
Award-Winning Club Sports
Whether you are a student who enjoys the excitement of learning something new, or you are a top-tier athlete who strives to remain competitive while at Saint Mary’s, the Club Sports program offers a great place to connect. From repeat national champion Men’s Rugby to Women’s Lacrosse and co-ed tennis, teamwork is a big part of the Gael community.
Active Club Sports
Club Sport Athletes
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Men’s Rugby
2024
National Champions
USA Rugby National Team Players since 1971
USA Rugby Hall of Fame Inductees
State of the Art Facilities
State of the Art Facilities
Rec Center
Rec Center
Science
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Highlights of SMC Stories
How love, Warriors basketball and poetry brought Tom Meschery back
The Athletic / The New York Times
SMC’s Erich Storti ’23, MBA ’24 Leads Major League Rugby Draft Picks. Kayoshi and Waqavesi Are No. 4 and No. 7 Picks, with Six Gaels Drafted Overall. Goff Rugby Report
Student Athletes and Mental Health: How parents of young athletes can support their mental resilience. “Make sure there's joy,” says SMC's Mary Volmer ’01, MFA ’05.
Diablo Magazine
NASA awarded $6 million to researchers advancing STEM career development. SMC’s Alice Baldridge is one of them.
NASA News
Ten Indigenous athletes will represent Australia with NBA star and former Gael Patty Mills the first five-time Indigenous Olympian.
Associated Press
How Politics And Diplomacy Shape Panda Conservation. Science Friday talks with SMC’s E. Elena Songster and Other Experts
Science Friday
SMC’s Barbara McGraw Speaks at Public Briefing on the Federal Role in Enforcing Religious Freedoms in Prison
US Commission on Civil Rights
