Saint Mary's College of California Reviews

"I earned a bachelors and masters degree from this school while I worked for them as program coordinator to assistant director of technology. It became very clear after I received my masters degree that they could not care less; I simply got a pat on the back, no pay raise or any other professional opportunity other than doing the same job for nine years with a smile on my face . Despite what they promise all prospective students, that receiving a higher education degree from Saint Marys College of California (SMC) would net you better employment and pay; hilariously, my personal experience at that college was the exact oppositea point of concern I want to share to everyone considering a graduate degree at that school. Not only could they care less if their own employees received the degrees they promise students would better their lives financially and personally, not one job I applied for in the Bary Area (for over a year) ever cared that I studied or worked for SMC. It became an extreme embarrassment to spend more than a decade at an institution scholastically and professionally that provides no external advancement; therefore; my advice, if you want a graduate degree at a school that is actually worth the money you pay, then never consider Saint Mary's College of California for your chances are slim to none for it having any significant impact on you life unless you are already in a position of promotion sans having a graduate degree. You're much better off, financially and professionally, receiving a graduate degree from a more renowned institution. Take my advice from an employee of nine years at SMC: spend your $60k on a graduate degree from a school with more prestige, for the SMC title means little to none in the professional world within the Bay Area of CA and beyond."

"I can't say enough terrible things about this program. For an apparent "counseling" program most of the professors and advisors don't try to even listen or even understand students. There is absolutely ZERO support for grad students in terms of helping with field placement (most of the students in my class are having the worst experience) They also require 30 hours of mandated counseling and have absolutely no means of supporting or helping with the cost. The counseling department isn't allowing students to use the counseling services on campus unless we have a "psychological need" whatever that means. The program attempts to instill honesty and genuineness but completely counteracts this and in return are not empathetic, understanding, and assume that we "have it all together" because we are "counselors". I would NEVER recommend this program to anyone. Most of the professors in this program create an atmosphere that doesn't allow anyone with a different belief to speak or share with others - the complete opposite of creating an empathetic and understanding environment. It even counteracts the purpose of education to begin with - self-growth and learning. If you have any belief that is slightly different from the professors at this school you usually remain silent and are ridiculed for not having the same values, ideas, beliefs, and opinion. It also doesn't help that you pay 60,000 without any support to get a job after graduation or even any services to help during the program. I have never been so disappointment with an educational system that prides itself on acceptance and understanding when I have seen anything but this. If I didn't waste 30,000 already I would have left the program."

"Expensive program that provides very little value. Administrators are continuing to just take students money and do not seem focused at all on the quality of education. Even after students write in the surveys that the class was useless, they continue to offer them."

"Saint Mary's College of California is an excellent institution that provides a quality liberal arts education and prepares each student to think critically. In my personal experience I felt like I was fully supported and challenged by my professors to reach my educational and professional goals."

"Saint Mary's is definitely not for everyone, but it is perfect if you are looking for a small, close knit community, small class sizes, and wonderful opportunities to get to know classmates and professors on a different level. They encourage collaborative thinking and exude a passion for social justice. The opportunities that Saint Mary's gave me are incredibly unique and have helped form memories and skills that will last a lifetime."

"I graduated from SMC in 2016 and jumped into their MBA program in the same year. The school is all about community and you truly get to know your classmates and professors in and out of the classroom. I transferred there for my undergraduate and can speak to the difference between a big school where you get lost in everything and one where you get a quality education from everyone around you."

"Saint Mary's College was an incredibly rigorous yet fulfilling school to attend. Immersed in the small community which consisted of attentive and caring professors as well as collaborative students, I believe I achieved my full potential there. The small atmosphere fostered personal learning and I always felt supported. They have an excellent business program and a science department that helped prepare me for medical school. I would definitely recommend this school to any student considering!"

"The campus is beautiful and the class sizes are very small. I also liked some of the reading courses that were required. It's a school where you focus on your major, but also teaches you to become a more cultured individual by creating at atmosphere where you can have great experiences outside of your major."

"The Counseling Graduate program at St. Mary's College is excellent, and it's graduates a wonderful reputation for professionalism and preparedness in the community. I am enjoying the program, developing my counseling skills and interacting with my professors, as well as my peers. The program emphasizes personal and professional growth and being a well-rounded and skilled counselor. Although pricey, it's well work the expense!"

"Saint Mary's provides an insular and supportive environment for its writers. Funding is low and hard to come by, though faculty and staff do offer great flexibility and accessibility. The path from school into the professional world is a difficult one that students are expected to navigate on their own. However, there are resources available to assist with this. I am grateful for my experience at SMC, though it is not what I initially pictured when I was applying for graduate schools."

"The School Psychology Program is great, and really pushes you to reach your full potential! The workload is intense, but once you are through it, your new found work ethic and Master's Degree + PPS Credential will open up numerous job opportunities for you."

"If you want a graduate program that has small class sizes, a personal experience, accessible and experienced professors that practice in the field, a beautiful campus, and a stellar reputation then St. Mary's College of California is for you! St. Mary's is a Catholic college but is accepting of all students regardless of religious (or lack of) beliefs. It truly is the most welcoming and supportive environments that I have experienced in my academic career. There are few cons to attending St. Mary's. One is expensive but their financial aide department is great and the career center has one-on-one scholarship advising. St. Mary's is a somewhat secluded campus, it adds to it's beauty really, but it only about a 30 trip to San Francisco on BART."

"The program is very nurturing. It prepares you for an amazing career in writing and the faculty are revered as some of the best writers in the nation."