Gelgelu uses double degree to change lives
Alumnus forms African Economic Development Solutions Gene Gelgelu M’08, D’22 knew, while he was finalizing his MBA at Saint Mary’s,... Read More
Discover you.
Define what’s next.
At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, you don’t just earn a degree — you discover who you are and who you’re becoming. For over 112 years, we’ve been a vibrant community that welcomes students of all ages, backgrounds, and goals. Inspired by the values of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, we’re committed to meeting you where you are — and helping you go wherever you’re called to be.
3,350+
undergraduate and graduate students
18:1
Student-faculty ratio
80+
academic programs
58,000+
in our Cardinal network
Your learning, your location.
From vision to legacy: The history of Saint Mary's
Discover the remarkable journey of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota — from its humble beginnings as a small Catholic college to its evolution into a nationally recognized institution committed to academic excellence, ethical leadership, and service to others.
Our mission
At Saint Mary’s, our mission is more than words — it’s the foundation of everything we do. Rooted in Lasallian Catholic values, we foster a community grounded in respect, service, and a shared commitment to learning with purpose and leading with heart.
Recognized for quality and integrity
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. In addition, many of Saint Mary’s academic degrees hold specialized program accreditation from recognized professional and programmatic accrediting bodies, reflecting our commitment to excellence.
Accreditation affirms our commitment to providing a rigorous, student-centered education — one that awakens, nurtures, and empowers learners to think critically, act with integrity, and lead with purpose.
Presidents, visionaries, inspiring leaders
The Very Rev. James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D., has served as president of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota since 2018. Burns’ leadership is focused on delivering quality education founded in the university’s Lasallian Catholic mission, which calls for a practical education rooted in character formation and a deep grounding in liberal arts.
See yourself at Saint Mary's.
Our stories. Your journey.
A legacy that spans three generations
Munns family shares love of Saint Mary’s close community Three generations of the Munns family members thought about how they... Read More
Saint Mary’s capstone leads to flourishing business
Vogt family shares love of Saint Mary’s and, of course, making wine Vicky Vogt B’08 came to Saint Mary’s with... Read More