Become a Cardinal today!
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Rooted in values. Focused on your future.
Your Future Starts Here. At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, undergraduate students on our Winona campus experience academic excellence, personalized support, and a vibrant community. Explore degree programs, review admission requirements, and take the next step toward your college journey in Minnesota.
Grounded in Lasallian Catholic values, Saint Mary’s prepares you not just for a career, but for a life of purpose and meaning.
Apply for undergraduate admissions
Wherever you are on your undergraduate college journey, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota welcomes your application — year-round — and the opportunity to get to know you.
Transfer, PSEO/PACC, international, and military students will find dedicated guidance and resources below to support their unique path to Saint Mary’s.
“I chose Saint Mary’s for its vibrant community, its values, and the opportunity to grow as a person through education, athletics, and my involvement on campus.”
– Taryn Dornseif, Class of 2026
Picture yourself here ...
Then come live it. Get a sneak peek at life as a Saint Mary’s Cardinal. Email or share it with family and friends so they can check it out too!
Tuition, financial aid, & scholarships
Did you know 100% of admitted students at Saint Mary’s receive a Merit Scholarship? That’s just the beginning! From scholarships and grants to work-study and loan options, we’ll help you explore every opportunity. Together, we’ll make sure you and your family understand all the ways to make your college education accessible.
Important dates
- Year-round: Application Deadline — apply any time!
- Dec. 1: Accelerated PA Program — apply by this date
- Jan. 1: FAFSA Priority Date — submit by this date
- Just 2 weeks after transcripts received — Admission Decisions
- March 1: Housing Priority — submit your housing application by this date
- May 1: Enrollment Deposit — lock in for first-choice housing (deposits accepted after this date)
Steps to Get Started
Step 1: Apply and Submit Application
Saint Mary’s accepts applications year-round —
you’re welcome to apply as early as the summer
before your senior year of high school. Apply at
smumn.edu/apply or through the Common App at
apply.commonapp.org
Step 6: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Starting October 1 of your senior year, complete
your FAFSA at studentaid.gov to be considered
for need-based Aid from both Saint Mary’s and
government sources. Use Saint Mary’s Federal
School Code: 002380.
Step 2: If you're applying for the Accelerated Physician Assistant major, follow these instructions (required)
- All first-year applicants must complete the online application at smumn.edu/apply.
- Email a letter of recommendation and evaluation from one of your science teachers to admission@smumn.edu.
- Interview invitation: If your application is selected by both Saint Mary’s and the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences, you may be invited to interview in Rochester, Minn.
- Acceptance notification: Applicants will be notified of their admission decision after the interview process is complete.
- For more information and important deadlines, visit smumn.edu/degree/bachelors/accelerated-physician-assistant.
Step 7: Receive Financial Aid Offer
After you’re accepted and your FAFSA is
processed, we’ll send your financial aid offer.
Step 3: Send in your transcript (required)
- First-year students: Send an official copy of your high school transcript to admission@smumn.edu. Transcripts may also be submitted directly by your high school through Parchment or the National Student Clearinghouse.
- Transfer students: Request an official copy of your college transcript be sent. Your college registrar may submit it via Parchment or the National Student Clearinghouse.
Step 8: Walk Through Offer
Our staff will guide you through your financial aid
offer and answer any questions you may have.
Step 4: Account for your Credits
If you’ve earned AP credits or taken college courses
while in high school, email your official scores or
transcripts to registrar-win@smumn.edu
Step 9: Deposit Early
Submitting your deposit early gives you priority
access to housing and registration and lets you
focus on finishing your senior year strong.
While there is an official deposit deadline,
committing early gives you peace of mind.
Step 5: Receive Your Application Decision
You will be notified of your application decision 1-2
weeks after applying and receiving your transcript.
Your package will include information on your
Merit Scholarship Offer – every accepted student
receives scholarships from Saint Mary’s!
Visit us. Find your place.
Explore our stunning 450-acre Winona Campus — schedule your visit today and see what it’s like to live and learn in a place that feels like home.
“I had a great experience visiting Saint Mary’s! The tour felt very special and personalized. The staff was super friendly and thorough in their explanations. I could definitely see myself here — it’s a school everyone should consider.”
– Mackenzie Deyo
We’re here for you: Meet your admission counselor.
Lee Parker Jr.
Saint Paul and northeast Minnesota
lparker@smumn.edu
Tim Gossen, Ed.D.
Other states and United States Territories
tgossen@smumn.edu
Molly Bigelow
Catholic High Schools, Colorado, Missouri, and Arizona
mbigelow@smumn.edu
Allie Borawski
Wisconsin
aborawsk@smumn.edu
Caroline Richtman
Campus Events
crichtma@smumn.edu
Glenn Hamilton
Chicago, Illinois, Indiana, and Omaha
ghamilto@smumn.edu
Jake Shapiro
Southern Minnesota, Iowa, and international students
jshapiro@smumn.edu
Sister Mary Ignatius Heil, RSM, Ph.D.
Homeschool, Catholic Schools, and PACC
mheil@smumn.edu
You’re in! So what’s next?
First things first. Deposit today!
Secure your spot and get first dibs on campus housing — it’s assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. That’s how you get in line for top housing and get access to register for classes. The sooner you act, the better your options.
FAQs
Do I need to live on campus?
We’d love to have you on campus! More than 80% of our students choose to live here, and our residence halls are a big part of the Saint Mary’s experience. While living on campus is required for first- and second-year students, juniors and seniors have the option to live off campus. Come visit — we think you’ll love where you’ll live!
What happens when I deposit?
Once you submit your deposit, your spot in the class is secured! You’ll be ready to register for classes and housing, and you can officially share your exciting news with friends and family. Welcome to the Cardinal family!
What are the application deadlines?
Most of our academic programs have no formal application deadline, but we recommend applying early in your senior year for the best experience. Some programs — like the Accelerated Physician Assistant (PA) program — do have specific deadlines, so be sure to check with your intended major.
What support services are available for students?
Saint Mary’s is committed to your success — inside and outside the classroom. We offer a wide range of support services to help you thive, including our Financial Aid Office, Residence Life, Career Services, Accessibility Services, and more.