University of Saint Mary

The University of Saint Mary is a private Catholic university in Leavenworth, Kansas. It is known for small classes, a close-knit campus, value-focused tuition, and a community-oriented student experience rooted in liberal arts and professional preparation.

For students planning the September 2026 intake, USM can be a strong fit if you want a welcoming Midwestern campus with strong financial aid, a personal admissions process, hands-on support and a clear path into health care, business, education and other career-focused fields.

Quick Facts

Detail	Information
Institution type	Private Catholic university
Main location	Leavenworth, Kansas
Popular intake	September 2026
Known for	Affordability, small classes and community life
Student support	Admissions, KLC career support, residence life and student engagement
Undergraduate programs	30 undergraduate programs
Graduate programs	A dozen master's programs and three doctoral programs
Residential profile	Strong on-campus community
Application route	Online undergraduate, transfer or graduate application

Why USM Can Be A Good Fit

USM is a strong choice for students who want a university that feels personal and supportive rather than large and anonymous. The university says it values one-on-one attention, small classes and a community where students are known by name.

It is also highly affordability-focused. The university repeatedly stresses that private education does not have to be out of reach, and it offers meaningful scholarship and aid support to many students.

2026 Tuition Snapshot

USM publishes 2026-27 tuition and fee information, and the figures show a clear value-focused private university model.

Study level or route	Indicative 2026 fee pattern	Notes
Main campus undergraduate tuition	USD 18,490 per semester	Full-time 12-18 credit hours
Main campus undergraduate meal plan	USD 2,855 per semester	19-meal freshman plan
Main campus undergraduate housing	USD 2,490 to USD 5,840 per semester	Depends on residence hall
Online undergraduate tuition	USD 429 per credit hour	Business, accounting, psychology and other completion programs
Scholarship support	Undergraduate scholarships up to full tuition	USM says it offers academic scholarships from full tuition to USD 12,000

Admission Snapshot

Area	What students should check
Academic requirement	Depends on programme and student background
Application route	Online application by student type
Test policy	Test optional for students with GPA 2.75 or higher
English requirement	Required for international applicants
Financial aid	Scholarships, grants and aid available
Housing	Residential campus with on-campus housing options
Start date	September 2026 is the main planning intake

Campus And Student Life

Student life at USM is built around "The Spire Life," which includes residence halls, dining, clubs, athletics, campus ministry, community service and a strong sense of belonging.

The university also benefits from its location near Kansas City, giving students access to a larger metropolitan area while still living in a small-campus environment.

Who Should Consider USM?

USM can suit students who want:

• A September 2026 US intake
• A small and welcoming campus
• Strong financial aid and affordability
• Liberal arts plus professional pathways
• A Catholic, values-driven environment
• Hands-on career support
• Residential student life

Things To Check Before Applying

Before finalising USM, students should confirm:

• The exact programme and delivery mode
• Tuition, housing and meal plan totals
• Scholarship and aid eligibility
• Test-optional and GPA requirements
• Housing and health insurance forms
• International documentation deadlines

The University of Saint Mary is especially popular with students who want a small Catholic university with a strong community feel, affordable tuition and clear support services.

Key Highlights

Popular for	Why students choose it
Affordability	Generous scholarships and aid are a central part of the offer
Small classes	Students get one-on-one attention
Community life	"The Spire Life" is a major part of campus culture
Health care programs	Strong nursing, DPT and related routes
Career support	Keleher Learning Commons and career services help from day one
Residential campus	On-campus living is a defining feature
International support	Welcoming admissions process and clear guidance
Midwestern fit	A friendly Kansas campus near Kansas City

Why Students Choose USM

USM appeals to students who want to be seen and supported. The university is explicit about its commitment to community, respect, justice and excellence, which gives the campus a values-driven atmosphere.

That atmosphere is matched by practical support. Students can use the Keleher Learning Commons, career services, residence life and student engagement programs to stay on track academically and personally.

Best Fit For September 2026

USM is a good match for students planning the September 2026 intake if they want:

• A smaller university experience
• Strong financial aid
• A values-based campus
• Health care or professional programs
• A welcoming place for international students
• Residential student life

Useful To Know

USM says The Princeton Review has named it a Best Midwestern College every year since 2005. That gives the university a long-running recognition story for students comparing regionally strong options.