Saint Mary’s College of California is a private, Catholic liberal arts college located in Moraga, California, United States. It was founded in 1863 by the Brothers of the Christian Schools and has a current enrollment of approximately 3,700 students. The college offers over 40 majors and minors in fields such as business, education, fine arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. In this essay, we will discuss the pros and cons of Saint Mary’s College of California based on its academic programs, campus life, student support services, and overall reputation.
Pros:
- Strong academic programs: Saint Mary’s College of California is known for its strong academic programs. The college is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission and offers over 40 majors and minors, including programs in business, education, fine arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. The college’s rigorous curriculum and dedicated faculty provide students with a quality education that prepares them for success in their chosen field.
- Catholic identity: Saint Mary’s College of California provides a Catholic education, which emphasizes the development of the whole person – mind, body, and spirit. This type of education is valuable for students who seek to make a positive impact on the world and to live a life of purpose and meaning.
- Small class sizes: Saint Mary’s College of California has a student-faculty ratio of 11:1, which means that students receive personalized attention from faculty members. Small class sizes allow for more interaction between students and faculty, leading to better academic performance and deeper learning.
- Campus community: Saint Mary’s College of California has a close-knit campus community, and students feel a sense of belonging. The college offers a wide range of clubs and organizations, including academic clubs, service clubs, and social clubs. The campus also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and athletic events.
- Location: Saint Mary’s College of California is located in Moraga, California, which is a beautiful and scenic area with access to outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking, skiing, and fishing. The college is also close to San Francisco, a major city with a vibrant cultural scene.
Cons:
- Cost: Saint Mary’s College of California is a private college, and its tuition and fees are higher than those of public universities. However, the college offers scholarships and financial aid to help students afford the cost of attendance.
- Limited diversity: Saint Mary’s College of California has been criticized for its lack of diversity. The student body is predominantly white, and there are few students from ethnic and racial minority groups. The college has made efforts to increase diversity in recent years, but more needs to be done to create a truly diverse and inclusive campus community.
- Limited research opportunities: Saint Mary’s College of California is primarily an undergraduate-focused institution, and research opportunities for undergraduate students may be limited. However, the college does offer research opportunities for graduate students.
- Location: While Moraga is a beautiful area, it may not be the best fit for all students. Some students may prefer a more urban or suburban location.
- Limited course offerings: Saint Mary’s College of California offers a limited number of courses compared to larger universities. This may limit students’ ability to explore a wide range of subjects or to take advanced courses in their field of study. However, the college’s small size allows for more personalized attention and support from faculty members.
In conclusion, Saint Mary’s College of California is a private Catholic liberal arts college with a strong reputation for academic excellence. The college’s strong academic programs, Catholic identity, small class sizes, campus community, and location are all positives. However, the college’s cost, limited diversity, limited research opportunities, location, and limited course offerings, and location may be drawbacks for some students.
