“Majoring in engineering and playing basketball were my first two priorities when I was looking for a college to attend. Saint Martin's had everything I was looking for.”

— Whitney Lynn Golob
Saint Martin's University

Saint Martin's University

In 1895, our University was founded by Benedictine monks who wanted to share the gift of education (and a breathtaking plot of land) with the state of Washington. Our first student was Angus McDonald, and legend has it that he paddled a canoe 25 miles to enroll. Though he arrived in the middle of the night, Angus received a warm welcome and the full attention of his instructors — for several weeks — until the rest of his classmates arrived.

More than 100 years and thousands of students later, our tradition of personal instruction is alive and well. Today our campus holds about 1,800 students, and we know every one of them by name, major, and hometown. Many things can be gained at Saint Martin's: independence, confidence, and insight, to name a few. But one thing that's almost always lost is anonymity. Margaret Olney, Assistant Professor of Biology, sums it up. “At Saint Martin's, the more you try not to be noticed, the more you are.”

Our professors are also worth noticing. Eighty-six percent have earned the highest degrees in their fields, and all are experts in their professions. Here, faculty take a personal interest in students' lives. That's why you'll often find them giving out home phone numbers on the first day of class — and keeping in touch with their students long after graduation. It's also the reason our professors favor a “just stop by” policy, forgoing formal appointment schedules and teaching assistants, too.

What else sets Saint Martin's apart? Our comfortable class sizes encourage honest, meaningful dialogue. And our love for the liberal arts is backed by strong professional programs.

Surprise Yourself- Saint Martin's students often say, “I never thought I'd be doing this.” Yet there they are, diving headfirst into brand new experiences every day. No matter what you want to be, we'll make sure you have every chance to explore new territory.

Here, you can evaluate the viability of a real business in an overseas market — and test your theories in a real-world setting. You could help write a grant that strengthens math and science courses at disadvantaged high schools. Or volunteer for Saint Martin's Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Summer Camp and see forensic science in action. You might attend a lecture led by one of the leading voices in ecological economics. Or find a flair for self-expression by starring in a one-act play. For many, study abroad is the answer. Each semester (and every summer) Saint Martin's students expand their world view in countries like China, Costa Rica, Japan, and Tanzania.

Share the Spirit- Campus Ministry activities and service projects encourage you to develop your spirituality and leadership skills. Have a great sense of humor? Plan an avant garde comedy concert to promote laughter — and social awareness. That's what Lennon Bronsema did, as president of the university's Social Action Club.

Want to learn about another culture? Join the Hawaiian Club and help organize the annual luau, complete with traditional island music, a pig in a pit, and yes, poi.

Eager to reach out to those in need? Flip pancakes at a fundraiser for disaster relief. Recent efforts have benefited victims of the Japan and Pakistani earthquakes, and the tsunami that hit Asia and east Africa.

Whatever your passion, you'll find no shortage of like-minded classmates. Saint Martin's offers more than two dozen clubs and organizations. If you don't see a group that grabs your interest, start one.

Aim High- A strong academic base. Compelling, relevant internships and research projects. Work-study and targeted summer employment. It's how a Saint Martin's education helps you build a strong resume. We'll also be there when you take the next step, whether that's graduate school or the launch of your career.

Ninety-seven percent of our graduates find jobs in their major or related fields or are accepted to graduate school. In recent years, every accounting and engineering graduate has been placed. Our education graduates enjoy the highest job placement rate of any teacher-preparation program in Washington. And our proximity to the seat of Washington's state government, as well as aerospace and high-tech industries, leads to some of the country's top jobs.

A Spirited Snapshot

Campus has three-hundred eighty peaceful acres, graced by woods, meadows, and trails. It's next to a residential village that offers privacy and community. St. Martin's also boasts a sleek new library designed by renowned Princeton architect Michael Graves and an athletic pavilion that hosts everything from basketball games to local festivals.

Location — Lacey, Washington — a city of 31,226 adjacent to Olympia, the state capital. We're just 30 minutes from Tacoma, an hour from Seattle and Mount Rainier, and two hours from Portland, Oregon.

Faculty — Our student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1. Eighty-six percent of Saint Martin's professors hold the highest degree in their fields. One hundred percent possess an unusually inspiring spirit.

Students — There are nearly 1,200 students on the main campus; 600 more on our extension campuses. From engineers to artists to athletes, our students reflect an increasingly diverse range of backgrounds, religions, and ethnicities.

Student life — There are more than 40 student-run clubs, organizations, honorary societies, religious groups, and social service opportunities.

Athletics — We're members of the NCAA Division II Great Northwest Athletic Conference. Our lineup includes baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, track and field, volleyball, and intramurals, too.

Affiliation — Saint Martin's has retained Catholic ties throughout our history, though a wide variety of religions and beliefs can be found here.

Scholarships and financial aid — We offer a broad range of financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships (merit based and athletic), loans, and work study. Ninety-six percent of our students received some form of financial assistance last year, and more than $19 million is awarded annually. Saint Martin's average financial aid package is $20,395.