Incoming Freshmen
Freshman Admissions
Why USM?
Because USM isn't just higher education as usual.
Saint Mary is a place where students come to stand out, rather than get lost in a crowd. It's where young adults can develop academically, socially, and spiritually — all while gaining the skills necessary for meaningful careers.
Since 1923, Saint Mary has been a leader in liberal arts education. Today, USM is routinely recognized for its dedication to academic excellence. The Princeton Review has repeatedly named Saint Mary a “Best Midwestern College*” every year since 2005 (not a small honor, and not one we're planning to give up any time soon!).
Can I get Admitted?
USM looks at you as an individual when reviewing students for admissions. But there are some guidelines that can qualify you for an automatic admissions decision:
Test Optional
+ Students with a minimum high school GPA of 2.75 (unweighted on a 4.0 scale) are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores.
+ If your GPA is below a 2.75, USM may ask you to submit an ACT or SAT score (although we will certainly understand if testing is not available where you live).
+ If your high school GPA is below a 2.75, but at least a 2.5, and you have an ACT composite score of 18 or a composite score of 970 on the SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing plus math sections, you qualify for an automatic decision.
How do I apply?
1. Fill out our online application here.
2. Send us your high school transcripts.
3. If you've taken an ACT or SAT, feel free to send us your scores (students with a GPA of at least 2.75 are not required to submit a test score). USM's SAT school code is 6630. The ACT school code is 1458.
4. USM may require admitted students to take an accuplacer test for course placement
5. Fill out your FAFSA! It's the key to securing financial aid.
It's that simple.
USM has rolling admissions, so you'll get a decision quickly!
(There's no deadline — but the sooner you're accepted and register, the better your
choice of classes!)
What Can I Study?
At USM? Anything and (almost) everything!
USM has over 30 cutting-edge majors, minors, and concentrations - serious courses for serious career prep.
What About Scholarships and Aid?
USM awards over $9 million in scholarships each year. The average freshman in 2022 received a scholarship of over $16,000, plus thousands more in grant aid!
Find the scholarship that fits you
Want other kinds of aid available?
Calculate your cost of attendance
And be sure to fill out your FAFSA! USM's FAFSA code is 001943
Will I Fit In at USM?
This is a top question for all prospective students as they consider their college choices.
With our focus on community and values, along with the wide range of opportunities for students, we believe you will!
Tell me more about student life.
USM is a welcoming community, where everyone knows you by name - you're never just a number at Saint Mary.
From athletics to fine and performing arts to clubs and activities to ministry and spiritual development, there's something here for everyone
Who Can Help Me With The Admissions Process?
Meet Zaira Spencer
Zaira.Spencer@stmary.edu
913-758-6305
I work with incoming students from Kansas (excluding Wyandotte County),as well as Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois,
Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota,
Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North
Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee,
Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Admissions tip: Do not fear the uncomfortability of being an adult. With righteous guidance and a
loving community, this is how you will grow into the person you are meant to be. Lastly,
never forget who you are.
Why I value USM: I love the diversity that this campus brings being that I am someone very far away from home! In addition, I appreciate that I have had the most supporting teachers and advisors that helped me in my journey.
About me: I joined the University of Saint Mary Admissions team in 2024. I am from Kaneohe, Hawai’i and a Saint Mary graduate with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a minor in both criminology and theology. My passions include advocacy, health and fitness, and exercising my faith in everything I do!
Jensen.Gramling@stmary.edu I work with incoming freshmen from Missouri or Wyandotte County, Kansas, as well as Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico,
Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. About me: I joined the University of Saint Mary Admissions team in 2025. I was born and raised
in Olathe, Kansas and graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor's in
Linguistics, a minor in Anthropology, and a certificate in Mind & Brain Studies. I
am a huge word-nerd, animal-lover, and travel-enthusiast!
Meet Jensen Gramling
913-758-4316
Admissions tip: Find joy in the unknown! It can be scary to be in a new place and surrounded in uncertainty,
but being scared and doing it anyway is how we grow. You are more capable that you
know.
Why I value USM: I value the University of Saint Mary because the staff and faculty truly curate a
community where everyone feels seen and welcome.
Want more information on USM?
Have Questions? Contact Us.
University of Saint Mary
admiss@stmary.edu
913-682-5151
See the staff/faculty directory
Have Questions? Contact Us.
University of Saint Mary
admiss@stmary.edu
913-682-5151
See the staff/faculty directory