U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Colleges rankings are out, recognizing Saint Martin’s University among the best of the western regional universities. The report named Saint Martin’s #16 for Best Value, #34 for Social Mobility and #42 overall among Best Regional Universities.
The recognition comes as no surprise, given the many reasons students have chosen Saint Martin’s over the years: the generous financial aid that makes the University accessible, its strong undergraduate and professional academic programs, dedicated faculty, and vibrant campus life. The U.S. News & World Report rankings join the University’s 2024-2025 10 College of Distinction national awards announced earlier this year. These independent organizations’ reviews affirm that the University is known for its notable value and transformative experience in delivering higher education, including for first-generation or disadvantaged students.
“For years, we have been proud to offer an affordable education, support our military personnel, provide valuable career opportunities like the Saints Promise program, and deliver rigorous, professional programs,” says Dr. David Olwell, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and the Hal & Inge Marcus School of Engineering. “Now, these awards help the wider community to recognize the significant contributions we make.”
U.S. News & World Report Designates Saint Martin’s University as a ‘Best Value’ in Washington and Western States
U.S. News & World Report’s rankings are determined by measures that include first-year student retention; graduation rates; social mobility; class sizes; faculty resources; expert opinion; student excellence; borrower debt; alumni giving; and other data. The report’s western region includes universities in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawai’i, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
Saint Martin’s University’s three rankings of note underscore the University’s commitment to serving local, regional and national students, including non-traditional college students.
- U.S. News & World Report Ranking #16 for Best Value – Regional Universities (West)
The Best Value ranking highlights Saint Martin’s efforts to provide an exceptional education at an affordable price. The University offers numerous scholarships, financial aid opportunities and innovative programs like Saints Promise designed to help students graduate with optimal outcomes and minimal debt.
- U.S. News & World Report Ranking #34 for Social Mobility – Regional Universities (West)
The report’s Social Mobility ranking examines the extent to which a university educates economically disadvantaged students and contributes to their upward mobility. Recognizing Saint Martin’s University’s success in supporting students from lower-income backgrounds, the Social Mobility ranking reflects Saint Martin’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where all students can achieve their educational goals and improve their circumstances.
- U.S News & World Report Ranking #42 – Regional Universities (West)
This ranking places Saint Martin’s among the top institutions in the Western region, showcasing the University’s high-caliber academic programs, committed faculty, robust campus life and successful post-college trajectories.
Saint Martin’s Social Mobility Rankings Align with the University’s Welcome to All Students and Its Message That ‘You Belong Here’
Saint Martin’s more than 1,300 undergraduate and 250 graduate students come from many backgrounds. Providing warmth and acceptance in welcoming others is one of the Benedictine values embedded in the Catholic university’s mission. “Saint Martin’s provides a good value for education, while also providing good values,” Olwell explains.
Rankings like those from U.S. News & World Report, including the publication’s Social Mobility findings showing that disadvantaged students experience improved lives after their graduation from Saint Martin’s, spotlight how the University fully embraces that calling to welcome all. Olwell adds that the University is committed to fostering these students’ successful experience throughout their entire college career. “You belong here, we want you here, and we accept you here,” he says is the University’s message.
Nearly 40% of Saint Martin’s University students are the first in their families to enroll in college. These students and those from disadvantaged backgrounds can attend college and open career doors because of the University’s dedication to making education accessible. “We work hard to recruit them and support them,” Olwell says. “We embrace having them as part of our community, and we are proud to be a part of their journey.”
Saint Martin’s University’s Office of Financial Aid Helps Incoming Students Navigate Funding Their Higher Education
Named not only a “Best Value” but also an “Affordable College of Distinction”, Saint Martin’s offers resources to help incoming students navigate their financial aid options. “Our mission is to support all students including potential students in our county, in Washington and in our country,” says Director of Financial Aid Erin Schaffer. “We want to make sure that they have an understanding of financial aid and everything that entails.”
Schaffer says most of the incoming students are first-generation college attendees or come from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Office of Financial Aid partners with students on their higher education journey by providing information and expertise about scholarships, grants and loans.
To learn more about attending this Olympia area university recognized as a “Best Value,” visit the Saint Martin’s University’s website.
Saint Martin’s University
5000 Abbey Way SE, Lacey
360.491.4700
Sponsored
