Founded in 1923 by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth (Kansas), the University of Saint Mary has a long tradition of academic excellence. Saint Mary is a tight-knit community of approximately 850 students where one-on-one attention is valued, and growth is measured by more than a percent in a gradebook.

USM focuses on fulfilling the needs of both our students and society, establishing academic programs where purpose, global impact, and long-term success govern their existence. Students are inspired to follow their dreams and find their potential—choosing from a long-list of undergraduate majors (top three: nursing, exercise science, biology); nine graduate programs, including the Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner; along with a Doctor of Physical Therapy.

USM's 200-acre campus has students from all over the world - and promotes and supports events and activities that interest everyone. From main stage shows to 20 varsity athletic teams, finding your spotlight isn't hard at Saint Mary—there’s something for everyone.

About University of Saint Mary

Rooted in the Catholic traditions of St. Vincent de Paul, the University of Saint Mary honors our core university values of community, justice, respect, and excellence and encourages curiosity and conversation, servant-leadership and exploration, while a spirit of gratitude lives in everything we do. USM is an esteemed applied liberal arts Catholic university with more than 30 undergraduate programs, eight graduate programs, and a doctoral program and an ever-growing focus on health care education. Classes are offered on campuses in Leavenworth and Overland Park, and in several formats: traditional, evening-accelerated, and online. Students benefit from small classes, providing true one-on-one attention from expert instructors-taught by professors, not teaching assistants. The Princeton Review has repeatedly named the University of Saint Mary a Princeton Review Best Midwestern College* every year since 2005-a distinction based on meeting lofty standards of academic excellence and feedback from students, parents, educators, and Princeton Review staff. USM also received a 2018 Best Value School Award by University Research & Review-based on its reputation among students and alumni, the programs offered, accreditations, and affordability. Though the University of Saint Mary is all about academic excellence, we also cherish fun! Football games to meal packaging events, etiquette dinners to late-night pancake feeds, we create some of best memories and best friends here at Saint Mary! This is the Spire Life.

Mission Statement

The University of Saint Mary educates students of diverse backgrounds to realize their God-given potential and prepares them for value-centered lives and careers that contribute to the well being of our global society.