Saint Mary's University of Minnesota (SMUMN) is a private Catholic institution with primary campuses in Winona and Minneapolis, Minnesota. It offers an undergraduate residential college in Winona, along with graduate and professional programs in Winona, the Twin Cities, and Rochester. Additionally, SMUMN delivers courses at various sites in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Jamaica. Established in 1912, the university is affiliated with the De La Salle Brothers, formally known as the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools.
The university traces its origins to 1912 when Bishop Patrick Richard Heffron founded Saint Mary’s College as a men’s college operated by the Winona Diocese. In 1920, Heffron Hall, a residential facility, was constructed and named in his honor. By 1925, the institution had transitioned into a four-year liberal arts college. The De La Salle Christian Brothers, whose primary mission is education, assumed control in 1933. In 1969, the college became co-educational. Later, it acquired the campus and facilities of the former College of Saint Teresa, a women’s college in Winona that closed in 1989. Over time, portions of the Saint Teresa campus were sold to Winona State University and Winona Cotter High School.
What is the Saint Mary's University of Minnesota US News National Rankings 2025?
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota ranks 296 according to the US News National Rankings 2025.
Academics
Saint Mary’s University provides a diverse range of educational opportunities, offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees to both traditional and non-traditional students. Alongside these degrees, the university also offers teaching licensures, certifications, and pre-professional programs. Many of its undergraduate and graduate programs include online learning options. Additionally, men preparing for the priesthood study at the nearby Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, which is owned and operated by the Diocese of Winona.
In May 2022, the university announced plans to phase out 11 majors, including English, history, theatre, music, art, and theology, due to financial challenges and declining undergraduate enrollment. University President James P. Burns explained the decision, stating, "We focused on phasing out majors that had consistently low enrollment and offered limited prospects for students seeking marketable skills and job opportunities after graduation."
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Global Ranking
The University is still awaiting its official rankings from prominent organisations such as QS, Times Higher Education, and US News and World Report. Despite its growing reputation and contributions to academia, the university has not yet been featured in the rankings published by these influential bodies. But it has been ranked at #296 in Best Colleges by U.S. News in 2024.
Although the University continues to develop its academic programs and research initiatives, it remains unranked by these major international ranking institutions. The absence of a ranking from QS, Times Higher Education, and US News does not reflect the quality of education or research output but simply indicates that the university has not been formally assessed by these specific agencies.
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Frequently asked questions on Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Ranking 2025
1: How can one find an academic adviser?
A: You can find your adviser’s name listed on your student portal. If you are a first year student, your adviser will be your Anchor Course INT101 (or LH1110 if in Honors) professor.
2: What are the requirements for graduation?
A: Requirements are listed below:
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Earn a minimum of 120 semester credits
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Maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA and a 2.0 major GPA
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Complete a minimum of 42 credits in 300 or 400 level courses
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Complete general education requirements
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Complete at least one major
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Earn at least 30 semester credits in academic residence at Saint Mary’s (transfer students)
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Spend the final year in academic residence unless enrolled in an approved off-campus program
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Apply no more than 4 semester hours of music ensemble credits toward the minimum graduation requirement of 120 semester credits