Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to be Catholic to attend SMWC?

We welcome students of all faiths and no faith tradition. Although spirituality is one of our core values – woven throughout the curriculum, there are no religious requirements for admission or enrollment. Approximately 30 percent of our students are Catholic.

What is the enrollment?

Typical enrollment for any given year is around 1,300 students. Of that number, approximately 520 students are in the campus program, 400 are enrolled in online courses, and 225 are graduate students.

When was the College founded?

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College was founded in 1840 by Saint Mother Theodore Guerin. Read more about the College’s history.

Does the College have any athletic teams?

Yes, the College has 10 sports and 16 teams for men and women, including basketball, cross-country, equestrian, golf, soccer, softball, track & field, and volleyball. Learn more about our athletic programs.

What are the admission standards at SMWC?

Whether you are considering to be a campus, graduate, online, transfer or international student, you can review the admission process and requirements for Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College online.

How much does it cost to attend?

You can review tuition costs and fees for Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College online. Remember, financial aid and scholarships are available.

Is there security on campus?

Yes. Public Safety officers are on our campus 24 hours a day.

Are medical services provided on campus?

Medical services are offered through the on-campus Health Services Clinic. The clinic provides exams, immunizations, screenings, over-the-counter medications and more. The costs for these services are covered by tuition and fees for campus and commuter students.

Do you have private rooms available at the dorms?

Although private rooms are available, they are reserved for upper-class students. First-year students are required to share rooms to encourage involvement with other students.

Are students allowed to have cars on campus?

Yes, anyone may have a car on campus. All students with a car on campus must register their vehicle each academic year by purchasing a hang-tag for identification purposes. Students should take care not to park in areas reserved for faculty, staff, administration or visitors.

Do students have a curfew?

No, students do not have a curfew.

Is there a fitness center on campus?

Yes, the Knoerle Center is a state-of-the-art fitness center at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. It also boasts a collegiate regulation-sized gym, a practice gym for auxiliary revenue and intramural sports, a 3,600 square foot lobby, locker rooms, a training room, offices and ample storage space with the entire facility totaling over 45,000 square foot.

What programs are offered at SMWC?

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College offers more than 35 majors to choose from.

What is the student/faculty ratio?

The ratio is 13 to 1. Some classes may have up to 25 students.

How many faculty members are there?

The College employs 55 faculty members.

Are the professors members of a religious order?

No, our faculty members are a diverse group of individuals from all faiths and backgrounds.

Do you have internship programs?

Yes, the Career Center at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College plays a major role in assisting students with internship programs. Internship programs can be completed during the school year or during the summer.

Does the Woods Online program require previous college experience?

No, approximately 35 percent of new students begin with less than 15 hours of transfer credit.

Is a degree earned through the Woods Online program accredited?

Yes. SMWC is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. Learn more about our accreditations.

What can I expect in a typical online class?

Online courses contain the same course material as our campus-based courses. In our distance format, evaluations are made based on written submissions, projects, assignments and online quizzes.

• Flexible, year-round start dates
• Scholarship and financial aid available
• Supportive, accessible faculty
• Access to campus resources, online tutoring, support systems, mentors and other online students.

Are there alternative ways to earn college credit?

You may earn college credit in a number of ways, including transferring college credit, credit for prior learning (CPL) and College Level Examination Program (CLEP).

Can I take campus classes as an online student?

Yes. Students are allowed to take campus classes at SMWC if available.