Saint Mary's College of California vs. DeSales University

Comparable Facts

Compare Saint Mary's College of California in Moraga, CA with DeSales University in Center Valley, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

DeSales University is larger than Saint Mary's College of California based on total student enrollment (2,972 students vs. 2,734 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Saint Mary's College of California is located in Moraga, CA (Large Suburban setting); DeSales University is in Center Valley, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Saint Mary's College of California is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. DeSales University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Saint Mary's College of California 10:1; DeSales University 12:1.

Saint Mary's College of California vs. DeSales University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Saint Mary's College of California or DeSales University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at DeSales University than Saint Mary's College of California ($31,732 vs. $35,332).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at DeSales University are 21.6% lower than at Saint Mary's College of California ($13,800 vs. $17,600).
• Saint Mary's College of California is 23.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than DeSales University (about $11,003 more per year; $57,803.00 vs. $46,800.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.5% higher at Saint Mary's College of California than at DeSales University (about $11,003 more per year; $57,803.00 vs. $46,800.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Saint Mary's College of California as at DeSales University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Mary's College of California students is 37.2% larger than aid received by DeSales University students ($42,407 vs. $30,909).

Saint Mary's College of California vs. DeSales University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Saint Mary's College of California or DeSales University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between DeSales University and Saint Mary's College of California.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at DeSales University (1180) is 20 points higher than at Saint Mary's College of California (1160).
• Incoming DeSales University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 24 at Saint Mary's College of California).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Mary's College of California 1070/1253; DeSales University 1090/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Mary's College of California 21/28; DeSales University 27/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Saint Mary's College of California - Test-free; DeSales University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Saint Mary's College of California Jan 15, 2027; DeSales University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Saint Mary's College of California students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at DeSales University (3.39).
• Saint Mary's College of California has a higher acceptance rate (86.5%) than DeSales University (77.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.5% at Saint Mary's College of California vs. 16.7% at DeSales University.

Saint Mary's College of California vs. DeSales University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Saint Mary's College of California and DeSales University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• DeSales University's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Saint Mary's College of California's (61%).
• Graduates from Saint Mary's College of California earn a median of about $15,700 more per year than DeSales University graduates about ten years after starting college ($66,800 vs. $51,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saint Mary's College of California graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than DeSales University graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Saint Mary's College of California graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than DeSales University graduates ($258 vs. $268).
• More DeSales University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Saint Mary's College of California students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 71%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.