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College of Saint Mary: CSM volleyball
Photo: Bkuehllong, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Catholic college

College of Saint Mary

  • LocationOmaha, NE
  • Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 733 students
  • SponsorSisters of Mercy
  • TraditionMercy

All-female

Official website

College of Saint Mary is a Catholic university for women in Omaha, Nebraska, operated with the Sisters of Mercy. Its Mercy Core requires two theology courses and one philosophical ethics course, and a theology major is offered.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of College of Saint Mary, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miSt. Joan of Arc Parish: 0.8 mi1Christ the King Church: 1.5 mi2Saint Margaret Mary Catholic Church: 1.6 mi3Holy Cross Church: 1.9 mi4St Thomas More Catholic Church: 2.1 mi5Saint Gerards Catholic Church: 2.3 mi6Campus Ministry and Our Lady of Mercy Chapel, College of Saint Mary: 0.2 miCollege of Saint Mary (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. St. Joan of Arc Parish — 0.8 mi · 7501 Vinton Street, Omaha
  2. Christ the King Church — 1.5 mi · 654 South 86th Street, Omaha
  3. Saint Margaret Mary Catholic Church — 1.6 mi
  4. Holy Cross Church — 1.9 mi
  5. St Thomas More Catholic Church — 2.1 mi · 4804 Grover Street, Omaha
  6. Saint Gerards Catholic Church — 2.3 mi

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Faith scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

N/ASacramental life: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Sacramental life

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Weekday Mass on campus during the academic yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Sunday Mass on campus (including Saturday vigil)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Scheduled confession on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Eucharistic adorationNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Priests serving studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Chapel open for prayer on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adorationNot enough information: no verified Mass times are recorded.
CTheology and core curriculum: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Theology and core curriculum

60 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Theology or religious studies courses required of all bachelor's studentsTwo courses (The Mercy Core theology requirement (3 credits) and the CORE 200 Critical Concerns: Theology and Action course (3 credits) both count. The catalog states the general education theology requirement is two courses.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Academic Catalog 2026-2027 | Theology Requirementscatalog.csm.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/academic-catalog-20262027.pdf?v=1784032695 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “To satisfy General Education Curriculum requirements, Bachelor degree-seeking students are required to take 6 credit hours (two courses) in theology.”
      Bachelor degree students must take two theology courses to meet the general education requirement.
      “200:: Critical Concerns: Theology and Action (3 Credits)”
      CORE 200 Critical Concerns: Theology and Action is a three-credit Mercy Core course.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Required theology includes explicitly Catholic content (Scripture, Catholic tradition, sacraments)Catholic theology is one option among several (The requirement may be met by any theology course from a Catholic university; no single theology course is required. Catholic-specific courses such as THL 201 are among the options.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Academic Catalog 2026-2027 | Theology Requirementscatalog.csm.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/academic-catalog-20262027.pdf?v=1784032695 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “To satisfy General Education Curriculum requirements, Bachelor degree-seeking students are required to take 6 credit hours (two courses) in theology.”
      Bachelor degree students must take two theology courses to meet the general education requirement.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Philosophy courses required of all bachelor's studentsOne course (The Mercy Core requires one Philosophical Ethics course, which must be a philosophy course.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Academic Catalog 2026-2027 | Mercy Core Curriculumcatalog.csm.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/academic-catalog-20262027.pdf?v=1784032695 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Only philosophy courses can meet the Philosophical Ethics requirement.”
      The Mercy Core requires one Philosophical Ethics course, which must be a philosophy course.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Core curriculum explicitly draws on the Catholic intellectual traditionNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Theology or religious studies major offeredYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Academic Catalog 2026-2027 | Theology Majorcatalog.csm.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/academic-catalog-20262027.pdf?v=1784032695 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “In order to graduate with theology as a major, students are required to maintain a GPA of 2.5 or above in all theology courses”
      A theology major is offered and has published requirements.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Publicly affirms Ex Corde Ecclesiae in mission or governance documentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
N/ACampus culture and residence life: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Campus culture and residence life

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Campus ministry staffing (chaplains, ministers, and professional staff)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Retreats offered to students each yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Catholic student organizations and faith-formation groupsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Single-sex residence optionsSingle-sex residence halls available (The undergraduate college is for women; all undergraduate residence halls are single-sex.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Academic Catalog 2026-2027 | Universitycatalog.csm.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/academic-catalog-20262027.pdf?v=1784032695 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Although a university for women on the undergraduate level”
      The undergraduate college is a university for women.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Overnight guest policy in residence hallsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall chaplains, hall Masses, or faith-based living communities)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Office or senior officer for mission and Catholic identityNot enough information: not found in official sources.
BService and Catholic social teaching: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Service and Catholic social teaching

79 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Service or volunteer centerNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service-learning or community engagement in the curriculumRequired of all students (Every CORE 200 course includes a significant service or advocacy project, and CORE 200 is part of the Mercy Core.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Academic Catalog 2026-2027 | Mercy Core Curriculumcatalog.csm.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/academic-catalog-20262027.pdf?v=1784032695 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Rooted in the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy, the Mercy Core blends academics with action”
      The Mercy Core is rooted in the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy.
      “All Core 200 courses include a significant service/advocacy project.”
      Every Core 200 course includes a significant service or advocacy project.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Catholic social teaching in the curriculum (course, minor, center, or core requirement)Offered (course, minor, or center) (THL 120 Church and Social Justice is a course; it is not part of the required core.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Academic Catalog 2026-2027 | Course Descriptionscatalog.csm.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/academic-catalog-20262027.pdf?v=1784032695 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The social teachings of the Church have often been depicted as its best kept secret.”
      THL 120 Church and Social Justice explores the social teachings of the Church.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Pro-life engagement (student pro-life group, support for pregnant and parenting students, or institutional initiatives)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersion trips, poverty, migration, or care-for-creation initiatives)One (Campus Ministry describes mission trips and social justice programming.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Academic Catalog 2026-2027 | Campus Ministry/Faith Opportunitiescatalog.csm.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/academic-catalog-20262027.pdf?v=1784032695 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “While rooted in our Catholic identity, Campus Ministry offers participation in non-denominational faith sharing groups, retreats, community service opportunities, resources, social justice programming, mission trips”
      Campus Ministry offers faith sharing groups, retreats, service, social justice programming, and mission trips, rooted in the Catholic identity of the college.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Catholic mission (run with campus ministry or the mission office, or framed by Catholic social teaching)Yes (Service partnerships are described as related to the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Academic Catalog 2026-2027 | Curricular Service-Learningcatalog.csm.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/academic-catalog-20262027.pdf?v=1784032695 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Building and sustaining community partnerships that are reciprocal in nature, related to the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy”
      Service-learning partnerships are related to the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Strengths

  • The Theology requirement is two courses, and a theology major is offered.
    Sources (1)
    1. Academic Catalog 2026-2027 | Theology Requirementscatalog.csm.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/academic-catalog-20262027.pdf?v=1784032695 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “To satisfy General Education Curriculum requirements, Bachelor degree-seeking students are required to take 6 credit hours (two courses) in theology.”
      Bachelor degree students must take two theology courses to meet the general education requirement.
      “In order to graduate with theology as a major, students are required to maintain a GPA of 2.5 or above in all theology courses”
      A theology major is offered and has published requirements.
  • Every CORE 200 course includes a significant service or advocacy project.
    Sources (1)
    1. Academic Catalog 2026-2027 | Core 200catalog.csm.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/academic-catalog-20262027.pdf?v=1784032695 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “All Core 200 courses include a significant service/advocacy project.”
      Every Core 200 course includes a significant service or advocacy project.

Concerns

  • The core is described as rooted in the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy.
    Sources (1)
    1. Academic Catalog 2026-2027 | Mercy Core Curriculumcatalog.csm.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/academic-catalog-20262027.pdf?v=1784032695 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Rooted in the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy, the Mercy Core blends academics with action”
      The Mercy Core is rooted in the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy.
  • Only one philosophy course is required in the Mercy Core, and the theology requirement can be met by any theology course from a Catholic university.
    Sources (1)
    1. Academic Catalog 2026-2027 | Mercy Core Curriculumcatalog.csm.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/academic-catalog-20262027.pdf?v=1784032695 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “200:: Critical Concerns: Theology and Action (3 Credits)”
      CORE 200 Critical Concerns: Theology and Action is a three-credit Mercy Core course.
      “Only philosophy courses can meet the Philosophical Ethics requirement.”
      The Mercy Core requires one Philosophical Ethics course, which must be a philosophy course.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry and Our Lady of Mercy Chapel, College of Saint Mary

  • Address: 7000 Mercy Road, Omaha, NE 68106
  • Distance from campus: 0.2 mi (straight line from the campus point in federal IPEDS data)
  • Facilities: chapel

View on map ↗

Source: catalog.csm.edu, verified Oct. 12, 2026, catalog.csm.edu, verified Oct. 12, 2026, catalog.csm.edu, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

2 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 0 off campus, 2 location not published

Service 2

  • DUO (Do Unto Others)
    Student-led organization through Campus Ministry offering service, education, and activities.
    catalog.csm.edu
  • Campus Ministry mission trips
    Mission trips offered through Campus Ministry.
    catalog.csm.edu

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Campus ministry

Sources (1)
  1. Academic Catalog 2026-2027 | Campus Ministry/Faith Opportunitiescatalog.csm.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/academic-catalog-20262027.pdf?v=1784032695 · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “While rooted in our Catholic identity, Campus Ministry offers participation in non-denominational faith sharing groups, retreats, community service opportunities, resources, social justice programming, mission trips”
    Campus Ministry offers faith sharing groups, retreats, service, social justice programming, and mission trips, rooted in the Catholic identity of the college.
    “College of Saint Mary, 7000 Mercy Road, Omaha, NE 68106”
    The college's published address is 7000 Mercy Road, Omaha, NE 68106.
    “While rooted in our Catholic identity, Campus Ministry offers participation in non-denominational faith sharing groups, retreats, community service opportunities, resources, social justice programming, mission trips”
    Campus Ministry offers faith sharing groups, retreats, service, social justice programming, and mission trips, rooted in the Catholic identity of the college.
    “Walsh Hall, named after Sr. Constance Walsh, RSM, the first dean of College of Saint Mary, houses the administrative offices, classrooms, Our Lady of Mercy Chapel”
    Our Lady of Mercy Chapel is in Walsh Hall on the campus.

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Academic Excellence

BAcademic Excellence: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
73 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.61%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.80%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,150 · ACT 22
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.8 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$14,423

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
482
Total students733
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$16,590
Cost of attendance (per year)$35,971
Median federal debt at graduation$24,250
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
61%
First-year retention80%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$54,338
Admission rate45%
Students receiving Pell grants39%
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1150
SAT reading & writing—
SAT math—
ACT composite18–26
Test policyConsidered but not required

Value index: 58 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Local Church

Archdiocese of Omaha

The Most Reverend Michael G. McGovern, Archbishop of Omaha

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Cathedral: Cathedral of St. Cecilia

Source: archomaha.org, archomaha.org, verified Oct. 7, 2026.

Diocese determined from the county, using the diocese’s county list (Wikipedia). Confirm with the diocese.

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is College of Saint Mary a Catholic college?
Yes. College of Saint Mary is a Catholic college in the Archdiocese of Omaha. Its sponsor is Sisters of Mercy.

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