St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM) earned national recognition in The Princeton Review’s “The Best 391 Colleges,” published on September 2, 2025, securing the No. 9 spot for “Green Matters: Everybody Cares About Conservation” and No. 13 for “Friendliest Students.” These rankings place SMCM among the top 15 percent of approximately 2,400 U.S. colleges, highlighting its academic excellence and vibrant campus culture for Southern Maryland residents and beyond. The rankings stem from surveys of 2,000 college administrators evaluating academic offerings and student feedback on campus experiences, focusing on environmental initiatives and student camaraderie.
The No. 9 ranking in “Green Matters,” up from No. 14 last year, reflects SMCM’s commitment to sustainability, driven by student and administrative efforts. Abby Leslie, a 2026 environmental studies major, emphasized the college’s impact: “Throughout my time at St. Mary’s College, I have experienced first-hand the College’s efforts to make a sustainable change. As an environmental studies major, I have taken multiple classes that encourage action individually and collectively.” Leslie noted campus initiatives like the arboretum, composting programs, water-saving toilets, and local sourcing at the coffee shop from Kate Farm, which bolster sustainability. “Being at a campus that makes sustainability a core value brings me not only comfort, but hope,” she added.
SMCM’s sustainability efforts extend beyond academics. The campus, nestled along the St. Mary’s River, features eco-friendly infrastructure, including low-flow plumbing and a dining hall composting program diverting thousands of pounds of waste annually. The college’s arboretum, accredited by the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program, spans the campus and promotes biodiversity through native plantings and conservation projects. These initiatives align with Southern Maryland’s agricultural heritage and environmental priorities, resonating with local communities in St. Mary’s County, where conservation supports the region’s Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.
The No. 13 ranking for “Friendliest Students” underscores SMCM’s tight-knit community, guided by “The St. Mary’s Way,” a principle fostering care, service, and mutual respect. Yaffet Seboka, a 2027 computer science major, shared, “As a student involved in the many extracurricular activities that St. Mary’s College of Maryland has to offer, I’ve seen how welcoming and supportive students are—from my time in the rowing team to Intervarsity and badminton club.” Seboka credited the college’s professors and peers for his academic success, adding, “The close-knit community, beautiful campus and wonderful professors we have is the reason I believe at St. Mary’s College of Maryland we have some of the happiest students”.
SMCM’s campus culture thrives on its small size—approximately 1,500 students—fostering personal connections. With over 100 student organizations, including the rowing team and environmental clubs, students engage deeply, reflecting the collaborative spirit of Southern Maryland’s tight-knit communities. The college’s location, 70 miles south of Washington, D.C., offers a serene yet accessible setting, appealing to local students from Leonardtown, Lexington Park, and beyond who value community and academic rigor.
Earlier in 2025, SMCM also excelled in The Princeton Review’s “Best Value Colleges” list, ranking No. 2 among public colleges for “Top 20 Best Schools for Making an Impact,” up two spots from 2024. This ranking, based on student surveys, highlights community service, student government, sustainability, and campus engagement. SMCM also placed No. 45 among public schools for “Top 50 Best Value Colleges,” affirming its affordability and quality. These accolades build on SMCM’s reputation as Maryland’s public honors college, offering liberal arts education with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized mentorship.
For Southern Maryland, SMCM’s rankings reinforce its role as a regional gem. The college contributes to the local economy, employing over 400 staff and attracting students who patronize businesses in St. Mary’s City and nearby areas. Its sustainability focus aligns with county initiatives, such as the St. Mary’s County Environmental Education Program, which promotes conservation in schools and communities. The “Friendliest Students” ranking reflects the welcoming ethos of Southern Maryland, where community events like the St. Mary’s County Fair foster neighborly bonds.
SMCM’s history as Maryland’s first state college, founded in 1840, adds context to its modern achievements. Originally a female seminary, it evolved into a coeducational honors college, emphasizing academic excellence and civic engagement. Its campus, designated a National Historic Landmark, blends historic charm with modern facilities, making it a point of pride for St. Mary’s County residents.
These rankings arrive as SMCM continues to innovate. Recent campus upgrades include solar-powered charging stations and expanded recycling programs, reflecting student-driven sustainability goals. The college’s strategic plan, “Vision 2030,” aims to enhance environmental leadership and community engagement, ensuring SMCM remains a national model for small colleges. For Southern Maryland families considering higher education, SMCM’s rankings highlight its value as an accessible, high-impact institution fostering both academic and social growth.
