College of Saint Mary

College of Saint Mary is a private, Catholic women's university located in Omaha, Nebraska. It is sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and operates under the core values of the Mercy tradition: justice, compassion, integrity, and service. The university is uniquely dedicated to providing educational access to women, particularly through its single-parent program and its focus on developing female leaders in both traditional and non-traditional fields. It offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a particular strength in health sciences and professional studies, all within a supportive, mission-driven environment.

The university was founded in 1923 by the Sisters of Mercy, a religious order founded in Ireland by Catherine McAuley, which had a long history of establishing schools and hospitals. It began as a three-year nursing school and was the first college in Omaha specifically for women. The institution gradually expanded its programs, officially becoming a four-year college and later a university, adapting to the evolving needs of the community while staying committed to its Catholic and Mercy-based mission. Its dedication to education and service has made it a pillar of the Omaha community for over a century, consistently emphasizing accessibility, especially for women who face significant life challenges.

This university is a truly unique and mission-driven institution, distinguished by its Catholic identity, its Mercy values, and its powerful focus on empowering women. By combining a strong academic curriculum, particularly in the health professions, with its groundbreaking residential program for single mothers, the university offers an education that is both rigorous and socially transformative. It successfully prepares graduates to be ethical, competent leaders who embody the principles of service and justice, solidifying its reputation as a singular and impactful university in American higher education.