StMU Academic Calendar

St. Mary’s University follows a traditional semester-based academic calendar, typically divided into Fall and Spring semesters, with an optional Summer session. The Fall semester generally begins in late August or early September and concludes in mid-December, while the Spring semester starts in mid-January and ends in early May. Summer sessions, often used for intensive courses or internships, run from late May through July. A notable feature of St. Mary’s calendar is its alignment with major holidays, providing extended breaks during Thanksgiving and the winter holiday season to accommodate students and faculty.

• Fall Semester Start: August 25, 2025 (tentative, based on typical university schedules). Classes begin with orientation for new students.
• Thanksgiving Break: November 26–30, 2025 (tentative). A week-long break aligning with the national holiday.
• Fall Semester End/Final Exams: December 8–12, 2025 (estimated). Final exams mark the close of the semester.
• Winter Break: December 13, 2025–January 11, 2026 (estimated). An extended break over the holiday season.
• Spring Semester Start: January 12, 2026 (tentative). Classes resume after the winter break.
• Spring Break: March 9–13, 2026 (estimated). A mid-semester break for students.
• Spring Semester End/Commencement: May 1–8, 2026 (tentative). Includes final exams and graduation ceremonies.

• Early Action Deadline: November 1, 2025 (estimated). Non-binding option with notification by mid-December 2025.
• Regular Decision Deadline: February 1, 2026 (tentative). Standard application deadline with decisions by late March 2026.
• Priority Financial Aid Deadline: February 15, 2026 (estimated). Recommended for students seeking scholarships or aid.
• Enrollment Deposit Deadline: May 1, 2026 (tentative). Deadline to confirm enrollment for the Fall 2026 semester.
• International Student Application Deadline: January 15, 2026 (estimated). Earlier deadline to accommodate visa processing.

The academic calendar at St. Mary’s University aligns closely with national norms for semester-based systems in the United States, ensuring compatibility with public holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. This structure offers predictability for students, including international ones, who benefit from clear timelines for visa applications and travel planning during extended breaks. Additionally, the university’s optional Summer session provides flexibility for those seeking to accelerate their studies or engage in research opportunities. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are not yet publicly confirmed, the estimates provided reflect standard practices for universities in the region.