Saint Mary’s College (CA) Launches National Guaranteed Admission Program for Graduates of Lasallian High Schools

A first-of-its-kind initiative among U.S. Lasallian colleges and universities creates a nationwide pathway for eligible Lasallian high school graduates.

MORAGA, CA, UNITED STATES, August 19, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Saint Mary’s College of California has launched a new Lasallian Guaranteed Admission Program, becoming the first U.S. Lasallian college or university to guarantee admission to eligible graduates of Lasallian high schools nationwide.

Beginning with the upcoming admissions cycle, students who graduate from an accredited U.S. Lasallian high school, earn at least a 3.5 weighted GPA, complete a college-preparatory curriculum, and satisfy Saint Mary’s application requirements will be guaranteed admission to the College.

The program reflects Saint Mary’s longstanding commitment to the educational vision of Saint John Baptist de La Salle and strengthens the connection between Lasallian secondary schools nationwide and the College’s Lasallian, Catholic, and liberal arts mission.

“For more than 160 years, Saint Mary’s College has been entrusted with advancing the Lasallian mission of educating hearts and minds,” said President Roger J. Thompson. “Students who have flourished in Lasallian high schools have already experienced an education grounded in faith, academic excellence, service, and community. This program recognizes that preparation and offers those students a clear and confident pathway to continue their Lasallian journey at Saint Mary’s.”

Unlike traditional admissions programs that promise expedited review or preferred consideration, the Lasallian Guaranteed Admission Program provides qualifying students with a true guarantee of admission once eligibility requirements have been verified.

The initiative is open to graduates of Lasallian-affiliated high schools throughout the United States, including schools sponsored by the Brothers of the Christian Schools, the District of San Francisco New Orleans, and member institutions of the Lasallian Association of Secondary Schools (LASS).
The program reflects the shared values that unite Lasallian schools across the country, says Thompson.

“Lasallian educators have long shared a common understanding of what prepares students to succeed—not only academically, but as people of character and purpose,” he said. “When students have demonstrated excellence within that tradition, we believe they should know there is a place waiting for them at Saint Mary’s.”

The guaranteed admission program is rooted in the five Lasallian Core Principles—Faith in the Presence of God, Quality Education, Respect for All Persons, Inclusive Community, and Concern for the Poor and Social Justice. College leaders say those principles have guided Saint Mary’s since its founding in 1863 and continue to shape the student experience today.

Eligible students will also receive priority consideration for Lasallian Leadership Scholarships, opportunities to participate in Lasallian formation programming, and ongoing engagement with the College’s Office of Mission and Ministry.

“One of the greatest strengths of the Lasallian educational tradition is that students are formed within a shared mission, regardless of where they attend school,” said J. Michael Thompson, Interim Dean of Admissions. “This program acknowledges that achievement while making the transition to Saint Mary’s more transparent and more accessible for students and families.”

Saint Mary’s remains test-optional, and standardized test scores are not required for eligibility under the program.

Additional information, including complete eligibility requirements and application details, is available through the Saint Mary’s Office of Admissions.

Mike Janes
Saint Mary’s College of California
+1 510-571-7497
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