Forbes.com's 2012 list of "America's Top Colleges" ranks Saint Mary's University as No. 306 out of 650 of "The Best Public and Private Colleges and Universities -from the student's point of view."

SMU is also listed by Forbes as No. 235 in "Private Colleges," No. 117 in "Research Universities," and No. 70 "In the Midwest." These rankings are significantly higher than last year, when SMU ranked 418 overall, 326 in "Private Colleges," "139 in "Research Universities" and No. 105 "In the Midwest."

The annual list of "America's Best Colleges," ranks a select group of more than 650 undergraduate institutions - the top 20% of all undergraduate institutions - based on the quality of the education they provide, the experience of the students, and how much they achieve.