The Princeton Review chose schools for the guide based on a “green rating” score, which is calculated on a scale of 60-99 using data from a survey conducted among hundreds of school administrators about their school’s notable commitments to sustainability in their academic offerings, campus infrastructure, activities, and career preparation. Of 768 schools for which scores were compiled, the 322 schools in the guide received scores of 83 or higher.

For the past four years, St. Mary’s College has been named Individual Conference Champion by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as the largest green power purchaser in the annual Capital Athletic Conference Green Power Challenge. “Being pro-active about our ecological footprint is a trait shared by students as well as faculty and staff at St. Mary’s,” said President Urgo in response to the college’s achievements in the environmental field. “Sustainability is a key element of the college’s mission—as well, many of our student-led activities promote living responsibly.”

Earlier this year, St. Mary’s College was chosen for the Princeton Review’s "The Best Value Colleges: 2012 Edition."  Also this year, Forbes magazine ranked St. Mary’s College of Maryland as the 25th best college in the South, adding that of 650 schools representing the top 20% of undergraduate colleges, St. Mary’s was 112.