The College was founded in 1863 by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese as a diocesan college for boys; the campus was originally located in San Francisco, and operated for several years under Archdiocesan direction. In 1868, the De La Salle Christian Brothers assumed direction of the school, and its student body quickly increased from 50 to 200 students; the first SMC bachelors’ degrees were awarded in 1872.

These were different times. Tuition was $60 per academic year for day students, and $250 for boarding students (a fee which included washing their laundry). Boarders were required to bring at least three suits of clothing, handkerchiefs, towels and table napkins. A student's day was rigidly scheduled: between rising at 6 am and lights out at 8:30, students had unvarying hours set for study, class, prayer, meals and recreation.