University of St Thomas
University of St Thomas has an acceptance rate of 89.9%, annual tuition of $34,634, average net price of $19,359, and a national rank of #476 (Grade B+), with a 68.8% graduation rate within 150% of normal time, about 3,220 undergraduates, and median earnings of $66,137 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
University of St Thomas is a private nonprofit university in Houston, TX. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Liberal Arts and Sciences Studies and Humanities.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, and 77.7% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 72.2%, roughly 22.3 points higher than typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is University of St Thomas Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of St Thomas graduates 68.8% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 63.8% and keeps 77.7% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of St Thomas's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $34,634 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,094 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $10,840 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,846 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $45,672 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 41.6% of University of St Thomas students receive Pell Grants — above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $18,441 to $26,086 depending on family income. Use University of St Thomas's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $21,543/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $26,086/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $66,137
- 10-Year Median Earnings $59,224
- Average Years to Graduate 4.7 years
- Average Student Debt $19,928
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 61.8%
- Employment Rate 84.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of St Thomas graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of St Thomas vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of St Thomas's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of St Thomas's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: University of St Thomas graduates earn $66,137 median four years after graduation, +10% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 500-610
- SAT Math 480-600
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 18-25
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 3,220
- Full-Time Students 86.1%
- Part-Time Students 13.9%
- Retention Rate 77.7%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 68.8%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 63.8%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 16:1
How to Get Into University of St Thomas
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of St Thomas requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 89.9%, University of St Thomas is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 89.9% acceptance rate, University of St Thomas is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 980 and 1210 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of St Thomas undergraduates. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, and Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 16.7%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 12.6%
- Psychology, General 8.0%
- Biology, General 7.4%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 6.5%
- Accounting and Related Services 5.0%
See more majors
- Marketing 4.3%
- International Relations and National Security Stud 3.9%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $83,793
- 2. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $53,187
- 3. Finance and Financial Management Services $47,699
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Accounting and Related Services $40,398
- 5. Psychology, General $37,572
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $105,907
- 2. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $92,624
- 3. Education, General (Master's Degree) $67,371
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $50,440
- 5. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Master's Degree) $47,652
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $83,793—123% more than Psychology, General ($37,572). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $105,907 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of St Thomas. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degree, 77 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree, 75 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 37 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 34 graduates)
- Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree, 30 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (36 programs)▼
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Psychology, General
- Biology, General
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Accounting and Related Services
- Marketing
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Communication and Media Studies
- Political Science and Government
- Economics
- English Language and Literature, General
- Chemistry
- Criminology
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Computer Science
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Philosophy
- Music
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Applied Mathematics
- History
- Engineering Physics
- Mathematics
- International Business
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Physics
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Theology and Religious Vocations, Other
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Mechanical Engineering
- Dance
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
Online Master's Degrees (9 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Accounting and Related Services
- Religious/Sacred Music
- International Business
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Philosophy
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Mathematics and Computer Science
Online Doctoral Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Philosophy
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (2 programs)▼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Education, General
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 3,220
- Full-Time Students 86.1%
- Part-Time Students 13.9%
- Male Students 40.8%
- Female Students 59.2%
- Caucasian 15.8%
- Asian 10.0%
- Hispanic 55.4%
- Black 11.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 41.6%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of St Thomas's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of St Thomas's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of St Thomas support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of St Thomas, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: University of St Thomas has a diverse student body, with 15.8% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of St Thomas support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of St Thomas, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of St Thomas offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 72.2% ROI. Ranked #476 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $19,359 annual net price is moderately higher than state schools, offset somewhat by $66,137 median earnings. With 68.8% graduating within 150% of normal time and 77.7% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: University of St Thomas's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #476 ranking, University of St Thomas competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $19,359 annually, University of St Thomas charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 77.7% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $13,551 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 72.2% ROI and $66,137 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $9,359+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: University of St Thomas ranks #476 of 1947 institutions, with 718 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 68.8% graduation rate sits 6.3 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 77.7% first-year retention is 0.9 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 72.2% return on investment is 22.3 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $66,137 run about 10% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $19,359 is roughly $720 lower than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 16:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 77.7% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 84.5% employment rate within three years sits 16.3 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates University of St Thomas—a private nonprofit university in Houston, TX—at B+ overall. It is currently ranked #476 nationally Grades by category break down as Completion B+, Support B-, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability B.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
77.7% of learners come back after year one while 68.8% graduate within 150% of normal time (63.8% within eight years). EDsmart calculates the ROI at 72.2%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $19,359 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $45,672.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $26,313 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,928 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 41.6% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $66,137 four years after graduation. This is roughly 10% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 84.5% of alumni working within three years.
EDsmart lists the ROI at 72.2%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
89.9% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of St Thomas admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is University of St Thomas's acceptance rate?
University of St Thomas's acceptance rate is 89.9%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does University of St Thomas cost?
At University of St Thomas, listed tuition and fees are $34,634 per year, and the average net price after aid is $19,359. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is University of St Thomas's ranking?
University of St Thomas ranks #476 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is University of St Thomas's graduation rate?
At University of St Thomas, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 68.8% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 63.8%, and first-year retention is 77.7%.
What are University of St Thomas's job outcomes?
Graduates of University of St Thomas report median earnings of $66,137 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is University of St Thomas's student population?
University of St Thomas enrolls about 3,220 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Houston, TX 77006-4696
- Website www.stthom.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$135.0M