
Miami Gardens, FLprivate nonprofitwww.stu.edu/
Admit rate has ranged 55%–99% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, FL, is a Catholic institution with an exceptionally open admissions policy (98% acceptance rate) and a focus on social mobility, ranking #1 regionally in that category. While its graduation rate lags at 41%, it offers a diverse array of programs, particularly in nursing and business, and fosters a vibrant, mission-driven campus life.
Test-blind — scores not considered
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
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Outcomes & value
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
Campus & location
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Institutional research volume and impact from OpenAlex. The h-index reflects large research universities and will be low for teaching-focused liberal-arts colleges — not a measure of undergraduate quality.
St. Thomas University stands out for its remarkably high Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. of 98%, making it one of the most accessible four-year institutions in the U.S. (College Raptor reports 6,900 accepted students from ~7,095 applications). The university has seen 7 consecutive years of record enrollment, including a 26% spike in transfer students and 22% growth in graduate/online programs. SAT scores for admitted students typically fall between 862–1077, with ACT ranges of 18–25. Notably, 54% of admitted students boast GPAs of 3.75 or higher, suggesting a bifurcated applicant pool of high achievers and those benefiting from the university’s inclusive policies.
STU offers a mix of practical and liberal arts programs, with dominating recent graduate outcomes. The university emphasizes a with a Catholic identity, though specifics about core requirements are sparse in available sources. Unlike many peers, all classes are (not TAs), and students can personalize degrees through multidisciplinary options. The Princeton Review notes a focus on 'leading with integrity,' though academic rigor appears variable given the wide admissions net.
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
Campus life leans into community and cultural diversity, with Instagram posts (@ustcampuslife) highlighting free food events, swag giveaways, and global vision initiatives. The university promotes a Catholic identity but lacks detail on how this shapes daily life beyond generic 'faith opportunities.' Descriptions of dorms and outdoor spaces suggest a tight-knit, bright campus atmosphere, though Niche reviews emphasize the commuter-heavy population. Varsity sports and clubs exist, but engagement levels aren’t quantified.
STU’s 41% graduation rate is a red flag, but the university counters with a #1 regional ranking for social mobility, helping lower-income students ascend economically. Career outcomes are mixed: 94% of liberal arts grads land jobs or further education (vs. 86% national average), but only 59–78% of students report post-grad status within six months. Early-career earnings data is unavailable, though nursing and business degrees likely drive better returns. Notably, median debt ($23,250) is below the national average for private schools.
Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculators suggest significant aid packages, with 57% of students receiving assistance averaging $44,119. The university emphasizes scholarships and grants over loans, though exact breakdowns are unclear. For context, the College Scorecard lists median debt at $23,250, lower than many private peers. STU’s open admissions likely correlate with aggressive discounting to attract enrollees.
STU’s 98% acceptance rate and #1 social mobility ranking make it a rare hybrid: an accessible private university with measurable impact on upward mobility. Its Catholic identity and faculty-taught classes add structure, while Miami Gardens’ diversity enriches campus life. However, the 41% graduation rate signals challenges with student support. Ideal for nursing/business students seeking affordability and mission-aligned education, but less suited to those needing rigorous academic gatekeeping.