
Saint Paul, MNprivate nonprofitstthomas.edu
Admit rate has ranged 76%–87% 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.
The University of St. Thomas in Saint Paul, Minnesota, is a mid-sized Catholic university with a welcoming admissions policy (85% acceptance rate) and a strong emphasis on undergraduate teaching. Known for its supportive faculty, vibrant campus life with 120+ clubs, and robust outcomes (98% of 2025 grads employed within six months), it offers a practical, values-driven education at a net price of $32,637 after aid for most students.
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
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.
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.
St. Thomas maintains an accessible admissions process with an 85.4% Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. (8,343 admits from 9,774 applications in 2024). The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1170-1360 on the SAT or 23-28 on the ACT. With rolling admissions and a May 1 regular decision deadline, the university attracts a diverse pool where 38% of accepted students ultimately enroll. Notably, 64% of first-year students receive Need-based aidFinancial aid awarded based on your family's ability to pay, as measured by forms like the FAFSA, rather than on achievements., making it financially accessible despite a $56,460 sticker price.
With over 150 undergraduate majors and minors, St. Thomas emphasizes hands-on learning through its required foundational courses and faculty-taught classes (no graduate student instructors). The Princeton Review notes strong student participation in academic clubs and learning communities. While business and engineering programs receive particular praise, the university maintains breadth across disciplines—4% of graduates major in philosophy/religious studies, 4% in psychology, and 3% in visual/performing arts. A 14:1 student-faculty ratio supports close mentorship.
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.
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 life thrives with 120+ clubs ranging from cultural organizations to recreational groups. The university fosters community through events like cultural dinners, yoga sessions, and excursions—all heavily promoted on their active @ustcampuslife Instagram. Students describe a "welcoming" atmosphere with shared meals and late-night study sessions bonding the 6,305 undergrads. The Tommie Link platform helps students track 300+ annual events, while learning communities connect those with shared academic interests.
Career outcomes impress: 98% of the Class of 2025 secured employment or graduate school within six months, with 91% in full-time roles. Computer science graduates earn median salaries of $92,860, while economics majors make $76,601. The 80% graduation rate outpaces many regional peers, with most students finishing in 4.1 years. Notably, the knowledge rate (grads reporting their status) jumped from 59% in 2023 to 71.3% in 2025—suggesting stronger alumni engagement.
Though tuition runs $56,460, 57.55% of students receive financial aid—averaging $44,119 per package and bringing the Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. to $32,637. First-years can qualify for up to $34,000 in merit scholarships, while need-based awards average $33,217. The university emphasizes affordability through its Net Price Calculator and loan programs, with median debt at graduation being $23,250—below the national average.
St. Thomas strikes a rare balance: the academic rigor of a selective university (evidenced by its 80% graduation rate) with the open-armed ethos of a regional institution. Its career outcomes rival those of more prestigious schools—computer science grads earn nearly $93k—while maintaining a 14:1 faculty ratio that ensures personal attention. The vibrant Catholic identity manifests not in dogma, but in a community-focused campus life where 120+ clubs and late-night study sessions forge lasting connections. For Minnesota students seeking a values-driven education with strong ROI, it’s a compelling choice.