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U.S. News #382 Private nonprofit, 4-year

St. Thomas University

Miami Gardens, Florida · www.stu.edu

中文

U.S. News National 2027

#382

Up 13 from 2026

Acceptance rate

97.9%

2025

Peer median 77.2%

Tuition per year

$34,770

$47,980 with room and board

Peer median $29,155

Undergraduates

4,486

Student-faculty ratio 17:1

Peer median 14 : 1

Graduation rate

33.5%

4-year; 6-year rate 42.6%

Peer median 37.5%

“Peers” are the 30 closest-ranked private national universities, the same comparison used in this page's data notes.

About

St. Thomas University is a private, non-profit Catholic institution located in Miami Gardens, Florida. Rooted in Catholic heritage, the university offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across fields such as nursing, business, criminal justice, and law. In the 2027 US News Best Colleges rankings, St. Thomas University was ranked 382 among national universities. Its suburban South Florida campus serves a diverse student community with deep regional connections, particularly among Hispanic and Black students. Situated in the greater Miami metropolitan area, the university provides close geographic access to regional commercial, legal, and medical centers. For prospective students seeking an accessible private university in Florida with strong professional concentrations and a faith-based foundation, St. Thomas University provides a distinct regional option.

Evaluating St. Thomas University requires balancing published attendance costs against educational spending and degree completion. In 2025, undergraduate tuition was $34,770, which is higher than 70% of peer schools among private comprehensive universities with similar rankings. On the instructional side, estimates from 2024 indicate restrained educational spending per enrolled student. In terms of academic progress, degree completion remains modest. The four-year graduation rate reached 33.5% in 2025, while the six-year graduation rate stood at 42.6%. The gap between the four-year and six-year marks underscores that many students take longer to finish their degrees, and fewer than half ultimately graduate within six years. For families evaluating overall educational value, the combination of higher sticker tuition relative to peers and subdued completion rates suggests that prospective students should carefully examine available financial support and assess personal academic persistence before committing.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Suburb of a large city
Nearest major city
Miami, about 10 mi
Nearest international airport
Miami International Airport (MIA), about 9 mi
Miami Gardens, Florida
Also known as
St Thomas University Saint Thomas University Miami Catholic University
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Roman Catholic
President
David A. Armstrong, J.D. (President)
Phone
3056256000
City
Miami Gardens, Florida
Address
16401 NW 37th Ave, Miami Gardens, FL 33054-6459

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 77.2% · the 30 closest-ranked private national universities

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
97.8%
Women
98.0%

In 2020: men 68.9%, women 44.0%.

U.S. News National Universities · last 10 years
#321 #342 #363 #384 #405 2023: #331 #331 2024: #394 2025: #392 2026: #395 #395 2027: #382 #382 20232027

Best #331, lowest #395, latest #382 over the last ten years.

Data insights

Admission to St. Thomas University is very accessible, as the university accepts nearly every applicant. In the 2027 USNews American University Rankings, the university placed at 382, declining from 331 in 2023. For the class entering in 2025, the undergraduate acceptance rate reached 97.9%, which is higher than 93% of peer schools among private comprehensive universities with similar rankings. This high rate indicates that academic barriers to entry are low. However, admitted applicants show modest inclination to enroll. The university recorded a yield rate of 10.5% in 2025, higher than 22% of peer schools in its comparison group. For students planning their college lists, these metrics show that securing an offer of admission is practically assured for qualified candidates, though the institution contends with competing choices when attempting to draw admitted students to campus.

School and Program Rankings

U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking

Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition

Test Scores

SAT/ACT not considered, even if submitted IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no recent SAT/ACT data for admitted students here. GPA, course rigor, essays and activities matter more.

Data insights

St. Thomas University's admission test policy is not considered (test-blind), meaning test scores are not used even if submitted. Because examinations are completely excluded from review, applicants do not need to meet any SAT or ACT score benchmarks to gain admission, and scores sent to the university will not be evaluated. Historically, standardized test submission had already fallen significantly among enrolled cohorts before testing was excluded from consideration. In 2013, 57% of enrolled students submitted SAT scores, but by 2022, that share dropped to 24%. ACT submissions experienced a parallel downward trajectory, decreasing from 37% of enrolled students in 2013 to 9% in 2022. For prospective applicants, this test-blind policy means that standardized exam results will not impact an admissions decision, and candidate evaluations proceed without any standardized testing requirements.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 10 in 10

7,095 applicants in 2025, 97.9% admitted

6,947 admitted 148 not admitted Yield 10.5%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's40857 international (14.0%)
Master's66542 international (6.3%)
Doctoral2707 international (2.6%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
156
Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other
47
Business Administration and Management, General
25
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies
23
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs, Other
23
Psychology, General
15
Finance, General
13
Political Science and Government, General
13
Computer Science
12
International Business/Trade/Commerce
12

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse · Master's341 (0% international)
  • Law · Doctoral202 (2% international)
  • Business Administration and Management, General · Master's101 (17% international)
  • Educational Leadership and Administration, General · Master's71 (0% international)
  • Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies, Other · Master's35 (0% international)
  • Educational Leadership and Administration, General · Doctoral32 (0% international)

Data insights

Undergraduate conferrals at St. Thomas University are concentrated in a handful of practical disciplines, with the top three bachelor's majors accounting for 55.9% of all undergraduate degrees in 2025. The single largest undergraduate program is Registered Nursing, which produced 156 graduates. The largest majors are not the institution's highest ranked, as the university does not hold top-ranked undergraduate majors, and its evaluated graduate law specialties all place outside national leadership tiers. International participation varies markedly across subjects; while international students accounted for 52% of graduates in general business administration and management, they represented a negligible share of nursing graduates. Based on 2023 earnings data, healthcare provides the strongest immediate financial return, with nursing graduates reporting median first-year earnings of $88,826. For applicants, these patterns indicate that degree offerings focus primarily on vocational preparation in health and business rather than broadly distributed academic specialties.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Health professionshas 527 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General.-
Pre-Nursing Studies.-
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs, Other.-
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$88,826-$107,165
Nursing Practice.$88,826-$107,165
Businesshas 282 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Business/Commerce, General.-
Business Administration and Management, General.$52,410-$64,266
Organizational Leadership.$52,410-$64,266
Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other.$52,410-$64,266
Accounting.$72,775
Finance, General.-
International Business/Trade/Commerce.-
Fashion Merchandising.-
Telecommunications Management.-
Legal professionshas 242 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Law.$64,322
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies, Other.$71,023
Educationhas 133 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Educational Leadership and Administration, General.$64,622-$86,675
Higher Education/Higher Education Administration.$64,622-$86,675
Educational/Instructional Technology.$75,032
Elementary Education and Teaching.-
Teacher Education, Multiple Levels.-
Homeland security has 37 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.$40,067-$47,915
Philosophy has 28 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Applied and Professional Ethics.-
Computer and information sciencehas 27 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Informatics.-
Computer Science.-
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance.-
Psychology has 22 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Psychology, General.-
Research and Experimental Psychology, Other.-
Social sciencehas 13 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Political Science and Government, General.-
Biologyhas 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.-
Communication has 7 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Communication and Media Studies, Other.-
Theology has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Theology/Theological Studies.-
Physical scienceshas 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Chemistry, General.-
Parks, recreation, leisure has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Exercise Science and Kinesiology.-
Culinary has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Cooking and Related Culinary Arts, General.-
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Natural Sciences.-
English has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
English Language and Literature, General.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Mathematics, General.-

Students

7,652 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 49:51 · Freshman retention 56.6%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (4,486)

Hispanic
2,184 · 48.7%
Black
906 · 20.2%
White
660 · 14.7%
International
323 · 7.2%
Two or more races
190 · 4.2%
Unknown
182 · 4.1%
Asian
30 · 0.7%

Data insights

The student body at St. Thomas University is primarily composed of Hispanic and Black students, with modest representation from other backgrounds. In 2025, total enrollment reached 7,652 students across undergraduate and graduate levels. Among the freshman cohort, international students numbered 81, accounting for 11.2% of entering first-year undergraduates. In contrast, Asian student representation is very small across campus, with just 3 Asian students entering the freshman class, representing less than one percent of the group. At the graduate level, where students make up over two-fifths of total enrollment, Hispanic and Black learners form the predominant majority, while international and Asian students account for small single-digit proportions. This composition means prospective students will experience a campus environment heavily centered on domestic minority populations, with international peers concentrated mainly in specific degree programs.

The undergraduate population at St. Thomas University has an unusually young age profile. In 2025, out of 3,958 undergraduates, 47.4% were under 18 years old, totaling 1,876 students, while students aged 18 to 19 made up 22.4%. This heavy concentration of minors points to a significant presence of dual-enrollment high school students taking university courses. In contrast, the graduate division of 2,483 students reflects a mature profile typical of continuing education. The largest graduate group was aged 25 to 29 at 24.0%, followed closely by students in their early twenties and those in their forties. Campus life is therefore split between young dual-enrollment learners and working-age adult graduate students.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of the 30 closest-ranked private national universities

Undergraduates7.2%

323 in 2025 · 5.3% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 5.3%2017: 5.7%2018: 5.9%2019: 5.7%2020: 5.3%2021: 4.7%2022: 5.5%2023: 6.2%2024: 6.9%2025: 7.2%
2016Peer median 3.3%2025
Graduate students4.2%

133 in 2025 · 9.0% in 2016

0% 7.5% 15% 2016: 9.0%2017: 10.6%2018: 10.4%2019: 11.7%2020: 9.0%2021: 6.6%2022: 6.8%2023: 7.0%2024: 4.8%2025: 4.2%
2016Peer median 2.8%2025

Data insights

International enrollment at St. Thomas University exhibits contrasting trends between undergraduate and graduate levels. Among undergraduates, the international share has expanded over time, reaching 7.2% in 2025. This proportion is higher than 83% of peer schools among private comprehensive universities with similar rankings. Conversely, the graduate international proportion has contracted over the past decade, declining to 4.2% in 2025. When examining degree completions, international graduates concentrate heavily in commercial and managerial disciplines rather than healthcare or education. At the undergraduate level, international students accounted for 52% of degree recipients in general business administration and management, whereas they represented less than one percent of nursing graduates. At the master's level, international representation is most visible in fields such as telecommunications management and business administration, while remaining negligible in nursing and educational leadership. Prospective international students will find an established presence in business fields, contrasted with limited international representation in clinical disciplines.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$47,980

Undergraduate tuition
$34,770
Room and board
$13,210
Graduate tuition
$12,440
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $40,554 · the 30 closest-ranked private national universities

Tuition rose 24% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 69%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$94.1M

Tuition and fees
$68.4M72.6%
Auxiliary enterprises
$9.9M10.5%
Investment return
$6.3M6.7%
Gifts and private grants
$5.2M5.6%
Government grants and contracts
$3.7M3.9%
Other
$612K0.6%

Expenses$84.2M

Instruction
$26.6M31.6%
Student services
$17.0M20.2%
Institutional support
$17.0M20.2%
Academic support
$10.3M12.3%
Auxiliary enterprises
$10.3M12.3%
Public service
$2.9M3.5%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at the 30 closest-ranked private national universities

All faculty
$77,672peers $71,117
Professor
$111,754peers $83,646
Associate professor
$75,707peers $72,169
Assistant professor
$73,358peers $66,878
Instructor
$60,944peers $54,513

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NAIA · The Sun Conference

The Sun Conference: football, basketball, baseball, cross country

2025
NAIA Division I MENWOMEN
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)11146
Football107-
Other Sports5651
Soccer4852
Swimming and Diving (combined)4544
Baseball39-
Tennis1715
Wrestling32-
Volleyball1714
Golf209
Basketball1413
Softball-27
Lacrosse-25
Beach Volleyball-15
Bowling-6
2024
NAIA Division IMENWOMEN
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)8848
Soccer6056
Other Sports5161
Football106-
Swimming3536
Wrestling48-
Tennis2814
Baseball41-
Basketball1618
Golf2112
Softball-28
Lacrosse-26
Beach Volleyball-16
Volleyball-14
Bowling-6
2023
NAIA Division IMENWOMEN
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)7253
Football104-
Soccer4551
Swimming4439
Other Sports3240
Wrestling55-
Tennis3118
Baseball43-
Golf2412
Basketball1816
Softball-32
Volleyball-24
Lacrosse-23
Beach Volleyball-14
Bowling-9

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Families looking at St. Thomas University can also explore several other notable institutions in the surrounding South Florida region. Located 11.1 kilometers away, Nova Southeastern University is a private national university ranked 250 in the 2027 US News rankings. For those interested in large public institutions, Florida International University is situated 13.6 kilometers away and holds a rank of 100 among national universities. In addition, the University of Miami is located 14 kilometers from campus, holding a 2027 national university rank of 55. A fourth nearby option is Florida Atlantic University, a public institution located 32.5 kilometers away and ranked 191. These neighboring colleges offer applicants alternative educational formats and campus settings within easy driving distance of Miami Gardens.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 2.7 · the 30 closest-ranked private national universities

Incidents, 2023–2025

Liquor referrals
88
Drug referrals
81
Aggravated assault
5
Weapons referrals
4
Motor vehicle theft
3
Rape
2

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Campus safety at St. Thomas University is primarily characterized by internal behavioral infractions rather than violent crime. In 2025, the campus crime rate per 1,000 students stood at 3. Over the three-year period from 2023 to 2025, recorded incidents were heavily concentrated in substance-related conduct violations. Specifically, the university documented 88 disciplinary referrals for liquor violations and 81 disciplinary referrals for drug violations across those years. In contrast, serious offenses occurred infrequently over the same period, with 5 reported assaults alongside low single-digit occurrences of motor vehicle theft and weapons referrals. These statistics indicate that physical safety risks from severe criminal acts remain low, while the vast majority of official reports reflect administrative action for alcohol and drug policy noncompliance. Prospective students can anticipate a campus environment where safety management revolves primarily around upholding standard residential and conduct codes.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of St. Thomas University include William Levy (Cuban-American actor and former model), Laurent Lamothe (Former Prime Minister of Haiti, entrepreneur) and Stan Van Gundy (Basketball coach and television commentator).

More alumni (13, by field)

Politics and law

  • Frank Artiles 1973–

    Florida Republican politician and state senator

    Also attended: Florida State University

  • John Quiñones 1965–

    Former Florida state representative

    Also attended: University of Central Florida

  • Sharon Pritchett 1951–

    Former Florida state representative

  • Tien Chung-kwang

    Former Taiwanese deputy foreign minister

    Master of Business Administration · Class of 1992

  • Jorge Rodriguez-Chomat 1945–2017

    Florida state legislator and judge

  • Alex Penelas 1961–

    Former mayor of Miami-Dade County

    Also attended: University of Miami

  • Ervin A. Gonzalez 1960–2017

    Civil trial attorney

    Also attended: University of Miami

  • Manny Díaz, Jr. 1973–

    Politician and president of University of West Florida

  • Cynthia Stafford 1967–

    Former member of the Florida House of Representatives

Arts and media

  • Dom Irrera 1947–

    Actor and stand-up comedian

Sports

From Wikidata “educated at” records (including people who attended without graduating), ordered by the number of Wikipedia language editions. Degrees and years follow Wikidata and are left out where it has none.

Recent News at St. Thomas University

Summarized daily from the school's official news. Click "Source" for the original story.

1Updates in the past 12 months
Nov 5Latest update
Gifts & partnershipsMost common topic
  1. New Partnership

    JetBlue Airways named St. Thomas University one of its preferred university partners, offering travel benefits and discounts for STU athletic teams and group travel for academic and experiential learning programs.

    Source: stu.edu

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.