
University of St Thomas
U.S. News National 2027
#156
Up 2 from 2026
Acceptance rate
85.4%
2025
Peer median 71.7%
Tuition per year
$54,398
$69,367 with room and board
Peer median $49,975
Undergraduates
6,270
Student-faculty ratio 14:1
Peer median 12 : 1
Graduation rate
70.3%
4-year; 6-year rate 79.6%
Peer median 63.5%
“Peers” are the 30 closest-ranked private national universities, the same comparison used in this page's data notes.
About
The University of St Thomas is a private Roman Catholic university located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Established as a four-year nonprofit institution, it provides a comprehensive array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. In the 2027 US News Best Colleges rankings, the university was ranked 156th among national universities. While offering broad academic tracks across the liberal arts, business, and sciences, the university is recognized for specialized graduate offerings. In the 2026 US News rankings, its law school earned notable marks, with Legal Writing ranked 28th and Clinical Training ranked 42nd nationwide. With its campus situated in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, the university combines faith-based heritage with urban access, preparing students for professional careers in business, law, health, and engineering.
Evaluating undergraduate investment at the University of St Thomas reveals a balance between substantial tuition costs and dependable degree completion. For the 2025 academic year, undergraduate tuition was $54,398, placing the institution in the upper tier among similarly ranked private research universities. In return, the university delivers strong academic progression that helps students finish their programs without prolonged delays. In 2025, the four-year graduation rate reached 70.3%, showing that a clear majority of undergraduates complete their degrees within the standard four-year period. Degree completion increases further over an extended window, with the six-year graduation rate reaching 79.6%, which was higher than 97% of peer schools in that same group. First-year retention also remains stable. For families planning educational investments, these outcomes indicate that despite high list tuition, the institution offers dependable instructional support and completion rates that comfortably surpass peer medians.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Large city
- Nearest major city
- In Minneapolis
- Nearest international airport
- Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), about 5 mi
- Also known as
- University of Saint Thomas
- Academic calendar
- 4-1-4
- Religious affiliation
- Roman Catholic
- President
- Robert K. Vischer (President)
- Phone
- 6519625000
- City
- Saint Paul, Minnesota
- Address
- 2115 Summit Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55105-1078
Rankings & Admission
Peer median 71.7% · the 30 closest-ranked private national universities
Acceptance rate by gender, 2025
In 2020: men 82.4%, women 79.0%.
Best #115, lowest #163, latest #156 over the last ten years.
Data insights
Admission to the University of St Thomas is quite accessible, even as its institutional standing has slipped over the past decade. In the US News Best Colleges rankings, the university occupied position 156 for 2027, declining from 115 in 2018. For the 2025 admissions cycle, the school admitted applicants at a rate of 85.4%, which was higher than 97% of peer schools in a comparison group of thirty similarly ranked private research universities. This generous admission rate shows that the university remains widely receptive to candidates across a broad academic spectrum. Once admitted, students enroll at a measured pace. The university recorded a yield rate of 20.8% in 2025. While fewer than a quarter of accepted students ultimately choose to attend, the institution maintains dependable local appeal. For prospective applicants, these patterns mean that qualified students face favorable admissions odds and a straightforward path to an offer of admission.
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
Undergraduate Rankings · 2027 edition
Social Sciences and Humanities2 programs—
Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition
Law School13 programs#105▼11
- Legal Writing#28▲6
- Clinical Training#42▲1
- Constitutional Law#86▼16
- Business/Corporate Law#92▲16
- Contracts Law#98▲47
- Criminal Law#100▲2
- Dispute Resolution#103▲7
- International Law#104▲12
- Trial Advocacy#105▲21
- Intellectual Property Law#127▲5
- Health Care Law#134▼6
- Environmental Law#148▲8
- Tax Law#169▼24
- Full Law School ranking ›
Business School4 programs—
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
2025 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 3% submitted SAT, 27% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted
Data insights
Applicants to the University of St Thomas should prepare for academic standards that place successful candidates near the upper range of comparable private institutions. For the 2025 entering class, the enrolled student SAT midpoint stood at 1345, a mark higher than 85% of peer schools among similarly ranked private research universities. Standardized tests are reported by only a minority of enrolling undergraduates, though composite ACT results generally settle in the upper range. When reviewing high school academic performance, international candidates can look to benchmark records for guidance. In applicant cases collected by Forward Pathway, which are unofficial data, admitted international students held a median unweighted GPA of 3.74. Taken together, these figures suggest that admissions review favors candidates with solid high school marks and academic readiness that meets or exceeds peer institutional medians. Focusing on consistent secondary school grades provides the most dependable foundation for a competitive application.
How Hard Is It to Get In
about 9 in 10
9,774 applicants in 2025, 85.4% admitted
8,343 admitted 1,431 not admitted Yield 20.8%
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Law · Doctoral147 (3% international)
- Business Administration and Management, General · Master's115 (3% international)
- Special Education and Teaching, Other · Master's98 (2% international)
- Counseling Psychology · Master's76 (3% international)
- Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration · Master's58 (24% international)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other · Master's53 (2% international)
Data insights
Academic offerings at the University of St Thomas emphasize applied business, pre-professional disciplines, and professional graduate study, without extreme concentration in any single subject. Undergraduate conferrals show a healthy distribution across disciplines, with the top three bachelor majors—Finance, General; Marketing/Marketing Management, General; and Mechanical Engineering—together accounting for 25.9% of bachelor graduates in 2025. While undergraduate degrees concentrate primarily in commerce and engineering, the highest nationally ranked specialties reside in professional graduate schools. In the 2026 US News rankings, the university earned national standing for graduate legal programs, with Legal Writing ranked 28 and Clinical Training ranked 42. In contrast, the largest undergraduate business programs are not the school's highest-ranked offerings. Early career compensation demonstrates strong financial returns in quantitative and technical areas. According to 2023 earnings data, graduates in Computer Science earned a median of $81,807 one year after graduation, closely matched by engineering peers. For prospective students, this profile highlights well-established career preparation in business alongside strong earnings in computing and specialized legal training.
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
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $60,967-$131,775 | ||||
| Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other. | $60,967-$131,775 | ||||
| Accounting. | $69,598 | ||||
| Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies. | $55,972 | ||||
| Finance, General. | $68,672 | ||||
| Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General. | $66,772 | ||||
| International Business/Trade/Commerce. | - | ||||
| Business Statistics. | $74,340-$116,675 | ||||
| Actuarial Science. | $74,340-$116,675 | ||||
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Other. | $74,340-$116,675 | ||||
| Marketing/Marketing Management, General. | $60,120 | ||||
| Real Estate. | $59,221 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Engineering. | - | ||||
| Civil Engineering, General. | $72,150 | ||||
| Computer Engineering, General. | - | ||||
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | $81,789-$106,308 | ||||
| Mechanical Engineering. | $75,316-$90,877 | ||||
| Systems Engineering. | - | ||||
| Manufacturing Engineering. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Law. | $74,234 | ||||
| Advanced Legal Research/Studies, General. | $105,153 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | $41,697 | ||||
| Counseling Psychology. | $56,599 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $100,515-$101,746 | ||||
| Artificial Intelligence. | $100,515-$101,746 | ||||
| Information Technology. | $100,515-$101,746 | ||||
| Computer Science. | $81,807 | ||||
| Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration. | $105,005 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | $39,107 | ||||
| Biochemistry. | $45,467 | ||||
| Neuroscience. | $38,376 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminology. | $45,526 | ||||
| Economics, General. | $67,246 | ||||
| Econometrics and Quantitative Economics. | $67,246 | ||||
| Development Economics and International Development. | $67,246 | ||||
| International Economics. | $67,246 | ||||
| Geography. | - | ||||
| International Relations and Affairs. | - | ||||
| Political Science and Government, General. | $46,285 | ||||
| Sociology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Work. | $62,144-$93,790 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $31,634 | ||||
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other. | $31,634 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health/Health Care Administration/Management. | - | ||||
| Public Health, General. | $47,932 | ||||
| Public Health Education and Promotion. | $47,932 | ||||
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philosophy. | $35,672 | ||||
| Religion/Religious Studies. | $38,342 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Arts. | - | ||||
| Film/Cinema/Media Studies. | - | ||||
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | - | ||||
| Music, General. | - | ||||
| Music Performance, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | $35,685 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theology/Theological Studies. | $72,389 | ||||
| Divinity/Ministry. | $72,389 | ||||
| Lay Ministry. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | - | ||||
| Creative Writing. | $41,643 | ||||
| Professional, Technical, Business, and Scientific Writing. | $41,643 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric. | $44,573 | ||||
| Journalism. | - | ||||
| Advertising. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry, General. | - | ||||
| Geology/Earth Science, General. | - | ||||
| Physics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering/Industrial Management. | - | ||||
| Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics, General. | - | ||||
| Statistics, General. | $74,154 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Studies. | $44,847 | ||||
| Environmental Science. | $44,847 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| German Language and Literature. | - | ||||
| French Language and Literature. | - | ||||
| Spanish Language and Literature. | - | ||||
| Hispanic and Latin American Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution. | - | ||||
| Human Biology. | - | ||||
| Data Science, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| History, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Systems. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Women's Studies. | - |
Students
9,410 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 50:50 · Freshman retention 88.5%
- Continuing undergraduates 4,268
- First-year undergraduates 1,737
- Graduate students 3,140
- Transfers and others 265
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (6,270)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Graduate students
Data insights
The student body at the University of St Thomas is predominantly composed of domestic students, with White students forming the largest racial group across all divisions. In 2025, Asian and international students formed small but consistent communities on campus. Among first-year undergraduates, Asian students numbered 95, accounting for 5.4% of the class. International first-year students totaled 51, representing 2.9% of incoming freshmen. Across continuing undergraduate cohorts and graduate programs, Asian and international representation follows a similar pattern, with graduate studies enrolling a slightly higher proportion of international scholars. Hispanic and Black students make up additional significant communities across the university. For prospective students, these enrollment figures depict a campus setting grounded firmly in domestic regional enrollment, where international and Asian learners contribute to campus life through distinct cohorts across undergraduate and graduate divisions.
Undergraduate enrollment at the University of St Thomas is dominated by traditional college-age students. In 2025, the youngest undergraduate age bracket made up 48.7% of the undergraduate population, followed by the next collegiate age group at 40.2%. Because almost the entire undergraduate student body falls within traditional college ages, campus life is organized around full-time daytime study and standard collegiate activities. Graduate programs, by contrast, serve an older demographic, with the largest cohort accounting for 30.8% of all graduate students. This demographic split creates distinct environments: a closely synchronized undergraduate campus culture alongside a career-oriented graduate community.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of the 30 closest-ranked private national universities
236 in 2025 · 3.4% in 2016
251 in 2025 · 8.5% in 2016
Data insights
International student presence at the University of St Thomas shows diverging trajectories between undergraduate and graduate levels. Among undergraduates, international representation has grown slightly over the past decade, reaching a share of 3.8% in 2025. In contrast, international graduate enrollment has trended downward, settling at a share of 8% in the same year. When looking at degrees awarded, international graduates accounted for a modest portion of bachelor's recipients, with small representations scattered across popular undergraduate fields like mechanical engineering and finance. Graduate degrees demonstrate much sharper curricular concentration. While general business and education masters programs draw few foreign scholars, specialized technical tracks show significant international appeal. In 2025, international students earned 24.1% of master's degrees conferred in Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration. For prospective international students, these patterns indicate that while the general campus remains heavily domestic, advanced technical disciplines provide focused cohorts of international peers.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$69,367
- Undergraduate tuition
- $54,398
- Room and board
- $14,969
- Graduate tuition
- $21,151
Peer median tuition + room and board $67,372 · the 30 closest-ranked private national universities
Tuition rose 43% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 59%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$369M
Expenses$317M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at the 30 closest-ranked private national universities
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · Pioneer Football League · The Summit League
Pioneer Football League: football
The Summit League: basketball, baseball, cross country
| NCAA Division I-FCS | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 101 | 159 |
| Football | 110 | - |
| Swimming and Diving (combined) | 27 | 40 |
| Soccer | 29 | 31 |
| Ice Hockey | 30 | 22 |
| Baseball | 37 | - |
| Basketball | 16 | 17 |
| Softball | - | 24 |
| Volleyball | - | 19 |
| Golf | 8 | 8 |
| Tennis | - | 10 |
| NCAA Division I-FCS | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 103 | 159 |
| Football | 110 | - |
| Swimming and Diving (combined) | 27 | 39 |
| Soccer | 29 | 31 |
| Ice Hockey | 27 | 29 |
| Baseball | 34 | - |
| Basketball | 15 | 16 |
| Softball | - | 24 |
| Golf | 9 | 11 |
| Volleyball | - | 20 |
| Tennis | - | 9 |
| NCAA Division I-FCS | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 110 | - |
| Track and Field (Indoor) | 38 | 62 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 35 | 60 |
| Swimming and Diving (combined) | 27 | 38 |
| Soccer | 30 | 30 |
| Ice Hockey | 28 | 27 |
| Cross Country | 12 | 29 |
| Baseball | 37 | - |
| Basketball | 14 | 15 |
| Softball | - | 25 |
| Golf | 10 | 10 |
| Volleyball | - | 20 |
| Tennis | - | 10 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Macalester CollegeSaint Paul · 1.1 mi
Liberal Arts #28
-
University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis · 3.0 mi
U.S. News #59
-
Bethel UniversitySaint Paul · 8.0 mi
U.S. News #236
-
Carleton CollegeNorthfield · 33.3 mi
Liberal Arts #16
-
St. Olaf CollegeNorthfield · 33.3 mi
Liberal Arts #49
-
Gustavus Adolphus CollegeSaint Peter · 57.6 mi
Liberal Arts #62
-
College of St. BenedictSaint Joseph · 69.7 mi
Liberal Arts #68
-
St. John's University (MN)Collegeville · 73.3 mi
Liberal Arts #74
-
Saint Mary's University of MinnesotaWinona · 96.3 mi
U.S. News #299
Data insights
Prospective students considering the University of St Thomas in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area have several neighboring higher education options across distinct institutional formats. Just 1.1 kilometers away, Macalester College is ranked 28th among national liberal arts colleges in the 2027 US News rankings, offering an intimate undergraduate setting. A mere 3 kilometers away stands the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, ranked 59th among national universities, providing the extensive research facilities and expansive curriculum of a large flagship public university. Another nearby alternative is Bethel University, located 8 kilometers away and ranked 236th among national universities. Further south, roughly 33.3 kilometers away in Northfield, Carleton College ranks 16th among national liberal arts colleges. These neighboring institutions provide families with diverse choices spanning prominent liberal arts colleges, faith-based universities, and major public research centers.
Peer median 5.6 · the 30 closest-ranked private national universities
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Campus safety indicators at the University of St Thomas reflect an overall improving security environment. The crime rate per 1,000 students declined from 13 in 2016 to 8.1 in 2025. Looking at specific offenses over the period from 2023 to 2025, the vast majority of recorded campus incidents involved disciplinary infractions rather than violent crimes. Across those years, campus authorities logged 344 disciplinary referrals for alcohol violations and 26 disciplinary referrals for drug violations. Other offenses occurred at much lower frequencies during this period, including occasional stalking reports, burglaries, and vehicle thefts. For prospective students and families evaluating safety, these statistics demonstrate that campus security concerns primarily center on institutional alcohol and substance policy enforcement, while serious criminal offenses remain infrequent across the university community.
Notable Alumni
All 24Notable alumni of University of St Thomas include Blase Cupich (Archbishop of Chicago and cardinal), Vince Flynn (Author of political thrillers featuring Mitch Rapp) and Paul D. Etienne (Catholic Archbishop of Seattle).
-
Blase Cupich 1949–
Archbishop of Chicago and cardinal
-
Vince Flynn 1966–2013
Author of political thrillers featuring Mitch Rapp
-
Paul D. Etienne 1959–
Catholic Archbishop of Seattle
-
Alexander King Sample 1960–
Catholic Archbishop of Portland in Oregon
-
Patrick Lucey 1918–2014
Governor of Wisconsin and ambassador to Mexico
-
Peter F. Christensen 1952–
Catholic bishop of the Diocese of Boise
-
John Francis Doerfler 1964–
Catholic bishop of Marquette
-
Jim Oberstar 1934–2014
Former U.S. representative from Minnesota
-
Hend Al-Mansour 1956–
Saudi-American visual artist and physician
Recent News at University of St Thomas
Summarized daily from the school's official news. Click "Source" for the original story.
-
The University of St. Thomas (MN) enrolled 6,784 undergraduates, its highest in a decade, including 1,526 new first-years and 72 international first-years; total enrollment was 9,870.
Source: news.stthomas.edu -
The University of St. Thomas ranks No. 78 on U.S. News's Top Private Colleges list, highest among Minnesota private National Universities, and remains the state's No. 1 Best Value in the 2026-27 rankings.
Source: news.stthomas.edu -
The University of St. Thomas publicly launched a $1 billion comprehensive campaign with nearly $800 million committed, and announced an $82 million commitment from two Ciresi foundations.
Source: news.stthomas.edu -
The University of St. Thomas College of Engineering opened a data visualization studio funded by a $1 million U.S. Army Research Lab grant, with a 36-foot curved LED display for up to 28 users.
Source: news.stthomas.edu -
The University of St. Thomas School of Education launched an undergraduate teacher residency program this summer, supported by the I.A. O'Shaughnessy Foundation, expanding its graduate residency programs.
Source: news.stthomas.edu -
National Voter Education Week at the University of St. Thomas featured events from Oct. 7-11 to promote political awareness, civic engagement, and dialogue among students, faculty, staff, and civic leaders.
Source: news.stthomas.edu -
Assistant Professor Natasa Dragovic and undergraduate students at the University of St. Thomas used mathematical models to simulate elections, voter opinion dynamics, and campaign factors influencing election outcomes.
Source: news.stthomas.edu -
University of St. Thomas experts published an examination analyzing the real-world impact of generative AI on job markets, displacement, and disproportionate effects on women and minorities.
Source: news.stthomas.edu
No updates on this topic in this month.
References and Data Sources
- University of St Thomas Official Website
- USNews Best Colleges Ranking
- USNews Bset Global Universities Ranking
- THE World University Ranking
- QS World University Ranking
- ARWU World University Ranking
- US Department of Education College Scorecard
- National Center for Education Statistics
- Forward Pathway US College Ranking Database
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.