St. Thomas Aquinas College: 88.6% Acceptance Rate

88.6%Acceptance

$37,720Tuition

1,009Students

63%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$62,909Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About St. Thomas Aquinas College

St. Thomas Aquinas College builds teachers and fosters tight-knit academic communities in suburban New York. This Catholic liberal arts institution serves 1,009 students in Sparkill, just 30 minutes from Manhattan. The college has earned its reputation primarily through strong teacher education programs that prepare educators for local schools. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name and mentor them closely through their academic journey.

The financial picture tells a compelling story for middle-class families. While sticker price hits $55,250, students typically pay $21,344 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $62,909 ten years after graduation, making the $23,198 median debt load manageable with monthly payments around $246. The 93.4% employment rate shows that STAC graduates find work, though the investment pays off more slowly than at top institutions.

The Spartans compete in 18 NCAA Division II sports, with athletic scholarships totaling over $3.1 million. The student body reflects the Hudson Valley's diversity, with nearly half identifying as students of color. About 70% come from New York state, creating a regional feel. The 74.9% retention rate suggests most students find their academic and social fit here.

Academics & Faculty

St. Thomas Aquinas College built its reputation around teacher education and preparing students for careers in education. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students personally. With just over 1,000 students, classes stay small and discussion-focused. The college's Catholic liberal arts foundation means students take courses across disciplines while developing critical thinking skills. About 58% of students graduate in four years, reflecting the personalized attention but also the academic rigor. The education department remains the crown jewel, but business and liberal arts programs have grown stronger over the decades. Students get the close mentorship typical of small colleges without sacrificing academic quality.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 41.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 58.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 62.6%
Retention Rate: 74.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $62,909
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Small)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$72,796
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.	Master	$62,012
Special Education and Teaching.	Master	$57,860
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$50,270
Finance and Financial Management Services.	Bachelor	$46,087
General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations.	Bachelor	$42,435
Communication and Media Studies.	Bachelor	$39,009
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$36,992
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$36,141
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.	Bachelor	$34,704

View all 52 programs →

Campus Life

The small campus houses 657 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community where 65% of students live on campus. St. Thomas Aquinas sits in suburban Sparkill, just 20 miles north of Manhattan, giving students easy access to internships and cultural opportunities in the city. The Hudson Valley location means four distinct seasons, so pack both winter coats and summer clothes for the semester calendar.

With only 1,009 total students and a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, expect to know your professors personally and see familiar faces across campus daily. The Spartans compete in 18 NCAA Division II sports, with 341 student-athletes representing about one-third of the student body. Weekend activities often center around athletic events and campus programming. The strong teacher education program creates a collaborative academic culture, while the 74.9% retention rate suggests most students find their niche. Being 70% in-state students, many go home on weekends, but those who stay build close friendships in the residence halls and through campus organizations.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 657 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1952

Campus Safety (2023)

5 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Burglary	1	1
Dating Violence	1	1
Rape	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 23°–39°F
July Avg: 64°–85°F
Annual Precipitation: 51.2"
Annual Snowfall: 32.7"

Student Demographics

St. Thomas Aquinas College draws primarily local students, with 70% coming from New York state. The student body reflects the school's mission to serve working-class families in the Hudson Valley region. Nearly one in five students receives Pell Grants, indicating the college's commitment to accessibility. The slight male majority stems from popular programs in business and criminal justice that attract more men. The diverse racial composition mirrors the demographics of nearby New York City suburbs. Students typically choose STAC for its affordable Catholic education and strong connections to local employers in education and business.

Men: 53.8%
Women: 46.2%
White: 50.0%
Black: 18.0%
Hispanic: 16.7%
Asian: 2.1%
In-State Students: 70.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 18.4%

Location

St. Thomas Aquinas College sits in Sparkill, New York, a small Hudson Valley community about 15 miles north of New York City. The 70% in-state enrollment reflects the school's appeal to local students who want small college intimacy while staying close to metropolitan opportunities. Sparkill lies in Rockland County, where suburban neighborhoods blend with historic river towns along the Hudson. The campus occupies 48 acres in this quiet residential area, offering a peaceful setting just 30 minutes from Manhattan by train. The location attracts students who value both the close-knit feel of a 1,009-student campus and easy access to internships and cultural activities in the city. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare St. Thomas Aquinas College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Sparkill, New York 10976-1050

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $62,909
Median Earnings (5 years): $62,545
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $36,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 66.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $246/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $23,198

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at St. Thomas Aquinas College?

St. Thomas Aquinas College accepts 88.61% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who meet basic requirements. The average SAT score is 1095, reflecting the school's commitment to giving students with varied academic backgrounds a chance to succeed in higher education.

How much does St. Thomas Aquinas College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $21,344, lower than the full tuition of $37,720. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $13,977 on average, showing the Catholic institution's dedication to making education affordable for working-class families.

What is the student-faculty ratio at St. Thomas Aquinas College?

The college maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,009 total students enrolled. This small Catholic liberal arts environment allows for close mentoring relationships, particularly valuable for students in the school's well-regarded teacher education programs.

What do graduates of St. Thomas Aquinas College earn after graduation?

Alumni earn a median of $62,909 ten years after graduation with typical monthly loan payments of $246. The 93.4% employment rate demonstrates strong career preparation, especially for education majors who benefit from the college's extensive local school district partnerships.

Where is St. Thomas Aquinas College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Sparkill, NY, a large suburban setting that provides 657 students with on-campus housing. With 18 varsity sports teams competing as the Spartans in NCAA Division II, the college offers a well-rounded experience despite its intimate size of about 1,000 students.

Is St. Thomas Aquinas College diverse in its student body?

The student population is 49.95% white, 18.04% Black, and 16.65% Hispanic, creating meaningful diversity for a small college. About 70% of students come from New York state, and 18.40% receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves students from various economic backgrounds in the region.