St. Thomas University: 65.2% Acceptance Rate

65.2%Acceptance

$34,770Tuition

1,963Students

43%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$54,272Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindResearch UniversityNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About St. Thomas University

St. Thomas University draws students who want personalized attention at a Catholic institution that emphasizes social justice and community service. The university enrolls 1,963 students in Miami Gardens, creating an intimate campus environment where professors know their students by name. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small enough for meaningful discussion and mentorship. The school has built its reputation on programs in business, education, and sports administration, attracting students who want practical skills alongside spiritual development.

Students pay an average net price of $24,275 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of nearly $48,000. Graduates earn a median of $54,272 ten years after graduation, with relatively manageable debt loads averaging $19,125. The monthly loan payment of $203 makes this education affordable for most graduates, though the 43% six-year graduation rate suggests students need strong commitment to finish their degrees.

The student body reflects South Florida's diversity, with 36% Black students and 31% Hispanic students creating a multicultural learning environment. Nearly 850 student-athletes compete across 22 varsity sports in the NAIA, with $5.8 million in athletic scholarships helping talented players afford their education. The 55% retention rate means about half of freshmen return for sophomore year.

Academics & Faculty

St. Thomas University operates as a Catholic liberal arts institution focused on undergraduate education and professional preparation. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors in small classroom settings. However, the 43% six-year graduation rate reflects academic challenges many students face. The university emphasizes business, criminal justice, and communications programs that prepare students for South Florida's job market. With 1,963 students, the school maintains an intimate campus environment where faculty know students by name. The curriculum blends Catholic values with practical career training. Academic support services help address the retention struggles evident in the 55% first-year retention rate.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 43.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 43.4%
Retention Rate: 54.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $54,272
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Accounting and Related Services.	Master	$59,124
Legal Professions and Studies, Other.	Certificate	$53,358
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$53,358
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Master	$53,179
Special Education and Teaching.	Master	$48,849
Law.	Doctoral	$42,146
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$41,565
Biology, General.	Bachelor	$25,194
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Bachelor	$21,052

View all 90 programs →

Campus Life

St. Thomas University sits in Miami Gardens, about 15 miles north of downtown Miami. The campus houses 870 students, meaning roughly 44% of the 1,963 enrolled live on campus. You'll need sunscreen year-round in South Florida's tropical climate, where winter temperatures rarely drop below 70 degrees. The suburban setting provides a quieter college experience while keeping Miami's beaches, nightlife, and internship opportunities within driving distance.

The student body is 87% from Florida, creating a strong local community feel. With 35% Black and 31% Hispanic students, the campus reflects Miami's diverse cultural landscape. Weekend activities often revolve around the 22 varsity sports teams, with 849 total athletes making athletics a visible part of campus life. Students frequently head to nearby beaches or explore Miami's neighborhoods on weekends. The Catholic identity shapes campus programming and service opportunities, though the university welcomes students of all backgrounds. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, and the close-knit community of under 2,000 students ensures you'll recognize familiar faces walking between classes.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 870 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1961

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	2	0
Aggravated Assault	0	1
Burglary	1	0
Rape	1	0
Robbery	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 58°–76°F
July Avg: 76°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 62.7"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

St. Thomas draws heavily from South Florida, with nearly nine out of ten students calling Florida home. The student body reflects Miami's diversity, with Black and Hispanic students making up two-thirds of enrollment. This Catholic university has built a strong reputation for serving first-generation college students and working families in the region. The slight male majority aligns with the school's emphasis on business and sports management programs. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing St. Thomas's commitment to making private education accessible to students regardless of economic background.

Men: 52.6%
Women: 47.4%
White: 10.8%
Black: 35.6%
Hispanic: 30.7%
Asian: 0.4%
In-State Students: 87.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 25.0%

Location

St. Thomas University sits in Miami Gardens, a suburb about 15 miles north of downtown Miami. The campus draws 87% of its students from within Florida, reflecting the school's strong local roots in South Florida. Miami Gardens is home to Hard Rock Stadium and offers the suburban feel many students prefer while staying close to Miami's beaches, nightlife, and internship opportunities. The location provides easy access to one of America's most international cities without the higher costs of living directly in Miami. The surrounding area blends residential neighborhoods with the energy of a major metropolitan region. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare St. Thomas University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Miami Gardens, Florida 33054-6459

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $54,272
Median Earnings (5 years): $58,255
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $44,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 49.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $203/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $19,125

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at St. Thomas University?

St. Thomas University accepts 65.15% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a private Catholic institution. The school draws heavily from Florida, with 87.26% of students coming from in-state.

How much does St. Thomas University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $24,275 annually, less than the full tuition of $34,770. The school provides institutional grants averaging $22,126 to 27% of students, helping make this Catholic education more affordable.

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

The student-faculty ratio stands at 17:1 across the university's 1,963 enrolled students. St. Thomas emphasizes personalized attention within its Catholic educational mission, though the retention rate of 54.87% suggests some students struggle with the transition to college.

What are the graduation rates at St. Thomas University?

Only 43.40% of students graduate within six years, with the four-year rate nearly identical at 43.06%. Despite these modest completion rates, graduates earn a median salary of $54,272 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the school's focus on practical career preparation.

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

The campus sits in Miami Gardens, a large suburb that offers both urban access and a contained college environment. With housing capacity for 870 students and 22 varsity sports teams competing in NAIA, the Bobcats create a tight-knit Catholic community.

How diverse is the student body at St. Thomas University?

The university serves a predominantly minority student population, with 35.61% Black students and 30.72% Hispanic students, while only 10.75% are white. This diversity reflects South Florida's demographics and the Catholic tradition of serving underrepresented communities, with 24.98% of students receiving Pell Grants.